No matter what room you walk into, if it has wooden floors, you'll feel the dominating presence of wooden floors in a room. It might be the gleaming, grand, majestic oak or the noise that demands attention as your shoes hit the hard floor - something about wooden flooring instantly attracts the gaze that other flooring types can't rival. What they can do, is get as close as possible to their life-like alternatives. There might not be the same shine or the same acoustic tones, but the exquisite finishes are as close as some people can afford to the real thing.

Alternatives To Wood Flooring Juniperphoton-zX4K9IfwSCM-unsplash

There are tons of options on the market, some of which we'll discuss below so you can decide which is the best option for your next flooring type.

Laminate



Laminate achieves the wood look on a budget. It's perfect for people who want to renovate their homes without having to invest – and it still comes with a beautiful aesthetic and professional finish. When installed correctly, the smooth-looking material creates the perfect surface in any room. Typically, oak laminate flooring is one of the most popular designs and has a high threshold for wear and tear. The layers of wood fibres pressed together to create a sturdy base and perhaps a more realistic wooden look than luxury vinyl tiles.

Engineered Plank Vinyl



Engineered plank vinyl flooring is the new kid on the block, turning heads with its affordable prices, waterproof perks, and the fact it looks almost identical to solid wood floors. It's similar to luxury vinyl tiles - we'll discuss those further along - but is also similar in design to engineered wood flooring. At the core is rigid fiberboard with a bottom layer of cork that's used for cushioning and helps with sound absorption - you won't hear dramatic high-heel sounds on engineered plank vinyl.

The main difference between engineered plank vinyl and luxury vinyl tiles is durability - engineered plank vinyl flooring lasts longer due to its stronger core.

Engineered Wood Flooring



Engineered wood flooring is the closest option to solid wood - it comprises real wood - but instead of using full wood planks, engineered wood flooring utilises other materials with a hardwood finish. The plywood core sits through the middle, creating a strong and durable material. Whereas a quality hardwood material is selected for the outermost layer, thus giving it an almost mirror image look as hardwood flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Tiles



Luxury vinyl tiles are your final option. Unlike the engineered version, these don't have a rigid fiberboard at the core; but that is still made of high-quality materials that create a luxury finish. The multiple layers of materials, typically five, mesh together to create a wood-like finish that people on a budget love. There's a big difference between great and terrible vinyl, so ensure you take samples before buying a roll.

There are tons of flooring alternatives to hardwood. The options above are some of the best on the market right now, with options to suit different budgets. Always be mindful to take testers of materials before buying enough to decorate an entire room; you must ensure the quality and material are right for you.

February 2023