Want a Long Lasting Hardwood Floor? Don’t Just Buy a Product—Buy a Plan
Look—just about any hardwood floor looks great the day it’s installed. The grain’s fresh, the stain’s clean, and you can practically hear it whispering, “I’m gonna look this good forever.”
But fast forward 5, 10, 15 years?
Now we’re talkin’.
Because the difference between a floor that lasts and a floor that lets you down has a whole lot less to do with price tags—and a whole lot more to do with planning, preparation, and professional advice.
That’s what we specialize in here at McGrath Floor & Design:
Helping folks across Greater Nashville get hardwood floors that look good—and keep looking good.
🧬 What Makes a Hardwood Floor “Long Lasting”?
It’s not just about how hard the wood is (though that matters too). A long-lasting hardwood floor is one that:
- Stays flat and stable year after year
- Resists everyday wear like scratches, dings, fading, and pet traffic
- Can be repaired or refinished instead of replaced
- Stays beautiful—and adds value to your home long-term
And trust us—we’ve walked on all of them.
Here’s what really counts.
1. Choose the Right Species for Your Life
Some woods are built tougher than others. You want floors that match how you live.
Have pets? Go with white oak or hickory. They hide scratches and take a beating.
Want deep stain options? Try red oak or walnut.
Have a lot of sun exposure? Lighter-toned woods like maple resist fading.
Kids and chaos? Wire-brushed finishes hide scuffs better than smooth sheens.
Rick’s Rule: Don’t just fall in love with a photo—pick the wood that’ll survive your lifestyle.
2. Prep the Subfloor—Don’t Skip the Science
If your subfloor isn’t solid, level, and moisture-balanced, even the best wood in the world will fail.
At McGrath, we:
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Test for moisture
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Inspect for deflection and sag
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Use the right underlayment
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Choose the best installation method (glue, nail, float) for your space
No shortcuts. No surprises. Just floors built to last from the ground up.
3. Pick the Right Finish (It’s More Important Than You Think)
Your finish protects your wood—and affects how it wears over time.
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Matte + Satin sheens = hides wear best
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Oil-based finishes = rich, traditional, slow to scratch
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Water-based finishes = faster drying, lower odor, less ambering
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Wire-brushed textures = built-in camouflage for heavy traffic
💡 We’ll show you live samples in our Franklin showroom so you can feel the difference—and see how the light hits it in real life.
4. Solid vs. Engineered: Long-Term Champions
Both can last decades when done right. But here’s what you need to know:
Solid Hardwood:
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Can be sanded and refinished 4-6 times
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Great for long-term homeowners
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Best over plywood subfloors
Engineered Hardwood:
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More stable in Tennessee’s wild humidity
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Still real wood (top layer is stainable, sandable)
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Best for basements, second floors, or concrete slabs
💡 Rick’s Tip: Want longevity and performance? Choose a high-quality engineered floor with a thick top layer—like what we offer from Provenza, Urban Floor, Mercier, and Sawyer Mason.
5. Care Is Key (And Easier Than You Think)
Don’t let your investment wear down before its time.
Rick’s Golden Rules of Floor Care:
✅ Use walk-off mats at entrances
✅ Felt pads under chairs and tables
✅ Vacuum or dust mop weekly (not wet mop)
✅ NEVER use vinegar, steam mops, or oil soaps
✅ Use manufacturer-approved cleaners (we’ve got ‘em in-store)
With just a little care, your hardwood floor could outlast your roof, your appliances—and maybe even your in-laws’ opinions.
Why McGrath Hardwood Floors Last Longer
Let’s not beat around the baseboard:
✅ We use better wood
✅ We prep better
✅ We install better
✅ And we help you choose what’s actually right for your home, not just what’s trendy
That’s why we’ve got floors still going strong 25+ years after install all over Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and beyond.
Because a floor isn’t just something you buy—it’s something you live on.
Let’s make it last.
Want a Floor That Outlives Your Paint Color?
Start with a free in-home consultation from McGrath Floor & Design:
Visit our showroom in Franklin
Call Rick at (615) 207-0427
Wide plank evangelist. Wood grain enthusiast. Nashville’s floor guy. - Rick McGrath
