Wood flooring is not getting popular with all real estate companies and homeowners for various reasons. The first and foremost reason is they are aesthetically pleasing. However, it is not only the best benefit because they are also effortless to install, long-lasting, moisture resistant, and very easy to maintain. You can also incorporate it with any of the interior designs you want to achieve, such as classical, modern, and victorian. Since wooden flooring offers a variety of options, we made this guide to help you know about certain types of wooden flooring.
Take a look at the four types of wooden flooring so you can choose which one is the most suitable for your home.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Before you choose the best flooring for you, you should first know the key differences between wood materials. As the name itself, solid wood flooring is made of solid hardwood species completely such as oak, cherry, maple, walnut, and mahogany. You can sand down and refinish solid wood flooring multiple times throughout its lifespan. Throughout its lifespan. However, it is hard and tricky to install. It is installed by the tongue-and-groove system where each of the wood boards is nailed to the subfloor. Moreover, it is not recommended to install it in concrete slabs.
Pros of solid hardwood flooring: Classic look and feel, a good investment to your property, and longer lifespan.
Cons of solid hardwood flooring: Much more expensive, tough to install, swells, warps, and shrinks in different conditions.
Composite Wooden Flooring
Another type of wood flooring you should consider is composite wood flooring. It is also known as engineered wood flooring. They have a very similar look with solid wood, but it is made from a relatively thin layer of hardwood bound over a substrate of high-quality plywood. They are less expensive than solid hardwood flooring and easier to install. They are also highly durable, don't scratch easily, and give good moisture resistance. Engineered wood uses less hardwood, and this made it better for environmentally conscious homeowners. It can be said that composite wood flooring is a great alternative to solid hardwood flooring as it will give you value for money and easier to maintain.
Pros of composite wood flooring: less expensive, easier to install, not prone to damage in condition changes, better alternative to solid hardwood than other choices.
Cons of composite wood flooring: shorter lifespan than solid hardwood, much more expensive than laminate
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is also a good option if you are looking for a good wooden flooring. They are made from synthetic materials such as a moisture-resistant bottom layer, compressed fibreboard plank, and a photographic image of real wood with a protective overlay. They are easier to maintain than real hardwood flooring. It's very easy to install, too, with its click-together joints. Moreover, you can choose between a waterproof laminate, wide plank laminate, laminated wood, and more. Contrary to people’s belief, laminate flooring is also good for high-foot traffic areas as long as you take care of it.
Pros of laminate flooring: highly affordable, gives you a range of choices in terms of look, and very easy to maintain.
Cons of laminate flooring: can easily swell due to moisture, short lifespan if not properly maintained, cannot be repaired only replaced.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is also one of the best options in terms of wooden flooring. They are very sustainable as they grow a lot in a short period of time compared to hardwood trees. Bamboo wood boards are made by pressing bamboo fibers through pressure and high temperature. Bamboo produces beautiful grain patterns that are very durable.
Pros of bamboo flooring: very sustainable option, inhabitable to dust mites and repels dust and pollen, easy to clean and water-resistant.
Cons of bamboo flooring: prone to scratching, can warp in time.
Tips To Maintain Your Wooden Flooring Better
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Avoid water spills, and wide them immediately.
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Don’t drag heavy objects across the wooden floor. Use protector pads or cloth before doing so.
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Sweep the floor regularly.
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Use the appropriate materials such as a microfiber mop and wooden floor cleaning spray.
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Don’t use a steam mop, wet mop, furniture polish, or abrasive products.
Wooden floors can be a good addition to your home. They are very elegant, classic, and can last for decades if well looked for. Wood flooring production is also the best choice for the environment. If you want an investment for your property while caring for yourself and the environment, wooden floors are certainly for you.
