The popularity of using wooden flooring has grown among homeowners today. Wood is both functional and aesthetic when it comes to home flooring designs. Additionally, wooden flooring can blend with modern, traditional or contemporary designs, so you don’t have to redesign your whole house when you decide to put wooden flooring. These are a few of the benefits of using wooden floors in your home. However, if this is your first time considering wooden floors, there is a lot you need to know first.
Types of wooden floors
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Hardwood or solid hardwood floors
Solid hardwood is the most preferred type of wooden flooring among homeowners and tenants. It is said that installing a hardwood floor can increase the value of your home and attract potential buyers or tenants. Hardwood floors are durable and can be refinished from time to time to improve its appearance.
Depending on the type of wood you choose, hardwood floors differ in their strength or hardness. Some hardwoods are also prone to more damage than others. For example, a floor made out of walnut can change in appearance because the wood is sensitive to light. There are two main ways to install solid hardwood floors. You can either glue the planks or nail them down.
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Engineered hardwood
Engineered wood or structural wood is made by sticking various types of woods together to create a thick plank. It comes in a variety of styles and is more affordable than hardwood floors. The most recommended type of engineered wood is structural pine timber. Structural pine timber is durable and water-resistant so that you can use this type of flooring in your basement.
It is also a more stable product than solid hardwood because it is many pieces stuck together. A real wood veneer is applied on engineered hardwood so like hardwood floors you can refinish it several times to change the look of your floors. Engineered wood can be installed through click-and-lock installation or tongue- and- groove method where you will need glue.
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Laminate wood flooring
This is the most affordable type of wood flooring compared to the rest. Laminate wood is also known as floating wood and is made from a synthetic material that imitates the appearance of real wood. The material is then laminated to prevent potential damage and to add a finish to the product.
Laminated wood comes in a variety of styles that resemble wood grain, stone, or tiles. The easiest to install is the click-and-lock design type. However, when laminate wood is not installed correctly, it can damage easily, leading to unprecedented costs. Although it is widely used, you cannot compare the quality of laminated wood cannot be compared to that of hardwood or engineered wood.
You can install Laminate and engineered wood flooring can be installed in all areas of the house. Solid hardwood is best for the living area, dining room and hallways where it is less prone to moisture damage. Although wooden flooring is one of the best floor designs, it has some disadvantages. They are expensive, get scratched easily, require regular maintenance and are prone to water or moisture damage. If you are still having a hard time deciding, you can always consult an expert at Bone Timber for assistance.
