One of the most critical decisions any new homeowner will have to make is what type of wood flooring to install. Since flooring is a dominant visual design element, a homeowner must carefully choose among a wide range of options.
Wood flooring is a favorite of many homeowners, and it’s not hard to understand why. Wood has charm and character that you can’t get from other flooring materials.
This article explores the five most popular wood flooring options to help you make your choice.
1. Solid Hardwood Flooring
As its name suggests, solid hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks from a particular type of tree, such as oak, walnut, and maple. It’s a traditional flooring option and is often what most people have in mind when it comes to wood flooring. It’s highly durable and can last for decades if maintained properly.
If you go with solid wood, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. While solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished over time to make it look good and new, it’s susceptible to moisture and humidity. So, you mustn’t use it in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Another durable option is Engineered Hardwood flooring. It’s a modern and optimized type of hardwood flooring designed to address some of the drawbacks of solid hardwood.
Unlike its solid counterpart, engineered flooring consists of multiple layers. It has solid hardwood as its top layer, which is bonded to several thinner layers of plywood, recycled wood, or other types of subfloors.
Engineered wood flooring is cheaper than solid wood flooring. It can also hold up moisture and humidity better, although it’s not entirely water-resistant. It can also be sanded and refinished repeatedly over time.
3. Laminate Flooring
Although most people consider it a type of wooden flooring, laminate flooring is actually not made from wood. Laminate flooring is composed of several layers, with its top layer designed to mimic wood.
Laminate flooring is more affordable than the first two options mentioned above. Another benefit of laminate flooring is it’s relatively easy to clean and looks like natural wood.
Many laminate flooring models now come with a photo-realistic image layer that mimics the look of stone and wood. You can also choose a waterproof version of this flooring.
Selecting a laminate floor that matches your decor and budget will give you the best results. If you have any doubts, you should always consult a professional.
4. Reclaimed Wood Flooring
If you want a more classic look, you can opt for reclaimed wood flooring. This flooring option uses wood materials previously used in other buildings or houses. Usually, the flooring material is sourced from old barns, factories, and warehouses. It’s stylish, durable, and eco-friendly.
You can install reclaimed wood flooring anywhere in your home except for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms. The wood may swell and crack when constantly exposed to moisture. Although reclaimed wood flooring is sturdy and durable, you can quickly extend its lifespan by promptly wiping any spills on the floor and keeping the rooms well-ventilated.
5.Parquet Flooring
Aside from exuding a warm, natural feeling, parquet flooring can also add some flair to your rooms. This type of flooring is perfect for rooms that don’t get a lot of traffic.
In addition to being aesthetically appealing, parquet floors are also comfortable underfoot. They complement modern homes, matching the minimal style of modern interiors.
Parquet flooring is easy to maintain, requiring little to no care. Thus, it’s an excellent choice for people who don’t have a lot of time to spare. Its durability and affordability are the main reasons why this type of flooring is a popular choice among homeowners.
Parquet is often a more affordable option than solid wood planks but is no less sturdy. While the price of parquet flooring is comparable to other hardwood flooring types, it requires special skills and experience to install properly.
A parquet floor is also more challenging to restore than wood planks, so hiring a professional to do the job is recommended.
Bottomline
Wood flooring has remained a popular choice among many homeowners because of its glamour, warmth, and luxurious look. However, there are many wood flooring options to choose from, each with its unique benefits.
Nonetheless, opting for wood flooring would prove to be valuable when the time comes that you have to sell your property. Wood flooring increases the value of your home compared to other flooring options.
