Types of wooden flooring

Posted by Alcove Studio on November 6th, 2019

Types of wooden flooring:

1) Solid hardwood:

Solid hardwood is attractive, timeless and adds that visual appeal to a home or business, thereby appealing for potential buyers/tenants. Solid hardwood floor planks are made from a piece of wood which are usually 18-20mm thick and the boards are made with a tongue and groove that fit together which makes it easy during installation.

Certain floors will be harder than others, depending upon the species of the wood used. All types of wood have a hardness score, which indicates how easily they can be damaged by everyday wear and tear. The advantage of a hardwood floor is that it can be sanded and refinished several times to restore its beauty and freshness.

Solid wood floor swells in moist conditions and contracts as the area dries and therefore can alter the appearance of the floor which may cause problems. Solid wood flooring can amplify sound, so rugs are a good option if you have boards upstairs.

It’s tough to install because it has to be glued or nailed down. Fitting the individual boards together can be difficult because they change shape after they’ve been manufactured and they are costlier than other types of wood flooring.

Some of the different type of hardwood available:

• Maple
• Ash
• Mahogany
• Oak
• Rosewood
• Walnut
• Cherry
• Pine
• Hickory

2) Engineered hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring comes in a variety of styles and is made using three to four layers of wood glued together to create a thick plank. A real-wood veneer is applied to the top which means it can be sanded and refinished a certain number of times to remove signs of damage, wear and tear.

Engineered wood flooring is a more stable product than a piece of solid wood and is less prone to changes from temperature and humidity. It is more attractive than a laminate floor and less expensive than solid hardwood floors.

It’s sometimes available with a ‘click-and-lock’ installation, which doesn’t require any adhesive. Tongue-and-groove versions will need to be glued into place.

3) Laminate Flooring:

Laminate flooring is a compressed fibreboard plank, covered with a photographic image of wood grain, stone or tile pattern over it, with a protective overlay to prevent damage and add a finish to the flooring.

Laminate is a cost-effective option and a wide range of imitations of natural materials are available in the market. You can choose the click-lock designs as they are easy to install.

With all its positive qualities, even the best laminate won’t be able to match the look and feel of real wood floors. The joints wear considerably over time; the laminate is easily damaged by moisture and it is not easy to repair when damage sets in. If the laminate is not laid correctly, it will not be appealing to potential renters or buyers.

Alcove Studio provides architecture and interior design services. Our office is based in Mumbai, India.
We also provide our services in Thane.