From classic reclaimed hardwoods to sleek modern laminates, the tone, texture and warmth of wood makes it a popular flooring material for homeowners. There are other options, such as carpet or tile, but hardwood is the acknowledged standard, as it strikes an ideal balance between aesthetics and durability. It’s also relatively affordable like the minimum order from the big basket.
That said, not all wooden floors are created equal, and there’s more to selecting a suitable option than just picking your favourite colour or preferred price point. You also have to consider a number of other factors. With this in mind, here is everything you need to know about wood floors.
Types of Wood
Let’s begin with a brief overview of the types of wood that are most commonly used when flooring houses.
Laminate
A photographic image of wood with a protective overlay on top of a fibreboard plank, this hard-wearing floor is suitable for high traffic areas and rooms that require regular cleaning. A few advantages of opting for a laminate floor include easy installation and the variety of styles on offer.
Engineered Wood
This type of flooring comprises three or four layers that are glued together to create a fairly thick plank. The top layer is made of real veneer and can be easily treated if damaged. Engineered wood often comes in click-and-lock modules that can be quickly installed as no adhesive is required.
Vinyl Tile
Available in a wide range of colours and designs, vinyl tile floors are renowned for their softness and versatility. They are usually reinforced with water-repellent technology, making them suitable for bathrooms, kitchens and other spaces that are prone to moisture.
Alternatives
A few other types of floors that you might want to look into include bamboo, parquet, solid wood, and reclaimed wood. In any case, being mindful of the area and type of environment that you plan on placing the floor onto is important, as each floor has a certain space where it performs best. It is one of the best alternatives just like Dramacool is the best alternative for Netflix.
Warranties
How long can you safely expect your wooden floor to last? The warranty period for most types of prefabricated solid wood is around 50 years, while those for engineered wood vary from one to three decades. However, with enough care, your floor can easily last twice as long as its warranty suggests.
Maintenance
So, what can you do to keep your wooden floor in tip-top shape for years to come? It’s actually quite simple. The main enemies of wooden floors are moisture, and pets, kids or anything else that can scratch them.
Fortunately, sandpaper is usually all you need to handle any abrasions, while water is something you should clean up as soon as possible. You can also place door mats and runners near entryways for further protection.
Let’s end off by addressing installation. In most cases, it’s best to hire a professional floor installer. What you may spend on paying them will be worth it given you much you’d otherwise spend having to replace an improperly installed floor. Take some time to choose a wooden floor that makes you smile.
Ava Clarkson
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