Different Flooring Types

Before installing a wood floor, it is important to know about the available types. Learning about the pros, cons, cost, and design options available for: laminate, solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, bamboo, and cork will help ensure the right floor is selected for the project.

     Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made by compressing layers of fiberboard together and placing a photographic image of wood grain, stone, or tile pattern over the fiberboard. After the image is added to the surface, a protective coating is added to help prevent damage and add a finish to the flooring.

Laminate is a cost effective option that will withstand a certain amount of wear. For an easy installation, opt for click-lock. The planks will snap together and can be laid over other flooring. It is ideal for living areas, and some brands may even construct it with a waterproof core, allowing it to be used in areas where water may be an issue. We suggest taking a close look at the guarantee before installing it in a bathroom.

Top quality laminate will not match the look and feel of real wood floors. The areas where the planks join will wear considerably over time, and when damage sets in, it is not an easy repair. Laminate is easily damaged by moisture, and when that damage sets in, it cannot be fixed. If the laminate is not laid correctly, it will not be appealing to potential renters or buyers.

Depending on the brand and style, laminate will range anywhere from $0.50 to $10 per sq ft. The laminate comes in a variety of styles to match any decor. High quality laminate may even feature images of knots and other characteristics of natural wood.

      Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood floor planks are made from a piece of wood around three quarters of an inch thick. The boards are made with a tongue and groove to fit together for installation. Depending on the species of wood, certain floors will be harder than others. The harder the floor, the less susceptible it is to dings and scratches. The floor can be sanded and refinished several times to restore its beauty, with the total number of times being determined by the depth of the tongue from the top of the plank.

Solid hardwood is an excellent way to add visual appeal to a home or business. It will also potentially add value to a home or business in the event it gets put on the market later.

Solid hardwood will swell in moist conditions and contract as the area dries. The change of shape can alter the appearance of the floor and cause problems. Installation is a complex process, and for the best appearance must be done with great care. This is the most expensive option for those shopping for wood floors.

Prices will vary depending on the species of wood and the cost of the raw form Estimated price would be around $4 to $15 a square foot for your non exotic species of hardwood.

  Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood is made using three to four layers of wood glued together to produce around a half inch thick plank. A real wood surface about 4 mm in thickness is applied to the top to allow it to be sanded and refinished a certain number of times to remove signs of damage, wear, and tear.

Engineered hardwood construction produces a more stable product. The greater stability means it is less prone to changes from temperature and humidity conditions in the room. This type of flooring is more attractive than a laminate floor, but it is also less expensive than solid hardwood floors.

Depending on the style and brand, engineered hardwood floors will range anywhere from $2 to $11 per square foot. Engineered hardwood floors come in a variety of styles to match any decor.

       Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo floors come from bamboo grass stalks prominent in Asia. The floors are produced in China, and come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit various decor options. Since it is a tropical grass as opposed to wood for trees, it is naturally resistant to moisture. The flooring is produced by pressing fibers together under high pressure.

Not only is bamboo resistant to moisture, but it is environmentally friendly and an optimal choice for those who are looking to build “green.” The plant grows faster and does not take as long to re-grow than a typical hardwood tree, therefore not contributing to deforestation. Bamboo flooring is softer than traditional hardwoods, so it will not cause pain if it is stood on for long periods of time. The softness of the floor will also reduce noise.

The downfalls to bamboo are the cost and its brittle state. Despite the fact that it is a durable type of flooring, it is more susceptible to dings and scratches than other wood floors. Due to the cost of importing from China and the care which must be taken during installation, it is a much more expensive option than traditional hardwood.

The cost for bamboo floors ranges anywhere from $2 to $15 per square foot.

      Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank flooring can provide a room with a more natural interior design. Trying to find a floor style that perfectly matches your wooden cabinets in the kitchen? This is where going with a luxury vinyl plank design can come in handy. There are plenty of patterns, shades and arrangements of luxury vinyl plank floors that can replicate a wooden surface. In addition, luxury vinyl plank flooring can be sold in a wide range of shapes and styles that will be sure to accommodate your room.

Luxury vinyl plank is designed to resemble hardwood, but you can find this product to resemble Tile & Marble as well. Because vinyl plank imitates hardwood, you’re sure to find a version that matches the rest of your home’s decor. Additionally, vinyl is the budget-friendly choice for renovators who want the look of hardwood without the challenging installation and cost. Luxury vinyl plank cost around $2 to $6 a square foot. Installation is usually around half the cost of hardwood

“Renovating on a budget means weighing the pros and cons of each flooring type and finding the one that sits at the intersection of affordability, durability and aesthetics, and vinyl often meets those three requirements.”

Many models of vinyl plank are backed with a felt product. When installed, this feature translates to a softer floor with more give. The top will look like hardwood and have that strong feel, but standing on vinyl for long periods of time is easier than standing on real wood. Additionally, objects are less likely to break when dropped on vinyl, which is good news for glasses and mugs.

Vinyl flooring is water resistant, making it a great choice for both bathrooms and kitchens. In fact, vinyl is better at sealing against water damage than laminate and hardwood.

Vinyl plank can be installed directly on top of your subfloor, making the process quick, cost-effective and easy (given that the subfloor is in good condition). When you remove your old flooring, inspect the subfloor to make sure it’s in good shape before adding vinyl on top.

If you don’t want put a lot of effort into maintaining your floors, vinyl plank is a wise choice. The product is long-lasting, requiring only routine cleaning (i.e., sweeping and occasionally mopping) to keep it looking like new.

Vinyl is a long-lasting flooring product and can last up to 20 years. Once it’s down, you’ll have a great floor for years to come.

Knowing more about the characteristics of these types of floors will make the choice for any project a much easier one. Make sure to choose the best one for your own budget, location, and decor.

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