Wood flooring is one of the most traditional types of flooring, having been used for centuries in homes and buildings all over the world. The lasting elegance of wood flooring is undeniable but if you are remodeling your home and are interested in installing wood flooring, you will quickly learn there are many different wood flooring options to consider. The different wood and wood-look flooring options are available in a huge range of styles, colors, sizes, and price points, and the various types each have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Below, we take a closer look at wood flooring options to consider for your remodel.

Wood Flooring Options for Your Home Remodel

● Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a timeless investment in your home that adds tremendous value and beauty. It has a warmer feel than tile and is relatively easy to clean. But, hardwood flooring does need to be routinely sealed to protect from moisture damage, scratches, and stains which means it requires more upkeep than some of its wood-look counterparts.

● Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is flooring manmade and composed of various wood products glued together to create a plank. Advancements in technology have made it so that some engineered wood products are virtually indistinguishable from hardwood flooring. Engineered wood flooring is much less expensive than hardwood flooring and can be used in moist locations like bathrooms more easily than hardwood. But, engineered wood damage cannot be as easily repaired as hardwood and you may have to completely replace a plank if the damage is bad enough. Cleaning is also a bit trickier than hardwood depending on the manufacturer.

● Wood Laminate

Wood laminate flooring is not new but it is also not anything like it used to be. Advances in technology and design have made it so there are many attractive wood laminate flooring options that even the most discerning taste would like. It is made of layers of particleboard wood then topped with an image of a hardwood and finished with a clear layer on top to protect the appearance. Wood laminate flooring is durable, less expensive than other options, and easy to install. Laminate is extremely susceptible to moisture damage so it cannot be installed in places like bathrooms and does not add as much value to your home in the long run.

How To Maintain Wood Floors?

Classic hardwood floors are a must-have for any interiors. It adds rich character and value to the living space no matter the decor. However, every season brings new problems for these flooring options. Since, rain, dirt, saltwater, and chlorine affect the condition and sheen of wood floors. Therefore, maintenance routine measures are vital to keeping the stunning look for living space. Homeowners can save up to thousands on repairing and refinishing necessities by following proper maintenance. Following the manufacture recommend maintenance routines also helps to preserve the looks of wooden floors for many years to come.

Cleaning Spills

People should clean liquid and food spills immediately using a damp cloth. These spills when overlooked will cause more damage over time. This dirt can cause the wood material to swell and shrink because of the moisture and humidity levels. The best way to avoid this is to clean up spills as soon as possible.

Furniture Pads

Scratches are the most common wood material damage. It is also the toughest problem because scratches are inevitable. However, people can prevent scratches by using furniture pads. It includes adding rubber pads to chairs, sofas, and tables to prevent them from damaging the surface.

Dusting

Homeowners should follow daily dusting for homes. Dust can form from anywhere. And it will settle into the grain and between floorboards. Especially, households with pets will suffer more from this problem, along with hygiene issue considerations. Hence, dusting protects the floorboard from any damage.

Vacuuming

Weekly vacuuming is significant to keep the home clean. It helps to remove any dirt or grime that are missed during the sweeping. People should invest in a good vacuuming machine with the necessary features. This investment helps to maintain the looks of flood boards for many years to come.

Warning Signs

As cited before, wood materials will dramatically react to different temperatures and humidity. People should understand the environment that surrounds their floor and red flags that prove vital. Eliminate too much moisture by stopping the main source of water. One helpful device is a humidifier that prevents gapping or cracking.