5 Options for Wooden Floors for Your New Home

In this article, we explore the five most popular options for wooden flooring to help you make a choice.

1. Solid Wood Flooring

As the name suggests, solid wood flooring is made from solid planks of a specific type of wood such as oak, walnut, or maple. This is the traditional flooring option that comes to mind when people think of wooden floors. It's durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance.

If you choose solid wood, there are several things to consider. Although solid wooden flooring can be sanded and refinished over time to look new, it is susceptible to moisture and humidity. Therefore, it should not be used in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements.

2. Engineered Wood Flooring

Another durable option is engineered wood flooring. This modern and optimized type of wood was created to address some limitations of solid wood.

Unlike its solid counterpart, engineered flooring consists of multiple layers. It has a top layer made from solid wood glued to several thinner layers of plywood, recycled wood, or other types of sublayers.

Engineered wood flooring is cheaper than solid wood. It also handles moisture and humidity better, although it's not completely waterproof. It can also be sanded and refinished multiple times.

3. Laminate

Although most people consider it a type of wooden floor, laminate is actually not made from wood. Laminate consists of several layers, with the top layer mimicking wood grain.

Laminate is cheaper than the two previously mentioned options. Another advantage of laminate is its relatively easy maintenance and appearance that resembles natural wood.

Many laminate models now feature a photo-realistic layer that imitates the look of stone and wood. You can also choose a water-resistant version of this flooring.

Choosing the right laminate covering that matches your interior and budget will deliver the best results. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional.

4. Reclaimed Wood Flooring

If you want a classic look, reclaimed wood flooring is an excellent choice. This option uses wood previously used in other buildings or homes. The material for flooring is typically sourced from old barns, factories, and warehouses. It's stylish, durable, and eco-friendly.

Reclaimed wood flooring can be installed anywhere in your home except in high-moisture areas such as bathrooms. Wood expands and cracks when constantly exposed to moisture. While reclaimed wood flooring is strong and long-lasting, its lifespan can be significantly extended by immediately wiping up any spills on the floor and ensuring good room ventilation.

5. Parquet Flooring

Besides radiating warmth and a natural look, parquet flooring can also add character to your rooms. This type of floor is perfect for areas with low foot traffic.

Besides aesthetic appeal, parquet floors are also comfortable underfoot. They blend well with modern homes, complementing minimalist interior styles.

Parquet flooring is easy to maintain and requires minimal effort. Therefore, it's a great choice for people with limited time. Durability and affordability are the main reasons why this type of flooring is popular among homeowners.

Parquet is often a more affordable option compared to solid planks, but it's no less durable. While the price of parquet flooring is close to that of other wooden floor types, its installation requires special skills and experience.

Parquet flooring is also more difficult to restore than solid wood planks, so it's recommended to hire a professional for the job.

Conclusion

Wooden flooring remains a popular choice among many homeowners due to its charm, warmth, and luxurious appearance. However, there are various options for wooden flooring, each with its unique advantages.

Nevertheless, choosing wood for your floor will add value when selling real estate. Wooden flooring increases the value of your home compared to other flooring options.