We all grew up with a dream house in mind, with authentic hardwood floors and crown molding, beautiful, high ceilings, and bay windows, but did we really think wood floors would be the most efficient and durable flooring for our home? We, of course, want the look of the hardwood planks, but do we really want to put in the money and time to maintain them?
If you’re looking to get that wood floor aesthetic in your home, there are great alternatives to the real thing, and some just happen to be more practical as well.
Laminate Wood Flooring
Let us begin with laminate wood flooring, the most popular flooring substitute for real hardwood floors. Laminates are composed of genuine wood, but they are actually densely packed fiberboard designed to look like various types of wood and stained to fit the aesthetic of the wood that you prefer. These floors are popular because they are inexpensive, easy to install (similar to putting together Lego bricks), and stain and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for households with children and pets. You can install these floors nearly anywhere; however, if you’re installing them in a bathroom or kitchen, the ideal option would be a waterproof or water-resistant laminate wood flooring to guard against the constant moisture.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring planks are constructed from layers of genuine wood, plywood, and fiberboard and can be installed by gluing, floating, or stapling. Since they are pressed and strengthened with numerous layers of distinct wood treatments, these floors are more durable than ordinary hardwood floors. When compared to traditional hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring is surprisingly resistant to water damage and warping. They can also be refinished with a new veneer after years of use, depending on how even and how much veneer is applied. In addition to convenience, engineered wood planks may be laid on concrete, whereas traditional hardwood flooring cannot, and it may provide additional styles than that of traditional hardwood flooring. This flooring is ideal for living spaces; such as the living room, dining room, and office. It is not recommended, however, for bathrooms or kitchens since water can still permeate these surfaces.
Vinyl Wood-Look Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
Consider vinyl wood-look flooring if you want a wood-look appearance without breaking the bank. Vinyl wood flooring can make your life much easier and is incredibly versatile while still being easy to care for. These floors can come in a large selection of designs, textures, and colors and are relatively easy to install. One of the advantages of vinyl flooring is that it is water-resistant, making it ideal for use in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It’s also beneficial if you have pets who are prone to misbehaving.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is an excellent alternative to hardwood floors for those who are conscious of the environment. Bamboo, unlike its hardwood-tree counterpart, grows much faster when planted and even faster after being cut. Bamboo grows at a rate of up to an inch per hour, making it easily replantable and harvestable for a variety of applications including tools, furniture, and, in this case, flooring. Bamboo may last as long as, if not longer than, typical hardwood floors, making it a very enticing option for individuals who prefer the authentic feel of natural flooring. Bamboo is both flexible and robust, allowing for more collisions and hard handling. It is also dent and scratch-resistant and is available in a number of color and texture variations. The one disadvantage of bamboo flooring is that it is not water-resistant, therefore it should not be used in bathrooms or kitchens with a lot of moisture.
Wood-Look Tile
You may have noticed this hardwood-alternative flooring trending in recent years, and with good reason. When it comes to installing new flooring in the home, wood-look tile is second only to laminate flooring in popularity. It has the appearance of wood, but it is more durable and waterproof. It’s also easy to clean, pet and child-friendly, and stain, slide, and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent choice for whole-house installation. The advantage of this type of flooring is that it does not require any sealing after installation and will last for many years.
If you’re interested in installing new wood-look flooring in your home, Varian Construction’s vast knowledge and experience in floor installation is perfect for any home remodeling project. Contact us today at 239-514-0103 for more information on home remodeling through Varian Construction.