Hardwood is the top choice of flooring material for most contemporary homeowners, and for all the right reasons. Its unmatched durability and classy appeal significantly contribute to its popularity. However, hardwood flooring can be costly and often difficult to maintain, thereby making it difficult to incorporate into your space if you are on a tight budget. But, wait! Do not give up on the idea yet! Read on to find out some alternatives you can use in place of hardwood flooring for a similar appeal without burning a hole in your pocket.
See also: How to maintain hardwood floors?
Laminate flooring
With options ranging from natural wood patterns to stone, laminate can closely initiate the look of wood using the revolutionary photographic printing technology. Key features include scratch-resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic areas, but preferably away from humid areas. It can be easily installed as a floating floor above your existing flooring, making it a popular DIY option if you are trying to save a little extra on the installation. Living rooms, bedrooms and offices can benefit from this flooring option.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP)
LVP closely resembles wood or stone in appearance and its plank structure only adds to the realistic appeal. Its exceptional water- and wear-resistance makes it an excellent choice for humid or wet environments. Available in easy-to-install options like click-and-lock and glue-down, it is ideal for DIYers or professionals who are looking for a manageable installation process. Any high-moisture areas, such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements, can benefit from this option.
Engineered wood
The combination of real hardwood veneer in the top layer with a plywood core can easily provide you the appeal of hardwood floors at a much lower price. Due to the layered construction, it displays greater moisture-resistance than solid wood, if not entirely waterproof. Depending on the type, it can be nailed, stapled, glued or installed as a floating floor. Use it in living rooms, bedrooms, and areas that demand the look of hardwood as well as moisture resistance.
Bamboo flooring
While appearing similar to regular wood, bamboo is preferred in home decor for its unique grain pattern. Being harder than most hardwoods, it offers superior durability and environmental sustainability, albeit being prone to expansion and warping due to exposure to high moisture. Installation procedure is not much different from hardwood, with options for gluing, nailing or floating installation. It is recommended for use in living spaces and bedrooms that are away from dampness.
Cork flooring
The warm, natural look of cork combined with wide availability of textures and colours makes it a popular alternative to hardwood flooring. If you are looking for a softer and warmer underfoot, this is the one for you. However, do keep in mind that it is prone to dents and scratches and tends to expand and contract with humidity. Available in tile and plank forms, it can either be glued down or installed as a floating floor. Incorporate it in places like bedrooms and playrooms, where comfort and sound absorption are priorities.
Ceramic or porcelain tile
This flooring option is available in wood-look varieties as well as in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes. Incredibly durable and waterproof, it is perfect for high-traffic and high-humidity areas. However, it is important to consider that tiles generally call for greater skill and time consumption during the installation process, especially during grouting and sealing. This can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms and entryways.
Concrete flooring
If a modern, industrial look is what you desire, concrete flooring should be your go-to. Moreover, it can also be polished, stained or painted to achieve the aesthetic of your choice. Not only is it extremely durable but also has minimal maintenance requirements. The underfoot can be cold and hard and the installation tedious, requiring pouring and sealing by professionals. It is generally used in basements, garages and contemporary spaces.
Carpet tiles
Carpet tiles offer a versatile flooring option when it comes to design as it is available in various textures, colour and patterns. They provide a soft underfoot but require regular cleaning. Additionally, they are super easy to uninstall using simple adhesive and as easy to replace. Areas like bedrooms and offices where warmth and comfort are desirable, carpet tiles admirably fit the bill.
Rubber flooring
Offering a more commercial or gum-like appearance, rubber for flooring purposes is available in a wide range of colours. Key properties include water-resistant, durability, softness and the ability to absorb shock. The material is available as tiles or rolls and can be easily installed with adhesive. It is recommended for use in basements, gyms, playrooms and garages.
Terrazzo flooring
The distinctive spectacled look of terrazzo is achieved by embedding marble, quartz, glass or other materials in concrete or epoxy. It is incredibly durable, scratch resistant and water resistant and can last for decades when maintained properly. The installation process requires professional intervention as it involves setting the materials and polishing the surface. In spaces like entryways, kitchens and bathrooms where you desire a statement floor with a colourful, artistic appearance, terrazzo can be the perfect addition.
FAQs
Are hardwood alternatives as durable as real wood?
Alternatives like luxury vinyl plank, engineered wood and ceramic tiles offer high durability and can even outperform hardwood floors in criteria like scratch and water resistance.
Can the alternative flooring options increase my home’s value?
Some alternatives can increase the home's value as potential buyers often desire durable and low-maintenance options that imitate the look of real wood.
What should I use instead of hardwood in moisture-prone areas?
High-moisture areas can benefit from alternatives like LVP, ceramic or porcelain tile and concrete and these materials don’t warp or swell in exposure to moisture.
How do alternatives to hardwood compare in terms of maintenance?
While LVP, tile and concrete fare well with minimal maintenance, laminate and bamboo might need extra protection from moisture. Carpet tiles require regular vacuuming and deep cleaning.
Are hardwood alternatives eco-friendly?
Options like bamboo and cork flooring are sourced from renewable materials. Engineered wood is relatively more sustainable as it uses less solid wood in its construction.
Is it possible to install these alternatives on my own?
Several options like LVP, laminate and carpet tiles are designed with DIY installation in mind. However, installing tile and concrete generally require technical expertise.
Do alternatives have the same appeal as real wood?
Modern manufacturing techniques can make alternatives like LVP, engineered wood and laminate closely resemble real hardwood with realistic textures and grain patterns.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
