Types of Wood Flooring: The Complete Guide

The largest surface in each house is its flooring, which also serves as a key component of design and wood flooring is the most common type of flooring. There are several types, including laminate, hardwoods, engineered wood, and parquet, and they are all extremely durable.

By the square foot, wood flooring installation costs are calculated. The final price may also depend on the type, grade, thickness, and grain of the trees. Wood flooring installation typically costs $5 to $10 per square foot for solid wood and $4 to $9 for engineered wood. For stairs and rooms with unusual walls and curves, multiply your calculations by a little bit.

What you need to know about wood floors, including types, prices, and installation factors, is as follows:

Hardwood Flooring

Solid wood is used to make hardwood flooring. It is one of the most expensive forms of wood flooring despite being multifunctional. Regular maintenance is necessary, including the use of specialized cleaners and buffers. Every three to five years, you'll typically need to apply a new coat of paint or stain.

Hardwood flooring installation costs $5 to $10 per square foot. Uneven flooring and harmed underlayment, however, may raise the price. Additionally, the cost may differ based on the sort of wood you select and where you live. There are many types of solid hardwood available, including oak, maple, cherry, walnut, bamboo, ash, and teak. Species-specific color variations include shades of white, gray, red, and brown. Every wood species has a different average price per square foot.

Pros

• There are many species of hardwood, all of which have a warm natural appearance.
• High wear resistance
• Can be repeatedly refinished
• Prefinished floors are extremely durable.
• Often raises the value and attraction of homes

Cons

• Solid wood is vulnerable to moisture damage because it expands and contracts in response to changes in humidity.
• Solid wood is easily dented, scratched, and scraped.
• When exposed to direct sunshine, several species quickly get discolored.
• For basements, laundry rooms, and other moist areas, it is not a wise choice.

Laminate Wood-Look Flooring

Although laminate is not technically wood, it can look a lot like it. It is constructed from compressed particleboard or fiberboard. The top features a representation of the woodgrain that looks like a genuine thing. The average price per square foot for laminate installation is between $2 and $10. Solid or engineered hardwood can be replaced at a lower cost with laminate.

Pros

• Comparatively inexpensive to wood, and it comes in a variety of designs and colors.
• Easily cleaned
• Scratch-resistant
• DIY-friendly and simple to install

Cons

• Susceptible to harm from dampness
• It cracks easily and cannot be repaired or sanded.
• Underfoot, it sounds hollow.

Engineered Wood Flooring

In comparison to solid wood, this type of wood flooring is cheaper. Thin layers of plywood are sandwiched between thicker layers of engineered wood. For DIYers, it's a great option because it's simple to install. Engineered wood floor installation costs $4 to $9 per square foot, based on Thumbtack.

Pros

• Hardwood is used for the top layer.
• It can resist high humidity levels without expanding or shrinking since it is usually constructed from thin layers of wood that are linked together with adhesives.
• Engineered wood has the potential to be waterproof if built and sealed properly, making it a great choice for bathrooms and basements.
• Wood flooring option that is inexpensive
• Warp less frequently

Cons

• Unlike solid wood, not as durable
• Quickly dents
• Engineered wood flooring can only be refinished once or twice. The highest limits should be confirmed with the manufacturer.
• Quality varies.
• Underfoot, it might have a hollow sound.

Parquet Flooring

One of the most known styles of natural wood flooring is parquet flooring. It has wood that is organized in complex patterns. Parquet floors were traditionally placed one piece at a time. The majority of contemporary parquets, however, are made of tiles, which are adhered to the subfloor using glue, nails, or staples.

The cost of labor for parquet installation is substantial. Parquet flooring requires time to construct and arrange, which increases installation time and expenses.

Pros

• Attractive in look and constructed from hardwood
• Durable and simple to manage
• Various patterns and styles are available
• Adds vintage appeal to even modern dwellings

Cons

• Easily prone to scratching
• Costly to install, fades when exposed to bright sunshine
• Lacks water resistance

• Because they are simple to install over virtually any subfloor, engineered hardwood and laminate are excellent choices for do-it-yourselfers. They are offered for tongue-and-groove systems of assembly. These floating floorings have the disadvantage of occasionally creaking.
• The majority of wood flooring installations begin with removing the old flooring before attaching the board to the subfloor with glue or nails. The cost of removal varies according to the state of the existing material. At roughly $1 per square foot, carpets are cheap and simple to remove. A square foot of flooring that is glued down may cost $2 to $4.
• The greatest wood flooring for your room involves more than just picking the type that looks the prettiest. The decision should be greatly influenced by the budget, durability, and upkeep. Before making a significant investment, discuss your goals and preferences with an experienced contractor to find the best solutions.

Final Word

Depending on the type of wood, installing and maintaining wood flooring can be expensive. Consider the advantages and disadvantages, including installation costs, durability, and cleaning requirements, before becoming overly committed to a certain style of wood flooring.