Types of Flooring Material – Flooring options have exploded in variety! From styles and finishes to installation methods, there’s something for everyone.
Innovation is blending the lines between traditional categories, and the materials used are mind-blowing – everything from recycled wine barrels to corn sugar!
This exciting competition translates to a big win for you, the consumer. With an astonishing array of choices, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your style and budget.
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So, what are the types of flooring material to choose? Let’s go digging in!
Table of Contents
Types of Flooring Material
1. Wood
Hardwood floors are a classic choice for a reason – they’re stunning and strong! Their natural beauty complements any décor, making them perfect for open floor plans where a seamless look is desired.
Hardwood comes in two main styles: strips (1.5-2.5 inches wide) and wider planks (4-8 inches). Popular domestic options include oak, maple, and black walnut.
Looking for something unique? Regional woods like pecan, chinquapin, and mesquite offer distinctive grain patterns, though they might be harder to find.
The good news is that prefinished hardwood benefits from cutting-edge technology.
Today’s finishes, often containing ceramic particles, aluminum oxide, or acrylics, create incredibly durable surfaces that can handle everyday wear and tear.
2. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood offers a clever combination of beauty and practicality. It features a real wood top layer for that classic look, but with a plywood or recycled wood fiber core for better stability.
This makes it less likely to warp or buckle due to temperature or humidity changes, unlike solid wood.
Engineered wood’s sturdiness makes it a great choice for areas like kitchens, basements, and even over radiant heating systems.
Installation is also flexible – you can nail it down, glue it down, or opt for the click-and-lock system that’s perfect for DIY projects.
These clickable planks or squares come in various styles and offer an advantage over solid wood in terms of ease of installation. And the price? Typically on par with solid wood flooring.
3. Bamboo
Bamboo flooring might fool you – it looks and feels like wood, but it’s actually a rapidly growing grass!
Similar to hardwood, bamboo comes in solid strips or engineered planks, made by gluing the bamboo strands together.
The price of bamboo flooring is comparable to its wood counterparts, both in terms of purchase and installation.
Looking for a specific look? Bamboo offers a variety of grain patterns: flat (showing the natural nodes), vertical (for a smooth, fine-grained look), and woven (with a unique, textured pattern).
On top of its good looks, bamboo is known for its durability. Plus, since bamboo is a fast-growing and easily renewable resource, it’s considered an eco-friendly flooring option.
4. Laminate
Laminate flooring might be your new best friend if you crave variety and a budget-friendly option.
It shares some similarities with engineered wood, boasting a stable core made of plywood or compressed fibers.
But instead of a real wood top layer, laminate features a photorealistic image covered with a protective plastic coating.
This technology is so advanced, it can mimic wood grains, stone textures, ceramic tiles, even stained concrete – all with impressive realism!
Laminate flooring comes in planks or tiles and is usually installed as a floating floor system. This means you can lay it directly over your existing subfloor, skipping the messy removal process.
No wonder it’s a popular DIY favorite! However, keep in mind that installing around corners and doorways requires some patience and skill to navigate those tricky spots.
5. Linoleum
Made from natural materials like linseed oil and cork, it’s biodegradable and doesn’t release harmful fumes. Plus, vibrant colors are achieved using mineral pigments.
Linoleum offers installation flexibility. You can choose sheets that require gluing down, or opt for pre-laminated planks or tiles that click together like a floating floor.
Some manufacturers include a protective layer for stain resistance and durability. If your linoleum doesn’t have this coating, plan on refinishing it every two years to maintain its beauty.
6. Cork
Harvested from cork oak trees every 8-10 years, cork is a renewable resource.
These trees can regenerate bark, and responsible cork-producing countries manage harvests for future sustainability.
Cork flooring offers warmth and comfort underfoot, with unique swirling and speckled patterns.
It comes in pre-finished tiles or planks with a layered construction. Installation options include gluing down or using a floating floor system.
To maintain its beauty and functionality, reseal cork flooring every few years. This refreshes the wear layer, protects against stains, and keeps moisture out.
Also, choose water-based, non-toxic polyurethane or wax for sealing to ensure a healthy environment.
7. Carpet
Carpeting offers unmatched richness in terms of color and texture. When it comes to choosing a carpet, a key factor to consider for durability is fiber density. The more fibers per square inch, the better the carpet will withstand wear and tear.
Typically, carpet is made by weaving fibers through a backing, with additional layers added for strength and thickness.
For increased comfort and carpet longevity, a carpet pad is usually recommended. However, indoor/outdoor carpets are built to handle the elements and typically don’t require a pad during installation.
There you go types of flooring material to choose!
