Sleek, elegant wood floorings best exemplify the fusion of nature and style. They bring a classy flair to any home and can elevate a space’s look with their earthy colours and textures. We will shed light on various types of wood flooring, their aesthetics and care requirements to choose the best option for your home.
Types of Wood Flooring
1. Solid Hardwood Flooring
These look stunning and traditional with their natural charm. Solid hardwood floors are made from pieces of wood and can last for generations if aptly cared for.
Aesthetics
Solid hardwood floorings come in a distinct variety of natural grain patterns, tones, and textures based on the species of wood. Common options are oak, cherry, and maple, each with a unique shade and grain pattern.
Care
You should sweep wood flooring daily and mop once or twice a week with a wooden cleaner. Use less water and make sure that direct sunlight doesn’t hit the floor to avoid fading or warping. Occasional refinishing works well to restore their natural lustre.
2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring
It is a stabler and multi-purpose substitute for wood flooring. Engineered hardwood comprises a thin layer of hardwood pasted over a premium-quality plywood core.
Aesthetics
This material resembles solid wood but has more variety in installation patterns. Engineered hardwood flooring comes in innumerable wood species, plank sizes and finishes.
Care
Just like wood floors, engineered hardwood floorings need sweeping and sporadic mopping. They can better withstand climate changes and water, making them ideal to use over concrete subfloors and in basements. But, you can refinish engineered floors only a limited number of times.
3. Bamboo Flooring
Made from bamboo plants, Bamboo floors are a strong and sustainable type of flooring. Conventional wood flooring could be better for the environment which places Bamboo flooring at an advantage as a more climate-friendly option.
Aesthetics
Bamboo floors look neat, and stylish with a sleek texture and shade. They typically come in natural, stained, and carbonized finishes, each supplying a distinctive charm.
Care
Bamboo is comparatively more maintainable than other types of flooring. Daily mopping and sweeping with a non-alkaline, non-wax, bamboo or hardwood floor cleanser will keep it maintained. Ensure it doesn’t stay moist or wet for long periods.
4. Cork Flooring
Sourced from the bark of cork oak trees, Cork flooring is another environment-friendly type of flooring. It is a comfortable, relatively warm option that blocks noise.
Aesthetics
It feels unique, a little springy, and plush. Cork floors boast patterns of haphazard speckles and swirls naturally. You can get it in its natural appearance or stained as planks or tiles.
Care
You should sweep cork flooring daily and wipe water instantly after spilling to avoid blemishing. Also, don’t drag furniture and place felt pads under heavy furniture. You can seal it too for extra safety against wear and moisture.
5. Exotic Hardwood Flooring
Sourced from around the world, exotic hardwood features a unique and bold appearance. Exotic hardwood flooring comes in distinctive grain patterns and shades such as Brazilian cherry, tigerwood and teak.
Aesthetics
This type of flooring looks different due to its conspicuous hues and evident grain patterns. Exotic hardwood floorings come in comparatively warmer, stronger shades than simple hardwoods.
Care
You need to follow the same care tips for exotic hardwoods as for domestic hardwoods. Use curtains and blinds to reduce colour fading due to sunlight. We recommend daily sweeping and sporadic wet mopping with an appropriate cleaner.
6. Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Made from repurposed wood, this wood flooring type adds a flair of past and elegance to your residence. Reclaimed wood flooring is an eco-friendly option because it is created with recycled old wooden structures.
Aesthetics
They boast rustic appeal and unique patinas. Reclaimed wood flooring typically has marks of its past life, such as saw marks and nail holes, increasing its allure.
Care
You need to mindfully clean reclaimed wood to maintain its vintage appearance. Use mild cleaners and less water. Avoid harsh brushes and chemicals not meant for aged wood.
Conclusion
Different types of wood floorings feature their distinctive elegance and care requirements. Whether you adore the conventional beauty of solid hardwood, are inspired by the sustainable nature of cork and bamboo or the exotic charm of rare woods, there’s an option to cater to each preference.
Also Read:
The Comprehensive Guide to Flooring & Accessories Types
