Wood-look Alternatives

Are you a homeowner or future homebuyer wanting the look of hardwood floors, but don’t think you can afford it? You’re not alone! Hardwood flooring is one of the more expensive flooring options; however, it is a long-term investment in your home. If you still find that investing in hardwood floors is out of question for your home, there are alternative flooring options that won’t break the bank and give you the wood look you desire. In this article, we’ll compare the four main types of alternative flooring: luxury vinyl planks, ceramic or porcelain tiles, linoleum and laminate. 

Luxury Vinyl Planks

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a new type of flooring that gives you the appearance of hardwood floors with the texture and design of real wood, but offers the advantages and lower cost of vinyl planks. LVP is constructed in layers – the base layer being PVC for stability, the core layer being layers of wood fiber glued together, the top layer being vinyl to provide the appearance and texture of real wood, and finally, the outer layer being a protective coating to prevent wear and tear. 

LVP offers many benefits over hardwood flooring and is one of the best alternatives to traditional hardwoods. While it may not be solid wood, it does have the texture and appearance of hardwoods. It is also budget-friendly, especially when installing in large portions of your home. LVP is designed to be strong and durable as well as scratch resistant and water resistant. 

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are safe against water damage and are proven to be very durable against stains and scratches. Most tile flooring is designed to look and feel like wood planks – however, the difference is obvious that it’s tile and not wood. The installation process is very different from that of hardwood flooring and it is not recommended to install tile flooring yourself.

Linoleum

Linoleum is an alternative type of flooring consisting of all-natural materials fused together to create a durable plank. It tends to be a cheaper flooring option and comes in a variety of textures and patterns to imitate real wood. Because of its nature, linoleum must be sealed when it’s installed and resealed periodically to help protect it against potential water damage. Laminate floors are typically installed as individual planks or as a glue-on sheet. It can be easy to install and clean. 

Laminate

Laminate floors are a lower cost, look-alike alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. These floors are called “laminate” because they consist of multiple different wood particle layers that are fused together via a lamination process. Each laminate board is designed to mimic wood textures and is sealed with a clear protective layer. A lot of people are opting for laminate flooring because it costs less, is easy to clean and maintain, and is durable.

Every home and lifestyle is different, so it’s important to weigh out the pros and cons of each type of flooring to determine what the best flooring option is for you. If you need help, give us a call at Zack Hardwood Flooring.