Wooden floors are environmentally friendly, durable, and stylish solutions for both residential and commercial establishments. There are many varieties of these squares, and each one of them has unique characteristics and internal design. Even industrial spaces with modern minimalism appreciate wooden flooring, as it brings cosiness and charm to any space. Another great aspect of these floors is how durable they are. With the proper care, these floors can last for many decades – thus being a great investment.
In this blog, we will explore the different types of wood flooring, discuss installation methods, offer maintenance tips, and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of wood flooring.
Different Types of Wood Flooring
Various types of wood flooring are available, each having its own advantages. Let’s look at some of the most appropriate options available:
1. Laminate Flooring
Laminate is produced by binding a fiberboard core that is laminated with a layer of photographic wood design on top. Laminate resembles real wood in looks, but the price is cheaper. Laminate is quite easy to install and clean; thus, it is one of the most popular choices for DIY projects. However, it is not as resistant as real wood, and conceals probable scratches, dents, and fading; therefore, refinishing is not an option when it wears out.
- Thickness: 6mm to 12mm
- Lifespan: 10-20 years, depending on the quality
2. Hardwood Flooring (Solid)
Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood planks, which are 18-22mm thick or more. It is one of the most robust floor coverings and can be sanded down to an extremely low thickness and re-finishing several times to remove scratches and bring back its luster. However, it is sensitive to moisture, since these would make it warp or swell.
- Thickness: 18mm – 22mm
- Ages: 50-100 years
3. Engineered Wood Flooring – Composite
Engineered wood is a more dimensionally stable counterpart to solid hardwood. It features a real wood top layer (lamella) bonded to plywood or HDF. Due to its design, engineered wood is less likely to expand or contract with changes in humidity. More importantly, it can be installed in areas where regular wood is unsuitable, including basements.
- Thickness: Top layer varies from 2mm up to 6mm
- Lifespan: 20-40 years
4. Parquet Flooring
Parquet flooring is made from small pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns like herringbone and basketweave. It adds an artistic touch to rooms, making it ideal for living rooms or entryways. Parquet can be crafted from different types of wood, allowing for a high level of customisation.
- Tile Size: 200mm x 200mm (approx.)
- Lifespan: 20-30 years
5. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is constructed from pressed bamboo stalks, thus it complies with the aspects of green building practices. Firm, water resistant and as well in weight, bamboo is quite difficult to scratch or dent. Bamboo being a green material, has been adopted in many contemporary structure.
- Thickness: 10mm to 15mm
- Lifespan: 20-25 years
6. Cork Flooring
Cork is one of the natural resources as it takes a pinched bark cork oak tree. It gives sotto, warm feeling while walking on it and also it is naturally resistant to mold and mildews. Cork flooring is ideal for areas where comfort and sound insulation are important, such as bedrooms or playrooms.
- Thickness: 4mm – 12mm
- Lifespan: 10-30 years
7. Walnut
Walnut is one of the darker-colored hardwood species, the grain of which runs straight. Walnut is softer than most of the other hardwoods and hence it is more prone to dents and scratches. For its luxurious appearance, walnut is much favoured for its high-end interiors.
- Hardness: 1,010 lbf (janka hardness rating)
- Lifespan: 50-100 years
8. Oak
Oak is a very common choice in wood flooring applications due to its hardness and ease of supply. There are two kinds of oak wood: red oak and white oak. The red oak has a tinge tone of red, while the white oak is not tinted. Eigenschaften von Holzparkett, designböden und naturholzböden. Wood packed with oak timber is highly resistant to decay and breakage. It can also be sanded and refinished several times over the years.
- Hardness: Red Oak 1,290 lbf; White Oak 1,360 lbf
- Lifespan: 50-100 years
9. Pine
It is a softwood with knots and grains that give it that rustic look. Pine is cheaper compared to hardwood but, since it is softer, dents and scratches show more clearly.
- Brinell hardness: 380-870 lbf (depending on species)
- Lifespan: 20-50 years
Installation and Maintenance of Wood Flooring
Installation
There are a couple of ways to install wood flooring:
- Nail Down: This method involves nailing or stapling solid hardwood planks directly to the subfloor. It provides a strong and stable bond, but it’s mainly used for hardwood floors installed over wood subfloors and requires professional tools.
- Glue Down: This technique is used for engineered wood and parquet flooring. Planks are glued to the subfloor, offering a secure hold and reducing noise. It’s ideal for concrete subfloors and helps create a smooth, seamless surface.
- Floating: Common for laminate and engineered wood, floating floors snap together without nails or glue. The planks sit above the subfloor, making installation quicker and easier while still allowing the floor to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Maintenance
To keep the wood floors at their best:
- Regular sweeping helps to eliminate dirt and grit that may scratch the surface.
- Mop with a wet but not soaking wet cloth to clean off spills and stains.
- Use furniture pads when moving furniture to avoid scratches.
- Refinishing replenishes solid wood every 7 to 10 years with regain of luster and removal of surface damage.
Things to Consider When Selecting Wood Flooring
Advantages:
- Durability: One must take into consideration the hardness of the wood. Hardwoods, like oak and maple, are tougher whereas softwoods, like pine, easily get worn and torn.
- Moisture Resistance: Engineered wood is more moisture-resistant than solid wood; these are suitable for moisture-prone areas while mixing, such as kitchens or basements.
- Aesthetic: Each type of wood has a different range of colours or styles in grain, so choose according to your style.
- Budget: Laminate and engineered wood are significantly cheaper compared to solid hardwood.
- Climate: Engineered wood is less likely to expand or contract due to humidity changes compared to solid wood.
Disadvantages
- Cost: The cost of solid hardwood is higher, because of the installation costs.
- Humidity Sensitivity: Wood tends to warp or swell in highly humid locations.
- Scratches and dents: Softwoods, such as pine, are more susceptible to scratch marks and dents.
- Regular Care: The nature of the wood floors dictates that one cleans them regularly and sometimes even finishes them again.
Conclusion
flooring is classic and versatile, meaning it is suitable for use in either a house or an office. From solid hardwood to laminate and engineered varieties, there is a type of wood flooring to suit every area and budget. Each one has a different set of pros and cons; nevertheless, with proper care, all types of wood floors can bear up to the test of time. Whether one is drawn to the natural beauty of an oak or even to simply the eco-friendly bamboo, wood flooring adds value and character to any space.