Luxury solid wood flooring is tough to compete with. When you walk into a room finished with impressive oak floors there is a sense of grandeur and opulence that will make any homeowner envious.
However, solid wood flooring comes with a price tag that can be as impressive as the finish itself. As it’s not suitable for every budget, or environment, we’ve taken a look at some of the best alternatives – so you can get your own taste of luxury without breaking the bank.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is an incredibly popular choice for homeowners and can be used to successfully create the impression of solid wood.
Laminate consists of a visible photographic layer depicting natural wood, which is protected by a transparent, scratch-resistant coating. It is also reinforced by a high-performance back layer which prevents your floor from warping.
The materials used to create laminate flooring are cheaper than those used for solid wood flooring, making the product itself more budget-friendly. In addition, laminate is significantly cheaper to install than solid wood.
If you’re a keen DIYer you can install laminate flooring yourself, and whittle down the cost of your flooring transformation even further! Although it does take a certain knack to get it looking perfect, there are no specialist skills needed to install laminate – meaning anyone with a can-do attitude and the right instructions can do it themselves.
Another benefit of laminate flooring is the variety of designs. Unlike solid wood, you can achieve a variety of effects without requiring specific materials to do so. For example, you’ll find an abundance of unusual wood-effect flooring, such as grey and white finishes.
Pricing for laminate does vary and you’ll typically pay more for thicker, more durable planks. Likewise, some designs will cost more than others.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is a great option for those looking to replicate solid wood flooring in their homes. Although a more expensive option than laminate, engineered wood has a top layer of solid wood veneer which makes it a more authentic alternative.
Engineered wood flooring is also great for areas of the house where solid wood flooring wouldn’t normally be appropriate, such as the conservatory or kitchen. These areas can be tough on solid wood, but the manufacturing of engineered wood means it withstands environmental changes like temperature and humidity better, leaving it less likely to warp.
The high-quality products used in creating engineered wood flooring do bump up the cost in comparison to other alternatives, but it is definitely the option that creates the most genuine replication of solid wood.
You will also find that there is a broad range of pricing across engineered wood flooring options, with more intricate designs costing more. So, depending on what you’re looking for, it may not be the most affordable option.
LVTs
We’ve previously discussed how luxury vinyl tiles can be a great alternative to solid wood flooring. However, we couldn’t write an article on solid wood alternatives without mentioning it again!
The versatility boasted by LVTs makes them a popular choice in many households. As the tiles are printed with a pattern, there is an almost endless variety of styles to choose from, including many which replicate the effect of solid wood.
LVTs also benefit from insulating qualities that can keep rooms warmer and bring down energy bills, something that is always worth considering in this climate. They also offer some of the cheapest flooring options on the market, without skimping on quality.
The stone layer of backing on these flooring types provides a high level of durability and because they aren’t made of wood they aren’t affected by temperature changes. Waterproof versions of these tiles also make an excellent choice for bathrooms.
Picking Flooring For Your Home
As you can see, there are numerous options available to recreate the effect of solid wood flooring in your home.
However, if solid wood flooring is what your heart truly desires then it may be worth taking the time to save for your dream floor. Solid wood flooring will stand the test of time when it comes to both style and wearability, and it may even add value to your property too.
