Choosing Hardwood Flooring: Northern Michigan Buyer’s Guide
For over 40 years, Kiss Carpet Design Center has helped families from Mancelona to Harbor Springs pick hardwood floors that stay beautiful through snowy boots, grandkids, dogs, and decades of Northern Michigan living. Here’s everything you need to know — in plain English — before you buy.
8 Key Considerations When Selecting Hardwood Flooring
- Budget – Installed prices range from $8–$18+ per sq ft. We have stunning options at every price level.
- Solid vs. Engineered – Solid for nail-down on main/upper floors; engineered for basements, cottages over slab, and radiant heat.
- Species & Hardness – Hickory and hard maple stand up to labs and kids; cherry and walnut dent more easily but age beautifully.
- Width & Length – Wider (5″–8″) and longer planks are the 2025 look. Narrow 2¼” strip is classic “Up North” cottage style.
- Moisture & Humidity Swings – Northern Michigan winters are dry, summers are humid. Choose engineered or acclimate solid wood properly.
- Pets & Kids – Look for aluminum-oxide finishes, wire-brushed textures, and harder species.
- Subfloor Type – Plywood, concrete, or radiant heat? That decides solid vs. engineered.
- Finish Type – Oil-based, water-based, or hard-wax oil? We’ll explain which lasts longest in lake-effect winters.
Solid vs. Engineered Hardwood – Which One for Your Home?
| Solid Hardwood | Engineered Hardwood | |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | ¾” all the way through | Top wear layer 2–6 mm over plywood core |
| Can be sanded/refinished | 4–7 times | 1–3 times (depends on wear layer) |
| Basement / concrete slab | No (unless special install) | Yes – glue or float |
| Radiant heat | Rarely | Excellent |
| Moisture resistance | Moderate | Very good |
| Price (installed) | $$$–$$$$ | $$–$$$$ |
| Best for Northern Michigan cottages & lake homes | Main & upper floors | Basements & slab homes |
Most Popular Hardwood Species in Northern Michigan Right Now (2025)
- White Oak – #1 seller. Takes any stain, hides dents, timeless.
- Hickory – Rustic character, super hard, perfect for dogs.
- Hard Maple – Light & bright, very hard, classic Up North look.
- Walnut – Rich chocolate tones, luxury feel.
- Wire-Brushed & Hand-Scraped – Hides scratches & sand from boots.
- Wide Plank (6″–10″) – Makes cottages feel bigger and more modern.
Finishes That Survive Snow, Sand & Life
Skip big-box “basic” finishes. In Northern Michigan you want:
- Aluminum-oxide or ceramic finishes (10× more scratch resistant)
- Matte or satin sheen (hides footprints & pet hair)
- UV-cured oil finishes for easy spot repair
Hardwood & Allergies / Asthma
Hardwood is naturally hypoallergenic — no fibers to trap dust mites, pollen, or pet dander. Just sweep or dust-mop and occasional damp mopping with plain water. Many families in Traverse City and Harbor Springs switch to hardwood specifically because someone in the house has allergies or asthma.
Installation Matters More Than the Wood Itself
Even the most expensive hardwood will cup, gap, or squeak if installed wrong. That’s why we:
- Use our own certified, full-time employees (no subcontractors)
- Acclimate wood in your home for 7–14 days
- Offer a lifetime installation warranty
- Glue-down engineered over concrete or radiant heat for zero movement
Simple Care That Keeps Hardwood Gorgeous for Generations
- Sweep or vacuum (no beater bar) weekly
- Use felt pads on furniture
- Wipe spills immediately
- Keep humidity 35–55% year-round (easy with a whole-house humidifier)
- Professional screen & recoat every 7–10 years instead of full sanding
Ready to see samples in your own light?
Stop by any of our three showrooms in Mancelona, Traverse City, or Harbor Springs, …or schedule your free in-home measure.. We’ll bring a few large samples right to your door and help you pick the perfect hardwood for your family, your cottage, and your life — the simple, honest way we’ve done it since 1986.
We treat you like family because, at Kiss Carpet, you are.
– The Roberts Family & the entire Kiss Carpet Team