There is nothing more beautiful, modern and durable than wooden floors. You can find it in light and dark tones, making homes warmer and more welcoming. There are different types of wooden floors with their characteristics since they are designed for other projects or spaces in the house. Therefore, you must know each of its qualities to choose the type of floor that best suits your needs.
- Types
- Cleaning
- Maintenance
- Facility
- How to choose them
- Frequent questions
Types of hardwood floors
Wood floors are characterized by being timeless and durable and for their diversity in their designs. For example, you can find solid wood, engineered wood, laminated wood and bamboo; each has its qualities and attributes, which make them be chosen depending on the area or project.
Solid wood floors
They are made from a single piece of wood, which can be oak, hemlock, or pine. The solid wood floor is characterized by its wide thickness, which ranges from 16mm to 20mm, and its high durability; Well, with proper care and maintenance, solid wood can last up to 75 years; making this type of flooring one of the most durable and long-lived on the market.
Fun fact: Solid wood can be restored by sanding or polishing the material’s surface.
Where to install solid wood floors?
Solid wood is perfect for spaces prone to high traffic; and, of course, where they can be displayed, such as corridors and living or living rooms.
Tip: Since solid wood does not have waterproofing characteristics, try not to install the flooring in areas prone to moisture.
Advantages of solid wood floors
- Durability: Thanks to the thickness of the piece, the material can be sanded or polished to restore the floor, giving it high durability.
- Design: Being made entirely of wood, you can find diversity in its tones and textures, depending on the wood species.
- Environmentally friendly: Solid wood floors are made from 100% biodegradable materials that come from nature.
Disadvantages of solid wood floors
- Impermeability: Since solid wood lacks waterproofing properties, It is a material susceptible to water or humidity leaks, which can cause irreparable damage to your floors.
- Installation: Its installation process is usually somewhat complex since it requires special tools and glueing and nailing methods.
- Versatility: Solid wood tends to deform when exposed to different climatic changes.
Engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring is made in layers of plywood. The top layer is usually natural wood, which gives the table strength and stability, making them the ideal flooring for areas prone to moisture or temperature changes. Engineered wood has a state-of-the-art installation system, snap or click type, making this apartment one of the favourites for owners.
Where to install engineered wood flooring?
Engineered wood floors are usually installed in living rooms, bedrooms, guest rooms or kitchens; these areas do not have high humidity levels and are not prone to spills or splashes.
Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring
- Comfort: Engineered wood is an excellent thermal insulator, which allows for preserving the warmth of the environment.
- Installation: Its installation process is relatively easy since it does not require special tools or experience; Well, engineered wood has a click or lace-type installation system.
- Versatility: Being manufactured in layers, engineered wood has excellent stability and firmness, allowing it to be installed in different areas.
- Durability: Engineered wood floors are characterized by their thickness, quality and resistance, allowing them to obtain high levels of durability.
Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Floors
- Discolouration: The tone of engineered wood can be affected by being exposed to the sun’s rays for long periods, distorting the uniformity of the floor.
- Impermeability: Being made up of different layers of wood, the material is susceptible to damage caused by leaks or spills if exposed for a long time.
- Laminate flooring
- Laminates are unique in their style; they are composed of layers based on pressed wood, covered by a photographic film capable of resembling almost any element of nature, regardless of texture or design.
- Curious fact: Thanks to its snap-on or click-type installation system and its protective layer, the laminates have a specific resistance to humidity for short periods.
Where to install laminate flooring?
Laminates are ideal for all residential and commercial areas, capable of withstanding light, heavy and heavy traffic, depending on their classification.
Residential use (AC1 – AC3): Rooms, bedrooms, studies, dining rooms, living rooms, corridors and offices.
Commercial use (AC4 – AC6): Offices, cafes, clothing stores, restaurants, showrooms, schools, supermarkets and terminals.
Tip: Certain laminates have waterproofing properties inside their core, making them ideal floors for areas susceptible to splashes and spills, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Advantages of laminate flooring
- Installation: Laminate floors have a state-of-the-art installation system (click or snap type), which facilitates its assembly process, making it faster and easier.
- Water resistance: Because its core has waterproofing properties, the laminates prevent water seepage for short periods.
- Design: Since the laminates have a decorative film on their surface, they can resemble different materials present in nature, be it stone, wood, metal or marble.
Disadvantages of laminate flooring
- Impermeability: Since a laminate is obtained from a mixture of wood and recycled materials, water and moisture can seep in when exposed for a considerable period.
- Versatility: Due to its wood composition, laminates lack waterproof properties, making it challenging to install the material in areas prone to water or humidity, such as bathrooms, kitchens or basements.
- Acoustics: A perfect installation and an anti-acoustic base are fundamental factors that will neutralize the hollow and empty sounds of the floor.
Bamboo floors
This type of floor is obtained by compressing the crushed bamboo into sheets, which are later cut into boards, giving rise to bamboo floors; Although bamboo is not technically a wood, it shares many of its characteristics, as they have durable and waterproof properties.
Fun fact: Because bamboo is a fast-growing plant, raw flooring material is available in staggering quantities, positively impacting the environment.
Where to install bamboo floors?
The bamboo floor is the perfect complement for each home area; we have bedrooms, corridors, living rooms, studies and dining rooms.
Tip: Although bamboo floors indeed have some resistance to humidity, it is preferable to avoid them in areas prone to spills or splashes, such as kitchens or bathrooms.
Advantages of bamboo floors
- Eco-friendly: A product made from natural vegetation is a sustainable resource and 100% biodegradable.
- Water resistance: Since bamboo is made up of layers and is natural grass, the floor has some resistance to moisture in its upper and lower layers.
- Durability: Because bamboo floors have different types of finishes and 100% cured solids, they can resist abrasion, high temperatures and wear.
Disadvantages of bamboo floors
- Waterproofing: Bamboo floors are not 100% waterproof; since being manufactured from natural herbs, they are prone to absorbing water or liquids, so the excess of some substance could become a problem.
- Hardness: Bamboo tends to weaken after being subjected to manufacturing processes, making the floor softer and prone to scratches, dents and surface warping.
Imitation wood tiles
A perfect alternative for areas prone to spills or splashes, the tiles prevent the accumulation and filtration of moisture due to their composition and installation system. And as if that were not enough, they are hypoallergenic… Wooow
Where to install imitation wood tiles?
Thanks to its resistant and waterproof properties; imitation wood tiles are ideal for areas prone to humidity and high traffic, allowing them to be installed in any location regardless of the conditions; such as Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, bedrooms, living rooms, dens, dining rooms, hallways, porches, patios, or garages.
Advantages of imitation wood tiles
- Impermeability: Thanks to its high resistance and low absorption levels, imitation wood tiles are perfect for environments susceptible to excess water.
- Maintenance: Since ceramics do not retain dirt or external agents, it will only be enough to sweep and mop regularly to keep your tiles looking new.
- Resistance: Being a coating and a compact material, imitation wood tiles can resist scratches, abrasion, stains, humidity and high temperatures, which could prolong their useful life by up to 35 years.
Disadvantages of imitation wood tiles
- Acoustics: Since it is a material that does not have sound-absorbing properties, it can generate annoying noises when walking.
- Installation: Due to its level of complexity, it will require the support of a professional to complete your project correctly.
- Comfort: Composed of high-density materials, wood-look tiles are often complicated and cold underfoot.
Cork floors
Cork comes from the periodic extraction of the bark of trees, so it is made up of 100% natural materials, which are crushed and compressed, forming sheets or boards.
Fun fact: Since its raw material comes from nature, cork floors are 100% biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Where to install cork floors?
Cork floors are characterized by their soft surface, making them a pretty comfortable option underfoot, making them ideal for playrooms and children’s rooms.
Tip: Refrain from installing cork in areas prone to high humidity levels, such as bathrooms, as they could tend to discolour or deform, causing irreparable damage.
Advantages of cork floors
- Hypoallergenic: They do not retain dust or dirt, making cork one of the most resistant alternatives to germs and mould.
- Eco-friendly: Thanks to cork from the bark of trees, it turns out to be a biodegradable alternative with low environmental impact.
- Durability: Due to its composition, cork is a durable and impact-resistant material, making it an excellent alternative for heavy traffic areas.
- Temperature: Cork is an excellent thermal insulator that maintains the home’s warmth.
Disadvantages of cork floors
- Resistance: Since it is a relatively soft and delicate material, cork is prone to scratches and dents.
- Discolouration: Direct exposure to sunlight may discolour the floor’s hue over time.
- Design: Since the material is uniform, its methods and styles are usually not very diverse.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hardwood Floors
There are always some particular questions on which answers are required. That is why we have prepared this section. If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to contact our customer service; we will be more than happy to serve you.
How do you clean wooden floors?
The maintenance of wooden floors is straightforward so that that dry cleaning will be more than enough; It will only be enough to sweep with a soft bristle broom and vacuum at least twice a week to guarantee the material’s longevity.
Later, if you consider it necessary, pass a damp mop for the best results.
Tip #1: Getting rid of spills immediately is essential to avoid stains or water leaks, which could cause irreparable damage to the floor.
Tip #2: Refrain from using abrasives, soaps, or floor waxes that the manufacturer does not recommend.
How to choose wooden floors?
To choose the best alternative for your floor, it is essential to determine the primary needs of the project to make the best decision.
There are several options for floors depending on the type of project you want to carry out; If you renovate a room, corridor or living room, the best alternative may be laminate or bamboo since they are characterized by their designs, resistance and durability. However, suppose you want to renovate the kitchen or bathroom floors. In that case, the best option could be engineered wood or imitation wood tiles since they have water resistance, preventing damage from leaks or humidity.
What are the differences between solid and engineered wood flooring?
The main difference between solid wood flooring and engineered flooring is its manufacturing process. Solid wood is a one-piece plank that comes directly from the tree and is cut to size, while engineered wood comprises layers with higher density.
Engineered wood flooring has a higher resistance to moisture due to its layered construction; solid wood, made of a single piece, is susceptible to leaks or moisture damage.
Solid wood has simple designs and textures since its raw material comes directly from the tree, which is cut to size. In contrast, engineered wood only has a photographic layer in charge of providing the design to the floor, leaving aside some details.
Which installation method is the most suitable?
Today there are different types of installation, such as:
- tongue and groove
- Click closure
- nailed to the floor
- glued to the floor
Under the manufacturer’s instructions and the area’s characteristics to be installed, you must choose the method that best suits the project’s needs.
What are the best options if I have pets?
If you have a home with pets and still want a hardwood floor, every area of the house will be exposed to scratches and spills (urine); Therefore, the friendliest and most suitable alternative for our little friends could be engineered wood floors due to the resistant and waterproof properties that characterize it.
