Explore Wood Flooring Options & Installation
Few flooring materials offer the natural beauty of wood. The features and prices of wood flooring can vary significantly depending on the type of wood that homeowners choose.
Buyers who want low prices for hardwood floors should consider domestic wood types like:
- Cherry
- Maple
- Oak
- Ash
- Walnut
Exotic species like Brazilian cherry and Brazilian walnut tend to have higher prices, but they offer interesting qualities that aren’t usually found in American homes.
Since wood absorbs water easily, it isn’t the best option for bathrooms and other areas that experience moisture. Over time, exposure to water will warp the boards.
- Nailing
- Stapling
- Gluing
- Locking
Nailing hardwood floor involves driving a nail through the wood plank into the subfloor. Stapling uses a similar technique, but it replaces nails with staples. Gluing allows installers to place wood boards without marring the flooring surface.
Locking has become one of the most popular installation options for homeowners. The process, however, only works for hardwood planks that have been designed to fit together. Locking installation doesn’t require any tools since the boards fit together to create a seamless surface.
Popular Vinyl Categories
Many homeowners like vinyl flooring because it has a low price and mimics the appearance of wood, stone and other popular materials. Vinyl floors are also extremely durable and easy to clean, which makes them a convenient option for busy families.
Vinyl flooring comes in three major categories:
Manufacturers design plank vinyl flooring to mimic the look of hardwood floors. Homeowners who choose vinyl flooring over hardwood benefit from
lower prices and more durability.
Tile vinyl flooring comes in individual squares that are relatively easy to install. Companies manufacture this vinyl flooring option to look like natural tile.
Sheet vinyl flooring creates a nearly impenetrable barrier that works well in bathrooms and kitchens. A roll of vinyl flooring, however, measures from six to 12 feet wide. If the flooring gets damaged, homeowners have to replace the entire section, which some people find tedious.
The Different Types of Stone Flooring
Stone flooring is made from a wide range of materials. The type of material used affects what the stone flooring looks like. The material also dictates how much the flooring options cost.
Common types of stone flooring include those made from:
- Granite
- Limestone
- Marble
- Slate
- Travertine
Given how many
types of flooring people can install in their homes, it makes sense to learn about as many options as possible. One of the above flooring materials and styles should fit the needs of any home or office.