From reclaimed hardwood to modern laminates, wooden floors are a beautiful choice for any home. Adding texture and warmth to any space, all kinds of wood, from the genuine article to faux flooring, are becoming increasingly popular with homeowners today.
However, it’s important to know the pros and cons of each type of wood flooring before you buy. In this helpful guide, we look at the various kinds of wood flooring available today and the differences between them as well as the most suitable locations for each within your home. So, read on, and get all the information you need to make a well-informed decision.
Tongue & Groove Wood Flooring
The name of this flooring describes the way in which it fits together. Every plank of wood comes with a tongue that protrudes along its length. This tongue fits into the groove on the next plank. Although it sounds simple, it can be quite complex to fix this type of wood flooring together. When you fit the tongue into the groove, it must be knocked into place firmly, and if the angle is wrong, it’s possible to dislodge the planks that have already been joined together.
Not only that, but the planks must all be glued in position and strapped or wedged together until all of the glue has set. If you fail to use enough glue or keep the planks together tightly before the glue sets, gaps can appear between them.
Click-Lock Wooden Flooring
Click-lock wood flooring has machined edges that form interlocking joints that are clicked together so that they won’t dislodge or move apart. Faster and easier to fit than tongue and groove flooring, click-lock floors need no adhesive to keep them in place. Also, the interlock mechanism means that the joints fit tightly so there’s less chance of gaps appearing once the floor is fitted.
Another advantage of this flooring type is that you can unfasten the planks and lift them out if you require access to the space beneath the flooring. That’s something that cannot be done if you opt for tongue and groove wood flooring.
Laminate Floors
Laminate is affordable and durable and there are lots of different styles available to choose from. On the downside, though, laminate neither looks nor feels like real wood and the joins can wear out over time. Laminate is made up of compressed fibreboard planks that are covered with photographic images of wood and then an overlay for added protection.
Since quality varies considerably, it’s wise to buy a high-quality laminate whenever possible. Some laminate floor boards have edges with slight bevelling for a more authentic look. This also helps prevent the damage that can be caused when moisture produces swelling along the board edges.
Any laminate flooring that has a core of chipboard should be avoided since it will contract and expand a lot. Fibreboard bases with an underside in a plain colour is best since it will give more protection from moisture.
The cheapest laminate flooring boards are very affordable but they’re smooth and have an unrealistic appearance. Flooring boards with bevelled edges, better images, and knots and other embossed features look and feel more natural, but they’re also more expensive.
Laminate flooring is ideal for areas of high traffic that require regular cleaning like studies, living rooms, and playrooms. Laminate flooring sometimes has a core that is waterproof which may be suitable for laying in a kitchen or bathroom, but it’s important to check carefully first.
Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood floors have more stability than solid wood pieces and they’re less likely to be damaged by temperature fluctuations. They’re also more affordable than planks of solid wood. On the downside, many of these floors are tongue and groove style which is more difficult to fit, and they’re also more costly in general than laminate.
Every engineered wood board is made up of 3-4 wood layers which are glued together, creating a plank measuring around 14mm in thickness. On top, there is a veneer of real wood, which measures around 4mm in thickness. This veneer can then be sanded and treated in order to restore its original finish should it become worn, damaged, or scuffed in the future.
Engineered wood floors are perfect for bedrooms, kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms. Although this type of flooring is better resistant to warping when compared with solid wood, you should still avoid using it in bathrooms or other areas with high humidity levels. It’s also advisable to avoid using this type of flooring on stairs as it is difficult and time-consuming to lay. It’s also often hard to get a good finish when laying this flooring around corners, for example, when flooring around your sink pedestal.
Solid Wood Floors
Solid wood floors have a classic feel and look, and they’re very appealing to prospective buyers if you’re planning on selling your home. On the downside, solid wood floors tend to swell if they’re laid in damp areas, and they also shrink if the environment is too dry. They can also be difficult to fit since they must be nailed or glued down. They’re starting price is also higher than other types of wood flooring.
All solid wood boards are made out of one piece of solid wood, measuring 18-20mm in thickness on average. Usually, solid wood boards are fitted with the tongue and groove system. You can sand back solid wood floors to restore their finish, although how many times this can be done will depend on the depth of the tongue from the board’s top. Not all solid wood planks fit well together, so it’s important to check the size of the gaps in between planks and the finish quality before you buy.
Due to the natural nature of wood, its planks have some colour variations. Therefore, if you’re seeking a very uniform result, you may prefer engineered wood or laminate over solid wood. Furthermore, solid wood floors may amplify sounds, so they may not be ideal for upstairs use.
The best locations to lay solid wood floors in your home include living areas and hallways, as well as other areas that have a humidity level that is relatively consistent.
Reclaimed Wood Floors
Reclaimed wood is an eco-friendly choice, and vintage wood also is often aesthetically pleasing, adding value to your home. It’s also possible to stain, white-wash or paint reclaimed wood in any colour.
On the downside, though, wood flooring often costs a lot more than buying new floorboards. There may also be hidden dangers too such as protruding nails that you should watch out for.
Reclaimed wood floors are made up of timber from another property which has been salvaged then reused. Typically, reclaimed wood is durable and it’s also a sustainable option – something that is increasingly important in the modern world where being green is highly desirable.
Reclaimed wood floors are ideal for installation anywhere in the home except in bathrooms as the moisture could result in the wood swelling and cracking.
Parquet Floors
Parquet flooring is ideal for creating beautiful patterns on your floor, and it’s designed to withstand high traffic levels. On the downside, though, parquet flooring is costly and difficult to install. It may also fade if exposed to direct sunlight. It can also experience moisture damage.
It’s easy to spot parquet flooring. It’s made up of short strips or blocks of wood that are arranged in geometric patterns – typically basket weave or herringbone. This type of wood floor is visually interesting and eye-catching and it’s ideal for fitting in all areas of the home except humid spaces like bathrooms where moisture could cause problems.
Bamboo Floors
As a sustainable resource, bamboo floors are becoming more popular in homes today. Bamboo that is strand-woven is not only tougher than flooring made from oak, but it’s also good for people who suffer from allergies since bamboo repels pollen and dust as well as dust mites.
One problem with some types of bamboo flooring to bear in mind is that formaldehyde is contained in the adhesive. This toxic substance may release VOCs (volatile organic chemicals) in small amounts over time. It’s therefore important to check that the type of bamboo flooring doesn’t contain this substance.
Actually, bamboo isn’t technically a wood – it’s a grass. But it’s as strong and robust as wood. It forms a grain pattern that is unique, and it’s possible to work it into floorboards that are hard-wearing and have a similar feel to hardwood while also being simple to clean. As bamboo can reach maturity in far less time than hardwood trees, it’s far more sustainable.
Bamboo is also resistant to water and so has less chance of developing mildew and mould, but it isn’t waterproof. Unsightly spots can appear if the flooring is exposed to excess moisture, and warping may occur too. It’s also important to note that dark bamboo undergoes a process of carbonisation that weakens it and makes it softer, so it is more vulnerable to being scratched.
Bamboo floors are ideal for most rooms of the home, but even though it has more resistance to water than hardwoods, it isn’t waterproof so you should avoid laying it in your bathroom.
Wood-Effect Floor Tiles
As wood-effect floor tiles don’t warp or rot if they become wet, they can be used in all of your rooms, even the bathroom. They’re also low maintenance and easy to clean. On the downside, though, they can feel cold to the touch if you don’t have underfloor heating and they may be noisy when walked on, which may make them less than ideal for use on upstairs floors.
Wood effect floor tiles combine natural wood’s beautiful appearance with ceramic tiles’ durability, making them a practical and affordable choice, with many styles and colours to pick from. It’s important, though, to remember that, like all tiles, wood floor tiles require grouting and this can trap debris and dirt.
These tiles are designed to be waterproof. They’re also highly resistant to daily wear and tear when compared with laminate and hardwood floors. That makes them perfect for use in high traffic areas such as hallways as well as in bathrooms and kitchens. Since some brands offer outdoor and indoor tiles that match, it’s possible to create a seamless outdoor/indoor aesthetic by continuing flooring onto your porch or patio.
Cork Floors
Cork flooring is an excellent choice if you need to absorb sound, and that makes it ideal for laying on upstairs floors. It’s also warm naturally throughout the year, so is ideal for use in cold environments. Cork doesn’t absorb dust mites or dust itself so it is hypoallergenic, and it is also durable and shock-absorbent to withstand heavy foot traffic.
On the downside, though, cork floors aren’t as long-lasting as floors made from hardwood. Cork is easily scratched and can be damaged easily by furniture.
Sustainable and eco-friendly, cork a cork oak tree’s bark. Naturally, bark splits periodically about every 9 – 15 years when it can be harvested safely without causing any harm to the trees. The bark will regrow so the cycle can continue. The cork that is harvested is ground then compressed to make sheets that are bonded using resins. Quickly renewable and natural, cork is also biodegradable when it reaches the end of its useful life, making it an environmentally sound choice.
Thanks to the slightly cushioning effect of cork, it’s ideal for use in children’s playrooms and bedrooms. As it can retain warmth well, it’s also perfect for bedroom floors as it creates a cosy feel underfoot. For homes where residents suffer from allergies, cork floors are perfect since they resist mites and dust.
A clear varnish finish is applied to cork flooring tiles to protect them from water damage and stains, but if this seal hasn’t been perfectly added, the cork could discolour and warp should the floor be exposed to a lot of water. High humidity levels also result in the cork curling, so you shouldn’t fit it on your bathroom floor.
Pets And Wood Floors
Wood floors are practical and low maintenance if you have pets, but you must take care as your animals may slip and scratch hardwood floors. Versatile, durable, and practical, solid wood floors are excellent for installation in homes with cats and dogs, with oak, maple, walnut, bamboo, and hickory being the best choices. Chestnut and pine are both softwoods that aren’t ideal for flooring when you have pets as they’re more likely to become scratched and damaged.
Engineered wood floors that have an inbuilt scratch resistant coating are ideal for fitting in homes with pets, as if they do become damaged they can be sanded and refinished for a new lease of life. Many laminate flooring types are also ideal, but you must ensure the one you’ve chosen is scratch and water resistant. A textured or embossed laminate is most suited to homes with pets since it gives them more friction and prevents them from slipping or sliding on your floors that could result in a costly trip to see your vet.
Wood-effect vinyl is one of the top choices for homes with pets since it is resilient, durable, and extremely versatile. Not only that, it’s also extremely affordable – ideal if you have a pet to look after. There are many different types of wood effect vinyl flooring to choose from in different patterns, finishes, and colours, so you’re sure to find one that suits your home and your budget. Easy to maintain, low maintenance wood effect vinyl requires no treatments or sanding, and it can be cleaned with a sweeping brush or a vacuum.
Now that you know more about the different kinds of wood flooring to choose from different areas of your home, you can make a well-informed choice.