I’ve walked on a lot of floors in my time, but Somerset Hardwood Flooring? It’s a game-changer. If you’re hunting for flooring that marries style, durability, and eco-conscious vibes, this is your pick.
From its rich Appalachian roots to its wallet-friendly price, Somerset delivers quality you can feel underfoot. I’ve lived with it, tested it, and I’m here to share why it’s worth every penny.
Let’s explore my journey with Somerset, its standout features, a few quirks, and how to keep it looking pristine for years.
My Journey With Somerset Hardwood Flooring
When I decided to renovate my home, choosing the right flooring felt like picking a life partner—daunting but exciting. I wanted something that screamed timeless but wouldn’t break the bank. After weeks of research, I landed on Somerset Hardwood Flooring, specifically their Character Collection in natural hickory.
Why?
It’s sourced from the Appalachian region, known for its robust timber, and the reviews raved about its durability. Plus, the price point didn’t make my wallet cry.
I went with the engineered option for my kitchen and living room—about 1,200 square feet total. The installation was a breeze, thanks to Somerset’s precise milling. My contractor, a guy who’s laid more floors than I’ve had hot dinners, couldn’t stop praising the tongue-and-groove fit.
It clicked together like a dream, no gaps, no fuss. The natural hickory brought warmth to my space, with just enough knots and color variation to give it that rustic charm I craved. It’s not perfect—there’s a slight sheen that catches light differently depending on the time of day—but it’s been eight months, and I’m still smitten.
What surprised me most was how it held up to my chaotic household. Two kids, a dog that thinks he’s a racecar, and my clumsy coffee spills haven’t left a mark. Well, almost. I did notice a tiny scratch near the dining table, but it’s barely visible unless you’re looking for it.
The thicker 3mm wear layer on Somerset’s engineered planks gives me confidence it’ll last, and the lifetime structural warranty seals the deal. My neighbor, who went with a cheaper brand, is already regretting her choice—her floors creak like a haunted house. Me? I’m walking on cloud nine.
Why Somerset Shines: The Pros
- Unmatched Quality from Appalachian Roots
Somerset’s hardwood comes straight from the Appalachian region, where the trees grow strong and sturdy.
I felt good knowing my floors were crafted from locally sourced oak, hickory, and maple.
The quality shows—each plank feels solid, not like those flimsy imports you sometimes see.
Their strict grading process, done by NHLA-certified pros, ensures consistency.
I didn’t find a single warped board in my order, which is more than I can say for other brands I’ve tried.
- Engineered Excellence with a Thicker Wear Layer
If you’re torn between solid and engineered hardwood, Somerset’s SolidPlus engineered line is a winner. The 3mm wear layer is thicker than most competitors’ 2mm offerings, meaning you can sand and refinish it down the line. I love that it mimics solid wood’s look without the hefty price tag.
Plus, it’s stable enough for below-grade installations or over radiant heat, which was a big selling point for my basement renovation plans.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Somerset’s commitment to the environment won me over. They manage their own forests with a 100-year sustainability plan, use sawdust to fuel their facilities, and even turn excess into pellet fuel.
As someone who tries to live green, I appreciated their Forest Stewardship Council certification. It’s rare to find a company that walks the talk like this, and it made me feel better about my purchase.
- Stellar Warranty Protection
You can’t ignore Somerset’s warranties. A lifetime structural guarantee and a 50-year finish wear layer warranty? That’s practically unheard of. It gave me peace of mind knowing my investment was protected.
Sure, everyday wear might cause minor scratches, but the finish holds up better than most. My friend’s budget flooring started peeling after a year; my Somerset still looks showroom-fresh.
- Affordable Without Cutting Corners
Somerset strikes a balance between quality and cost. My hickory floors cost around $7 per square foot installed, which is competitive for the quality.
Their Value Collection is even cheaper, yet it doesn’t skimp on durability. Compared to high-end brands charging $10-$15 per square foot, Somerset feels like a steal. You’re getting premium hardwood without selling your kidney.
- Variety That Fits Any Style
From classic red oak to hand-scraped hickory, Somerset’s collections cater to every taste. I went for the Character Collection for its rustic vibe, but their High Gloss Collection is perfect for formal spaces.
The Color Strip and Homestyle lines offer sleek, modern finishes. With widths from 2 ¼” to 7” and both solid and engineered options, you’ll find something that fits your home’s personality.
The Not-So-Good Parts of Somerset
- Limited Color and Species Options
Somerset sticks to domestic species like oak, hickory, and maple, which is great for quality but limits variety.
If you’re dreaming of exotic woods like Brazilian cherry or teak, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Their color palette, while beautiful, leans heavily on natural tones.
I would’ve loved a bolder, trendier shade for my modern loft space, but I made do with their mocha finish.
- Finish Sensitivity to Water
I read some reviews complaining about Somerset’s finish reacting to water. In my kitchen, I’ve been diligent about wiping up spills immediately, and I haven’t had issues. But if you’ve got a house full of kids or pets, you’ll need to be vigilant.
The aluminum oxide finish is tough, but it’s not invincible against standing water. Bathrooms or laundry rooms? Probably not the best fit.
- Customer Service Can Be Hit or Miss
When I reached out to Somerset with a question about maintenance, the response was polite but slow—took three days for an email reply. Some online reviews echo this, mentioning unhelpful customer service or warranty disputes.
My experience wasn’t terrible, but it’s worth noting if you expect white-glove service. Thankfully, I haven’t needed to test their warranty process yet.
- Beveled Edges Might Not Suit Everyone
Some of Somerset’s collections, like the Homestyle, have eased edges. I didn’t mind the subtle bevels, but my cousin, who’s a design snob, said they made her floors look “less seamless.”
If you prefer a flush, modern look, double-check the edge profiles before buying. Their Classic Collection has square edges, which might be a better fit.
Keeping Your Somerset Floors Looking Flawless
- Daily Dusting and Sweeping
Your Somerset floors are tough, but they hate dust. I sweep mine daily with a soft-bristle broom to keep grit from scratching the finish. A microfiber dust mop works wonders too—it grabs dirt like a magnet.
If you’re lazy like me sometimes, a robotic vacuum is a lifesaver. Just make sure it’s set to hardwood mode to avoid overzealous scrubbing.
- Spill Patrol: Act Fast
Water is your floor’s kryptonite. I learned this the hard way when my kid left a puddle of juice overnight—luckily, no permanent damage. Wipe spills immediately with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
I keep a stack of microfiber towels in the kitchen for quick cleanups. Avoid sopping wet mops; a slightly damp one is all you need for deeper cleaning.
- The Right Cleaning Products
Somerset recommends using their own floor cleaner, but I’ve had success with Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner. It’s gentle, doesn’t leave residue, and keeps the finish shiny.
Spray lightly, mop with the grain, and buff dry. Steer clear of vinegar or ammonia-based cleaners—they can dull the aluminum oxide finish over time. I made that mistake once; never again.
- Furniture Protection Is Key
Heavy furniture can dent your floors faster than you’d think. I popped felt pads on all my chair legs and table bases. They’re cheap and prevent scratches when my kids drag chairs across the room.
For my hefty couch, I use coasters to distribute the weight. Rearrange furniture occasionally to avoid permanent dents, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Sunlight Management
Somerset’s UV-cured finish resists fading, but direct sunlight can still cause trouble. My living room gets blasted with afternoon sun, so I installed sheer curtains to diffuse the light.
Area rugs in sunny spots work too. Rotate them every few months to ensure even wear. It’s a small effort that keeps your floors looking vibrant.
- Regular Maintenance Checks
Every six months, I inspect my floors for scratches or wear. A light buff with a soft cloth can hide minor scuffs. For deeper scratches, Somerset suggests a professional refinisher, especially for their engineered planks.
I haven’t needed this yet, but knowing it’s an option gives me confidence. Keep an extra box of planks stored indoors for future repairs—just don’t stash it in the garage.
How Somerset Stacks Up Against The Competition?
When I was shopping for flooring, I weighed Somerset against Bruce Hardwood Flooring, Southwind Flooring, and MSI Flooring. Each brand has its strengths, but here’s how they stack up head-to-head based on my experience and research.
- Somerset Vs. Bruce Hardwood Flooring: Durability and Quality
Bruce Hardwood Flooring is a household name, and I get why—it’s affordable, with prices around $5-$8 per square foot. I checked out their oak floors at a friend’s place, and they looked decent, but the 2mm wear layer on their engineered planks felt like a compromise.
After two years, her floors creaked in high-traffic areas, and a spill left a faint mark. Somerset’s 3mm wear layer and lifetime structural warranty give it a clear edge for longevity.
Bruce’s quality is solid for the price, but Somerset’s Appalachian-sourced timber and tighter milling make it feel more premium. If you’re after durability, Somerset wins.
- Somerset Vs. Southwind Flooring: Style and Variety
Southwind Flooring caught my eye with its trendy colors—think cool grays and weathered looks. Their Coastal Elegance line was tempting for my modern loft vibe, but the selection felt limited compared to Somerset’s range.
Southwind’s engineered floors, priced at $6-$9 per square foot, use a thinner veneer, and I heard complaints about inconsistent board lengths. Somerset’s Character Collection gave me the rustic charm I wanted, with widths up to 7 inches for a bold look.
Southwind’s got style, but Somerset offers more versatility and better refinishing potential.
- Somerset Vs. MSI Flooring: Sustainability and Cost
MSI Flooring is a budget-friendly option, often retailing at $4-$7 per square foot. I saw their engineered maple at a showroom, and while it looked nice, the 1.2mm wear layer screamed “short-term fix.”
MSI’s sustainability practices are less transparent than Somerset’s, which boasts Forest Stewardship Council certification and a 100-year forest management plan. My eco-conscious side leaned hard toward Somerset, especially since their prices are comparable.
MSI might save you a buck upfront, but Somerset’s thicker veneer and green credentials make it a smarter long-term investment.
- Somerset Vs. the Field: Warranty and Installation
Across the board, Somerset’s warranties—lifetime structural and 50-year finish—outshine the competition. Bruce offers a respectable 25-year finish warranty, but Southwind and MSI cap theirs at 15-25 years for engineered products.
Installation-wise, Somerset’s precise tongue-and-groove system made my contractor’s job easy, with no warped boards. I heard horror stories about MSI’s planks arriving uneven, causing delays. Southwind’s click-lock system is decent but less forgiving than Somerset’s.
For peace of mind and a smooth install, Somerset takes the crown.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Somerset Hardwood Flooring is crafted by Somerset Wood Products, a Kentucky-based company founded in 1978. They’re a vertically integrated outfit, meaning they control everything from harvesting Appalachian timber to milling and finishing. This hands-on approach ensures consistent quality, and their membership in the Bauwerk Group boosts their eco-friendly cred.
“Best” depends on your needs, but Somerset holds its own against giants like Bruce, Mohawk, and Bellawood. If you value affordability, sustainability, and a thick wear layer, Somerset’s a top contender. For luxury or exotic woods, Carlisle or Kahrs might edge out, but they’ll cost you. I’d pick Somerset for its balance of quality and price.
Joanna Gaines often uses hardwood floors from Magnolia Home, her own brand, which leans toward rustic, hand-scraped looks similar to Somerset’s Character Collection. She’s also been spotted using other premium brands like Carlisle for high-end projects. Somerset’s natural tones and textures align well with her farmhouse-chic aesthetic, making it a solid alternative.
Wood grading varies by manufacturer, but Somerset’s select grade offers the cleanest, most uniform look with minimal knots. Their character grade, like my hickory, embraces natural imperfections for a rustic vibe. Select is pricier but polished; character is budget-friendly and full of personality. Your choice depends on the look you’re chasing.
Why Somerset Is Your Floor’s Forever Home?
After living with Somerset Hardwood Flooring, I’m convinced it’s a smart buy. It’s durable, eco-friendly, and easy on the wallet, with a style that elevates any room.
Whether you’re a busy parent or a design enthusiast, Somerset delivers. From its Appalachian heart to its long-lasting finish, it’s flooring you’ll love for decades. Trust me, your feet will thank you.