Updating the flooring in your home is an exciting renovation that will breathe new life into your property. Whether you have a clear image in your mind of the look you want to achieve, or you’re considering your options; the abundance of available floors can be overwhelming.
We’ve broken down some of the key differences between available floor types to help make your decision a little easier.
Laminate Flooring
Chances are, you’re no stranger to laminate flooring. This versatile flooring is one of the most popular choices for many households as it comes in a range of styles and is easy to maintain.
Laminate flooring has a photographic layer that depicts natural wood or stone, offering homeowners a multitude of styles to match their chosen aesthetic.
Laminate flooring is also covered by a transparent and scratch-resistant protective coating, which boosts durability. The back of the flooring is made from HDF (high density fibreboard) which is designed to prevent dents and wear to your floor.
If you’re looking for a wood-effect floor for your bathroom, laminate is a great choice as it skillfully resists moisture and temperature changes – keeping your flooring flat and pristine!
Many types of laminate flooring are compatible with underfloor heating too, which is ideal if you’re looking for a little extra luxury in your life.
LVTs
Luxury Vinyl Tiles are a durable choice for the home. Made from vinyl and backed with a layer of strong, stone-based material; LVTs are extremely hard-wearing and suitable for a range of households.
One of the biggest benefits of vinyl flooring is that it’s cheaper to produce than many other floors and this is reflected in the cost of the product, making it a much more budget-friendly option. LVTs are also more straightforward to install, meaning you can skip the professional fitter and save on the cost of installation too!
LVTs boast insulating qualities which can add warmth to your home, and help cut down on those energy bills, without having to compromise on the style you want. The tile can be made to look like wood or stone, so you can get the aesthetic of natural materials for a fraction of the cost.
Thanks to the durable nature of vinyl products, LVTs are suitable for pretty much anywhere in your home!
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is made with a top-layer of solid wood veneer to give the appearance of a solid wood floor. Unlike solid wood flooring, however, engineered wood is made up of layers of softwood, plywood or high-density fibreboard which increases its durability.
Engineered wood flooring is cheaper than solid wood flooring, allowing you to create a luxurious aesthetic at a fraction of the cost. This type of flooring is also suitable in areas that couldn’t accommodate solid wood flooring, as it is less susceptible to warping due to the way the wood has been treated.
Engineered wood flooring is another great choice if you’re a DIYer looking to install your own floor.
Solid Wood Flooring
A solid or real wood floor makes a luxurious statement in any home. The natural wood brings elements of the outdoors inside the home, creating a harmonious effect.
Made from a single piece of timber that is kiln or air dried before sawing, the manufacturing process is meticulously controlled to ensure the moisture content is correct.
As only 100% real wood is used, your flooring can be sanded down and refinished many times. So, although solid wood flooring can feel like a lifetime commitment, it can be adapted and updated to meet the ongoing style changes of your home.
Solid wood flooring will likely be in your home longer than you will, and will make an excellent selling point when it comes time to move on – and may even raise the value of your home! If you’re looking for top-of-the-line flooring, real wood is the obvious choice.
How to Choose the Right Flooring for You
Changing your flooring is a big commitment, so if you’re unsure about which direction to go in it’s important to do your research. Make sure to consider things like how children or pets might impact wear and tear and search for products that correlate with your needs.
Many retailers offer free samples so you can look at the types of flooring in your home and test their durability.