Wooden floors are timeless. Any space may seem warm and natural with wooden floors, which are robust and long-lasting. You’ll find the ideal wooden flooring types for your room with the many options. This post will explain the many varieties of wooden flooring and what makes them unique to help you choose the finest one for your home.
Top 7 Wooden Flooring Types
1. Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood boards from one log are cut into flooring. One of the most gorgeous and high-quality timber flooring options. Solid wood floors are engineered or solid plank boards fastened or bonded to the subfloor. The most prevalent woods are oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and mahogany.
Refinishable, durable solid wood flooring can be repaired and restored several times. Your home will seem classic and valued with solid wood. Due to its 100% hardwood construction, it is one of the most expensive wooden flooring solutions. Solid floors have greater wood grain and color variety than engineered floors.
2. Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring has a top layer called the veneer that is made from solid wood. This thin veneer layer is adhered to a core of fiberboard or plywood underneath. Since it uses less solid wood than solid planks, engineered wood is a more affordable option. The core layers make engineered wood more stable and less prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature and humidity changes.
Engineered wood floors can be nailed or glued down to the subfloor. They can also be floated over the subfloor rather than directly attached. Many engineered floors have enough solid wood veneer thickness to allow light sanding and refinishing over time. Overall, engineered wood provides added stability and versatility versus solid wood.
3. Laminate Wood Flooring
Laminate flooring simulates the look of real wood by fusing a photographic image of the wood grain with a top layer of clear melamine resin. The core of laminate flooring is fiberboard, topped by a resistant wear layer. The inner fiberboard core makes laminate more affordable than solid or engineered wood.
Laminate floors are designed to be floating floor systems over the subfloor rather than nailed or glued down. The wear layer helps protect against scratches and dents. Laminate is easy to install as a DIY project, but cannot be refinished like real wood. It’s a versatile, affordable wooden flooring types but doesn’t add as much value as solid wood.
4. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring looks natural golden or caramel. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant, not wood! Strips of harvested bamboo are laminated under heat and pressure. Planks are robust and durable.
Strand-woven bamboo flooring is the strongest and most lasting wooden flooring types. Bamboo fibers are woven and compressed for strength. Some bamboo has a urethane coating to protect it from moisture. Bamboo floors cost less than hardwoods.
5. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is distinctive and eco-friendly. Rot-resistant, durable, and moisture- and mold-resistant cork comes from cork oak trees’ thick bark. Walking on cork is comfortable and soundproof. Cork is biodegradable and rapidly regenerated.
Cork tiles and planks. Natural cork flooring and floating or supported cork flooring are available. Cork scratches and dents more than wood. Hypoallergenic and antibacterial by nature. The toughness of the cork helps hide subfloor faults. Cork floors are warm and quiet, ideal for kitchens, baths, laundry areas, and bedrooms.
6. Wood Impregnated with Acrylic
Real wood with acrylic resin is acrylic-impregnated flooring. Resin partially plugs wood pores to reduce denting and staining. Impregnated wood is warm and beautiful while being protected.
Impregnation enters the wood, not just coats it. Common woods are maple, oak, and beech. This flooring is strong enough for household and commercial applications. The beautiful graining and visual depth of natural wood are preserved. Impregnated wood is more expensive yet durable.
7. Wood Floor Patterns
Wood floors don’t have to be plain uniform planks. Interesting patterns like herringbone, chevron, or mosaic styles add visual intrigue. Mixing different wood grains and colors in custom patterns creates distinctive floors. Parquet styles made of geometric wood pieces evoke classic Old World charm.
For DIYers, simple arrangements like strip, zigzag, or diagonal patterns are achievable. Professionals can design intricate tile layouts or borders using wood of varying shades and textures. Custom patterns allow you to make your flooring as simple or ornate as desired. Experiment with different designs to complement your decor.
Conclusion
The range of wooden flooring options allows you to customize the look, quality, and functionality. Solid hardwood offers timeless beauty and value for the investment. More affordable choices like laminate and engineered wood provide versatility. Now that you know the pros and cons of each wooden flooring types, you can make a better decision.
