When it comes time to pick the right flooring for your home, you need to ask yourself several questions.
You’ll have to determine what style you’re looking for. You’ll also need to consider what the room is used for and what requirements the flooring may need. For example, if it’s a high moisture room like a bathroom, you may need flooring that is waterproof.
You’ll also want to consider how much foot traffic you get in the room. And, you’ll want to consider what maintenance requirements each type of flooring has and how much time you’re willing to invest. On top of all of that, you’ll need to consider your budget.
While there are many flooring options to choose from, one of the decisions many face when looking for a classic wood finish, is whether to go with hardwood, luxury vinyl or laminate.
Hardwood flooring
The thing about hardwood is that it’s naturally beautiful and timeless. There’s no doubt about that. It’s also long-lasting and elegant. You could choose anything from a quiet light to an intensely dark hardwood, depending on the setting you’re looking to create.
Hardwood has a lot of character and you can choose between different grain options. For example, a dramatic grain is great when you want that rustic feeling. However, a moderate grain can look more traditional and hardwood with very little grain can provide a sleek, contemporary look.
When it comes to hardwood there are two basic choices: solid or engineered. Solid planks are created from a single piece of wood and make for a handsome floor that lasts for years. Engineered planks are made from several layers of wood with a core of plywood or HDF. These planks are designed to withstand higher levels of humidity, unlike standard hardwood flooring.
Hardwood flooring requires some maintenance but can also be resurfaced. Overall, it’s a great choice for a timeless look and it can last for a very long time.
Luxury vinyl flooring (LVP)
Luxury vinyl flooring is made of vinyl planks that look like wood. The biggest benefit of luxury vinyl flooring is that it has a waterproof core and is less likely to be affected by spills or moisture. It’s also tough when it comes to scratches and dents. Vinyl flooring looks like wood and comes in various grains and colors. It’s also less expensive than traditional hardwood.
Luxury vinyl flooring is probably one of the easiest flooring options to maintain and while it may last a long time, it doesn’t have the longevity of hardwood flooring.
Laminate flooring
Like luxury vinyl flooring, laminate can be made to look like gorgeous, authentic hardwood. It comes in different shades and finishes. Laminate flooring is inherently “green.” It uses far less wood and fewer resources than traditional hardwood.
Laminate flooring options are incredibly durable. In fact, some styles even offer a 25-year warranty. In addition, laminate flooring provides an affordable option.
If you select laminate flooring, be careful when consuming liquids. Make sure that you don’t allow glasses or cups to sit on the floor for long periods of time. Otherwise, your floor might develop stains or warping. Outside of moisture, laminate flooring is relatively easy to maintain.
As you can see, there is more than one way to get that beautiful wood flooring look. Thankfully, this allows you to achieve the style you desire no matter what your price point is. If you’re looking for a classic, timeless choice, you’ll probably want hardwood. But if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, you’ll probably want to select laminate or luxury vinyl flooring.
Tile is another flooring option you might want to consider. Tile can be designed to look like wood and is durable and waterproof. Overall, tile tends to be less expensive than hardwood and more expensive than laminate or luxury vinyl.
If you’re still having a hard time selecting the right flooring for your home, we hope you’ll come in to see us at Carpets America. We have so many flooring options to choose from. You can find a variety of choices in each of these categories, including different colors, grains and textures.
You can browse the store or ask one of our friendly sales associates for help. We’re happy to answer any of your questions and can help you narrow down your selection because we understand it can be overwhelming to find just the right flooring for your home.
And, when you’re ready for any other types of flooring, such as carpeting, tile or area rugs –– or even window treatments ––we can help you with that as well. We’re here for you during your home renovation adventures. We invite you to check out our website to learn more, or simply stop in and see us today.