At Savannah Hardwood, we view the difference not just as a material choice, but as an engineering decision based on your home’s specific environment.

Solid Hardwood: This is traditional flooring milled from a single piece of timber. It offers a classic legacy, capable of being sanded and refinished for generations. However, because it is a single organic piece, it is highly reactive to humidity changes, requiring aggressive moisture mitigation to prevent cupping or gapping.

High-Grade Engineered Wood: This is not a laminate or an imitation. It features a thick layer of real hardwood bonded to a multi-ply architectural core. This construction maximizes dimensional stability, allowing us to install ultra-wide planks that remain flat and flawless even in challenging coastal or hillside conditions.

The Savannah Standard: Ultimately, whether you choose the tradition of solid wood or the modern resilience of high-grade engineered, the longevity of the floor comes down to what happens under the plank. Even the most expensive material will fail if the installation science isn't perfect.

At Savannah Hardwood, we believe that proper maintenance is the final step in the installation science. To ensure the longevity of your investment, we recommend a regimen focused on preservation rather than aggressive cleaning.

Avoid Generic Solutions: Never use wet mops, steam cleaners, or oil soaps found at big-box stores. These introduce excess moisture and residues that can compromise the finish and warp the wood over time.

The 'Dry' Standard: Your primary defense is regular dry cleaning using a high-quality microfiber dust mop or a vacuum with a soft-bristle attachment. This removes abrasive grit that can scratch the finish of premium European Oak or exotic hardwoods .

Targeted Care: For cleaning, use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for your floor’s finish. Mist the cleaner onto the microfiber pad, not directly onto the floor, to prevent moisture saturation between the planks.

The Savannah Commitment: Just as we execute the installation with 'no room for error', we advise that your maintenance routine be equally precise. Treating the floor with this level of care ensures that the single largest investment in your home’s interior remains flawless for decades.

At Savannah Hardwood, we approach water damage protection as a two-tiered defense system: Structural Mitigation and Daily Preservation.

1. Structural Mitigation (Our Responsibility) True protection begins before the first plank is ever installed. In Los Angeles, the unique subfloor and moisture conditions are the primary cause of floor failure.

Science-First Installation: We do not just install; we engineer the subfloor. We apply rigorous moisture mitigation barriers and level the substrate to prevent moisture migration from the slab, which safeguards the longevity of the floor from the bottom up.

Expansion Management: We calculate precise expansion gaps based on the material—whether solid hardwood or European Oak—to allow the wood to breathe without buckling during humidity shifts.

2. Daily Preservation (Your Responsibility) Once we have scientifically secured the installation, your role is to manage the environment:

Immediate Remediation: Water is the enemy of wood. Spills must be blotted (not wiped) immediately to prevent liquid from seeping into the bevels.

Climate Control: Wood is organic. We recommend keeping your home’s relative humidity stable (typically between 35-55%). Drastic fluctuations can stress even the highest-grade engineered wood.

The Bottom Line: While you can handle surface spills, the ultimate protection against catastrophic water damage comes down to the science of the installation. By hiring a dedicated expert to execute the job, you ensure that your flooring investment is protected against the hidden moisture threats that standard crews often overlook.