The Types Of Wood Flooring
Wood flooring can add elegance to your home, but you need to choose the right type. There are more types of wood flooring than you might imagine and each offers their pros and cons. It is important that you can compare the popular options of laminate, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood before you make a decision.
The Cost
Cost is the first thing you need to consider when looking at wood flooring. This is not the cheapest type of flooring and certain woods will cost more. The cheapest option will be laminate flooring, but you need to be careful. The cheapest kinds of laminate will be completely smooth and do not offer a realistic wood finish.
The price engineered hardwood will vary depending on the type of wood you are looking at. Many people assume that this is the middle ground option because it is more expensive than laminate. However, engineered hardwood and solid hardwood can cost roughly the same depending on the type you consider. The most expensive solid hardwood floors will be tropical hardwoods.
Where To Use Them
Knowing the cost of wood flooring is important, but you also need to know where they are best suited. Laminate flooring is best for high traffic areas of the home that you will need to regularly clean. This will include living rooms and playrooms. There are some laminates with a waterproof core making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
Engineered hardwood can also be used in the living room, kitchen, dining room, and bedroom. You should not use this flooring in the bathroom because the humidity can affect it. Solid hardwood should also be kept away from areas with changes in humidity because it can cause warping. These floors are best in places where you can show it off such as living areas and hallways.
The Installation
When it comes to installation, laminate is the easiest option. You will be able to lay the laminate flooring yourself as it offers a click-lock design. Of course, there is the potential for the laminate to be laid poorly which can cause problems.
Engineered hardwood flooring is harder to install because it uses a tongue and groove plank system. Many people recommend having a professional install this type of flooring to ensure it is done correctly. This is particularly important if you want to lay the flooring on stairs because it can become fiddly.
Solid hardwood flooring is the hardest to install and will need to be done by a professional. The wood planks need to be nailed or glued down. Fitting the boards together can also be difficult as they change shape after they have been manufactured.
Wood flooring can change the appearance of your home, but you need to consider the type you get. Laminate flooring is the cheapest and easiest, but even the most expensive will not look like the real thing. Engineered hardwood is more stable than solid hardwood and will be easier to install. Solid hardwood is the only option if you want to the classic wood look and do not might the added installation costs.