Wood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners and companies to create a timeless and breathtaking interior design. Its simplicity allows it to be coordinated with endless amounts of styles that can appeal to almost any taste. Unfortunately, the cost and maintenance of hardwood make it challenging to purchase for the average consumer. Luckily, some alternatives have the same look and feel of wood at a much cheaper cost.
Laminate
Laminate is a thin fiberboard with a wood image. One great advantage of laminate is that it does not require as much maintenance as hardwood. The floor is relatively easy to install, and it does not require any finishing or recoating. Laminate is an excellent choice for families with pets as it’s very scratch resistant. It has a clear and protective coating for the dense traffic areas in your home.
Engineered Flooring
Engineered hardwood floors are fabricated from wood and layers of ply that is bonded together. The floor will keep the appearance of wood flooring without burning a hole in your wallet. You’ll spend a lot less on this option, and they are more resistant to moisture. Preference engineered flooring is constructed to be extremely tough. Wood floors are prone to expansion from hot temperatures and humidity. Engineered flooring is designed so that it will not buckle under different environmental conditions.
Bamboo
Bamboo is environmentally friendly offers some advantages over hardwood. It’s affordable because the plant regenerates very quickly compared to hardwood trees. The streaks and patterns of the planks provide some variety for all different rooms and houses.
In addition to being an affordable and eco-friendly, bamboo is also a healthy option for families with allergy sufferers. Carpet tends to collect dust, pet dander, and other allergens. Hard flooring options are a common choice for those with allergies, but many people don’t realize that some of those are treated with chemicals that can also agitate allergies. Because bamboo is not treated with these chemicals, it is ideal for households with allergy sufferers.
Wood-look Tile
Tile floors can give you the appearance of hardwood without all of the maintenance. Cleaning tile flood is easy, and it can be performed with basic surface cleaning products. Wood-look tile is more durable than hardwood, and it will last a lifetime with proper maintenance. Moisture can cause wood floors to warp, but there’s no need to worry when spills happen on the tile.
Before you select your next floor, think about what exactly you need from your flooring. Hardwood is a beautiful option, but it’s neither the most economical nor the most durable option. Consider floorings that will give you the hardwood look without the hardwood hassles.
