By: Cynthia Soita
Why Choose Wood Flooring
Types of Wood Finishes
How to Choose Wood Flooring
Types of Wood Flooring
Choosing the Right Flooring
When you look at ordinary flooring, you see just a floor. But wood flooring? It’s the foundation of a beautiful beginning.
Wood floors are popular for good reason, especially hardwoods — which never go out of style. Their natural tones create charm, warmth, and interest. Whether you're after rustic elegance or modern minimalism, wood flooring sets the stage.
Understanding wood finishes helps you choose based on durability, appearance, and environmental concerns:
Extremely durable and highly resistant to wear.
Produces a strong odor during application.
Available in sheens like matte and gloss.
Highly resistant to scratches due to its thick, durable coating.
Emits fewer toxic chemicals, making it more eco-friendly.
Dries faster and maintains wood's natural color better than oil-based options.
A hybrid of oil- and water-based polyurethane.
Offers exceptional durability and water resistance.
Ideal for commercial or high-traffic areas.
Made from natural ingredients like plant oils and paraffin.
Eco-friendly and enhances the wood’s natural beauty.
Offers protection from minor scratches and is often used in rustic-style homes.
Derived from natural sources.
Quick-drying and easy to apply in layers.
Best for low-traffic areas as it provides minimal wear resistance.
Made from a mix of resins like pine and acrylic.
Often combined with shellac or polyurethane for added strength.
Resistant to UV rays, water, and scratches.
Choosing the right wood flooring depends on several factors:
Solid wood is perfect for living rooms and bedrooms but not ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
Engineered wood is a better choice for humid spaces, offering greater moisture resistance.
For sun-exposed rooms, avoid photosensitive wood species like cherry wood.
Plank Flooring: Long boards that create a spacious feel. Ideal for both modern and traditional homes.
Herringbone (Parquet): Planks arranged in a zigzag pattern. Adds texture and character.
Chevron: Similar to herringbone but with continuous V-shaped patterns. Best for modern spaces.
Design Panels: Custom shapes and patterns for bold, unique interiors.
Light Tones: Brighten small or dark rooms.
Medium Tones: Add warmth and suit both modern and classic aesthetics.
Dark Tones: Offer luxury, depth, and elegance — ideal for spacious rooms.
Wood flooring options generally fall into three main categories:
Extremely durable (50–70 years lifespan with proper care).
Made from a single piece of wood.
Adds value to your home.
Available in varieties like oak, hickory, maple (hardwoods), or pine and fir (softwoods).
Great for high-traffic areas when you choose high Janka-rated hardwoods.
Related: [Types of Hardwood Flooring]
Made of multiple layers of plywood and a hardwood veneer.
More moisture-resistant than solid wood.
Cheaper but slightly less durable (lasts about 30 years).
Still adds value to your home.
Popular types:
Vertical-strand bamboo
Woven-strand bamboo
Engineered tamarind
Engineered black walnut
Engineered red oak
Related: Hardwood Floors: Why the Right Choice Changes Everything
Perfect for budget-conscious homeowners:
Made from fast-growing bamboo grass, making it sustainable.
Offers a wood-like finish with a smooth texture.
Not ideal for humid environments due to high moisture absorption.
Affordable and easy to install.
Available in wood-like patterns such as cherry and teak.
Cannot be sanded or repaired if damaged.
Waterproof and budget-friendly.
Mimics wood appearance but lacks authenticity up close.
Difficult to repair.
Made of porcelain or ceramic.
Completely waterproof and durable (lasts 20–50 years).
Hard underfoot and gives off a colder, artificial feel.
Before you choose, ask yourself:
What’s the climate like in your home?
Is the area high-traffic or low-traffic?
What’s your budget?
High Budget: Solid wood — luxurious, durable, timeless.
Medium Budget: Engineered wood — versatile and cost-effective.
Low Budget: Bamboo — eco-friendly and stylish, or LVP for moisture-prone areas.
Personally, I recommend bamboo if you want a budget-friendly, elegant, and eco-conscious option — especially for living rooms. Its smooth texture and wood-like appearance create a cozy atmosphere.
Related:Different Types of Flooring for Your Home: A Room-by-Room Guide
Related: How to Complement Your Wooden Flooring | Furniture, Colors, and Accessories
1. Which is the best wood flooring species?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While hardwoods are the most durable and elegant, your decision should be based on the room’s moisture levels, lighting, and foot traffic. For example:
Living rooms: Solid or engineered hardwood.
Bathrooms/Kitchens: Wood-look ceramic tile or LVP.
Eco-friendly homes: Bamboo.
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