Wood is a good choice for those who would like environmentally-friendly and non toxic flooring for their homes. Especially nowadays when there are a lot of types of wood flooring to choose from.
However, prior to choosing and setting up your wood floor, you should have done thorough research on the kinds of available wood flooring types in the market where you reside.
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There are various factors to consider before going ahead with your decision on your flooring project such as the pros, cons, cost as well as design options available. These factors will help you in deciding which floor type is the most efficient for you.
In this article, we will go through the 5 most common types of wood flooring and by the end, you should have somewhat of an idea which direction you are leaning to.
5 Most Common Types Of Wood Flooring
Laminate Wood Flooring
The first on the list is laminate flooring, which is made via the compression of fibreboards against each other and having a photographic image of wood grain tile or stone pattern on the fibreboard.
Once the process is completed, a protective layer should be added to prevent any damage while it sets and finishes. The best thing about laminate wood flooring is that it is one of the most cost-efficient options that are considered to be extremely durable and long-lasting.
The laminate usually costs anything ranging from $0.50 to $6 per square feet and comes in many various styles to match indoor décor. Some laminate wood floor options come with waterproof features.
This may be appealing to some of you, so do find these things out beforehand to make your whole selection a smooth one.
One thing to note is that laminate has to be done properly or it will end up looking unappealing to people, even top quality laminate cannot completely replicate the look and feel of traditional wood floors.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Second on our list of types of wood flooring is solid hardwood; these planks are made from a thick piece of wood. Some will be harder than others, depending on the species and origin of the wood.
The harder ones are usually more resistant to wear and tear issues like dents and scratches. Hardwood requires maintenance, which can be handled by sanding the wood to refine it to its original condition.
Solid hardwood is one of the best options to use to amp up the visual aspect of your home and give it a unique look. It also adds value to your house, considering the cost and material it is using.
One thing to note about this kind of material is that it is usually not water-resistant and will well when in contact with water, and this may alter the shape and look of the floor, causing more problems.
Most people who are not well trained in flooring are advised to hire a professional for installation, as great care and attention must be taken. They also are costly, so they should be taken more seriously.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Source: carpetone.com
Next on our types of flooring is engineered hardwood. Combining 3 to 4 layers of wood together essentially makes engineered hardwood.
This wooden surface will allow for sanding and refinishing when necessary, to remove any signs of wear and tear or damage to the hardwood.
Engineered hardwood implies that the wood structure is slightly more stable and hence less likely to be affected by harsh weather conditions like heavy rain and high humidity levels.
In addition, this type of wooden flooring is generally more appealing as compared to a laminate floor, as it looks more “real”. Do note that engineered hardwood does come at a higher price point, with them ranging anywhere from $2 to $11 per square feet.
However, be prepared to be spoilt for choice at the array of options to match your ideal room décor.
Bamboo Wood Flooring
Bamboo floors are slightly less common in western countries but are commonly seen throughout Asia. Bamboo is mostly grown and produced in China, and are offered in many different styles and finishes to suit potential buyers and design and decor styles.
Bamboo is made by fibers being pressed together under high pressure, and is usually water-resistant, making it a suitable option for many people.
The best part about bamboo is that it is an environmentally friendly material and a suitable option for those specifically looking for eco-friendly options.
Compared to other types of wood flooring, Bamboo is known to be slightly softer than hardwood and therefore is more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time while being less noisy.
A con to bamboo flooring is the cost, as it is slightly more expensive than other wood flooring options in the market and may be long-lasting but is prone to scratches and small dents etc.
Bamboo wood flooring costs usually range anywhere between $2 and $8. If you decide to use bamboo flooring and are importing it from overseas, take extra precaution when handling it.
Cork Wooden Flooring
Source: thisoldhouse.com
Last but not the least in our types of wood flooring are cork floors, which are harvested from cork oak trees, originally from places in Europe such as Italy, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Morocco as well as Tunisia.
Cork is another eco-friendly material and is a good source of renewable energy. Cork floorings are usually quite soft and this makes them a comfortable option for places where people will typically be standing and walking rather than sitting.
The only drawback to cork material is that it is not the most cost-friendly option and can be damaged by hard furniture or by wear and tear. Cork flooring starts at $3 but the price only increases depending on the stain and plank you opt for.
Are you also looking into flooring your patio? Click here and check out our guide on peel and stick vinyl flooring.
Wrapping Up Our Guide to the Most Common Types of Wood Flooring
With that, we have come to the end of this article, and hope that it has been educational as well as beneficial in helping you to decide which type of wood flooring suits you or your style best.
This will surely make your home look better than ever. Knowing about these different materials will give you a clearer idea of what exactly needs to be done and what should be done.
So before you decide to follow along with your flooring plans, know your budget and stick to it, find the best location, and make sure it suits your décor.
Which of the types of wood flooring would you be keen to try out?