An Overview of Wood Flooring Options

At one time (not too long ago), wood floors were very common.  Then carpets and vinyl swept onto the scene, and those beautiful wood floors were all covered up or pulled out.  But as often happens, the wood floors that had fallen out of fashion are now back in style.  Homes built or remodeled today often feature some type of wood flooring, but a much larger selection is now available.  Keep reading for an overview of common wood flooring options.

Hardwood Flooring

With their combination of durability and beauty, hardwood floors are a popular choice.  Ash, oak, and maple are three common hardwoods, each of which offers its own distinct look.  These resilient wood floors will last many years, resisting scratching and scuffing quite well.  When these floors do start to show wear, they can easily be refinished to their original state.  In short, hardwood floors make a great investment.

Softwood Flooring

If you can’t find a hardwood that suits your tastes, you can also choose softwood flooring.  Some popular softwoods that are used as flooring include birch, fir, and pine.  As you can probably tell from the name, softwood is not as tough and durable as hardwoods.  It is harder to keep softwoods from being nicked and scratched.  However, if you take care of your softwoods, they can be a lasting asset in your home.

Bamboo Flooring

A current trend in wood flooring is floors made from bamboo.  Surprisingly, bamboo is even more durable than traditional hardwood floors.  Many consumers also appreciate the fact that bamboo is environmentally friendly.  It is made from sustainable materials of fast-growing bamboo plants, rather than the slow-growing trees used to make hardwood or softwood floors.

Engineered Wood

While the wood floors we’ve discussed so far are all made from solid wood, engineered wood floors are made with just a veneer of wood on the top.  Underneath the veneer is a layer of plywood.  Usually, these type of floors do not wear as well as other options, and they typically can only be refinished once.  However, because they do not use as much real wood, they are often a more cost-effective choice.

Laminate

A final option that is technically not a wood floor, but looks like wood, is laminate.  While its quality may not quite compare to the beauty of real wood, laminate does a great imitation.  And it has some other characteristics that make it very appealing.  It is less expensive than real wood floors and is easy to install.  It is also very durable and holds up well even under tough conditions.

If you are looking to install a wood (or wood-like) floor, you have plenty of choices.  Just consider your situation and what is important to you as you investigate the options more fully.  Remember too that Langenwalter can clean your wood floor, regardless of the type.  Our experts can safely bring new life to floors that have become dull and dirty.  Schedule online or call us today at 876-9944.