Selecting the right wood floor for your home involves a blend of your aesthetic tastes and practical considerations. Good-quality wood floors are beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain. There are several types of wood flooring options for you to install, and it’s important to understand their unique characteristics. In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most popular types of wood flooring installation options. Learning about the pros and cons of different types of wood flooring will help you choose the best option for your home.
What is the Best Wood Flooring to Install?
Solid Wood
Solid hardwood flooring is a classic choice; it never loses its style. This type of flooring is manufactured from solid wood planks and secured into the subfloor with flooring nails. You can sand and refinish it several times. That makes it a practical long-term investment for your home, and it looks great too.
Advantages of Solid Hardwood
- Durability – Hardwood floors will last for decades with the right care.
- Added Value – Hardwood flooring adds value to your home because it’s a sought-after home feature.
- Aesthetic Versatility – There are more than 50 species of hardwood, in an array of stains and finishes.
Disadvantages of Solid Hardwood
- Expense – It’s an expensive flooring material per square foot.
- Susceptible to moisture – You should not install hardwood flooring in basements or bathrooms. Hardwood can warp when exposed to higher humidity levels.
- Maintenance – Periodic refinishing is necessary, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Engineered Wood
Engineered hardwood consists of a hardwood veneer layer with a good-quality plywood base. This type of hardwood flooring provides strength and resistance to moisture.
Advantages of Engineered Wood
- Adaptable – The plywood base stops the wood from expanding and contracting with changes in humidity.
- Moisture Resistant – It’s more resistant to moisture than solid hardwood, so it can fit to concrete slabs and in basements.
- Versatility – Engineered floors are versatile and can be installed over different subfloors and existing floors, allowing for floating installations. This involves locking planks together without adhesive.
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood
- Limited Refinishing – Depending on how thick the hardwood veneer is, engineered hardwood flooring has limitations on sanding and refinishing.
- Cost Variability – The quality and price difference can be enormous between styles. Some high-end quality floors cost can be as expensive as solid hardwood.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. Manufacturers use it in the production of bamboo flooring. It’s hard, has a peculiar grain, and has good water resistance compared to hardwoods.
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
- Sustainable – Fast-growing bamboo is a renewable material resource.
- Durability – Depending on the type, some bamboo flooring can be hard and durable. Strand-woven bamboo is a good example.
- Modern Aesthetic – A clean, modern look that’s different from classic hardwood.
Disadvantages of Bamboo Flooring
- Variation in Quality – Bamboo flooring quality varies between manufacturers.
- Limited Refinishing options – Bamboo floors cannot be refinished as many times as hardwood.
- Durability – Bamboo floors are easily dented and scratched, however, strand-woven bamboo is a good choice for a harder flooring option.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring originates from the bark of a cork oak tree, and manufacturers can produce it without cutting the tree down. People value cork for its comfort and sound-deadening qualities.
Advantages of Cork Flooring
- Eco-Friendly – Cork is another eco-friendly material. Trees do not need to be cut down to harvest their bark.
- Comfort – Cork is soft underfoot, reducing tiredness from standing.
- Natural Insulation – It has natural thermal and acoustic insulation properties, and adds warmth to your home.
Disadvantages of Cork Flooring
- Durability – Sharp objects can prick and scrape cork, making it vulnerable to damage. Heavy furniture can dent it.
- Fading – Can fade if placed in direct sunlight.
- Maintenance – Requires sealing to prevent water damage.
Picking The Ideal Wood Flooring To Install In Your Home
Choosing the perfect wood flooring option to install in your home depends on several factors, including:
- Budget
- Lifestyle
- Specific needs for each living space in your home
Room usage, local climate conditions, and your home’s unique styling are important factors that should guide your flooring choice. Each type of flooring has its own qualities.
Solid hardwood provides classic beauty and long-term performance, while engineered wood affords strength and resistance to moisture. Bamboo floors are a sustainable choice with a unique aesthetic, and cork adds comfort and quiet.
Consult with a qualified flooring professional at a Carpet Land location in Omaha, Lincoln, or Sioux Falls to view samples and discuss flooring options for your home living space. Ensure your investment can impart beauty and function in your home for years to come.
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