FLOORING TYPES

Wood flooring is made from natural wood, offering authentic texture and warmth. It’s durable but prone to scratches and water damage, requires maintenance, and is the most expensive option. Vinyl flooring is synthetic, waterproof, affordable, and easy to install. It mimics wood or stone but lacks depth and feels cooler underfoot. Laminate flooring is a composite material with a realistic look, scratch resistance, and moderate water resistance. It’s more affordable than wood, harder underfoot, and easy to install. Wood stands out for luxury, vinyl for water resistance, and laminate for budget-friendly durability.

Wood Flooring

• Material: Made from 100% natural wood, either solid hardwood or engineered wood (a wood veneer on a plywood base).
• Appearance: Offers authentic, natural grain and texture, which can vary significantly between planks.
• Durability: Durable but susceptible to scratches, dents, and water damage. Requires regular maintenance like refinishing.
• Cost: Generally the most expensive option due to its natural composition.
• Feel: Warm underfoot and gives a luxurious, timeless appeal.
• Installation: Can be more complex; solid wood typically requires nailing, while engineered wood may use a click-lock system.

Vinyl Flooring

• Material: Made from synthetic materials like PVC (polyvinyl chloride).
• Appearance: Mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile using a printed layer, but lacks the depth and variation of real wood.
• Durability: Highly water-resistant or waterproof, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens. Scratch-resistant and low-maintenance.
• Cost: Affordable, often less expensive than wood and laminate.
• Feel: Softer underfoot than wood but less so than laminate. Often cooler to the touch.
• Installation: Easy to install, often using a peel-and-stick or click-lock system.

Laminate Flooring

• Material: A composite product with a fiberboard core, a photographic layer (to mimic wood or stone), and a protective top layer.
• Appearance: Realistic visuals, but lacks the texture and feel of real wood; uniform patterns across boards.
• Durability: Scratch-resistant and moderately water-resistant, though prolonged moisture can damage it.
• Cost: Generally mid-range, more affordable than wood but slightly more than vinyl.
• Feel: Harder underfoot and noisier compared to wood or vinyl. Adding underlayment can improve comfort.
• Installation: Easy to install with a click-lock system.