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 essential 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 to install 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. Manufacturers create this type of flooring from solid wood planks and secure it 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 Flooring Installation
- Durability – Hardwood floors will last for decades with the proper care.
- Added Value – Hardwood flooring adds value to your home because it’s a sought-after feature.
- Aesthetics – There are more than 50 wood species in various stains and finishes.
The Downsides of Solid Hardwood
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- 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 wood flooring is a man-made product with a hardwood veneer layer and a good-quality plywood base. This flooring provides better strength and moisture resistance than other types of hardwood flooring. These qualities make it a popular alternative to solid hardwood flooring.
Pros of Engineered Wood
- Adaptable – The plywood base stops the wood from expanding and contracting with changes in humidity.
- Moisture Resistant – It’s more moisture-resistant than solid hardwood, so that it can fit into concrete slabs and basements.
- Versatile – You can install engineered floors over different subfloor or existing floors. This involves locking planks together without adhesive. Floating floor installations are possible even without a locking tongue and groove joint. This installation method would require glue.
Con’s of Engineered Wood
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- Limited Refinishing – Depending on how thick the hardwood veneer is, engineered hardwood flooring has limitations on sanding and refinishing.
- Cost – The quality and price difference can be enormous between styles. Some high-end quality floors cost can be as expensive as solid hardwood.
- Damage- Engineered wood is susceptible to scratches, dents, water stains, and fading. If not correctly installed with expansion gaps, floors can buckle and warp.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant in the world. Manufacturers use it in the production of bamboo flooring. Bamboo makes a good choice because it is durable, has a unique grain pattern, and has good water resistance compared to hardwoods.
Advantages of Bamboo Flooring
- Sustainable – Fast-growing bamboo is a renewable material resource.
- Durability – Bamboo flooring is strong and durable and can resist stains and water damage.
- Eco-Friendly- This renewable resource grows faster than other hardwood trees and requires less energy to produce.
- Modern Aesthetic – A clean, modern look different from classic hardwood.
Negatives of Bamboo Flooring
- Variation in Quality – Bamboo flooring quality varies between manufacturers.
- Limited refinishing- Homeowners cannot refinish floors as often as they can refinish hardwood.
- Durability – Bamboo floors easily dent and scratch; however, you can choose strand-woven bamboo as a 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
- Environmentally-Friendly – You can recycle cork, making it an eco-friendly material. Plus, workers harvest the bark of the cork oak tree without causing damage.
- 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 flooring.
- Fading –Flooring can fade if placed in direct sunlight.
- Maintenance – Cork is not waterproof and 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 essential factors that should guide your flooring choice. Each type of flooring has its qualities.
- Solid hardwood and exotic wood floors provide classic beauty and long-term performance.
- 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 a qualified flooring professional at a Carpet Land location in Omaha, Lincoln, or Sioux Falls. View samples and discuss flooring options for your home living space. Ensure your investment can impart beauty and function in your home for years.
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