Hardwood Flooring Versus Wood-Look Flooring

March 25, 2020 | Andy Shafer

Which kind of flooring would you rather have, a hardwood floor or a wood-look tile?

When it comes to remodeling projects, Flooring is just one important part of the house that needs a huge and delicate design planning and decision making. It makes the building beautiful and adds a sense of personality. Flooring is very practical that should meet the demands of the homeowners.

Why is Flooring important?

Floors are the largest design surface of your room
They are the first thing people see when they walk in
They are the foundation for your entire interior design

Let’s talk about hardwood flooring versus wood looking floors to help you decide which type of floor you will go for on your remodeling project.

Hardwood is a homogeneous product from top to bottom and side to side. On the other hand, Wood Looking Flooring is a layered product made from an actual thin slice of hardwood on top of a base of high-quality plywood.

Durability, Moisture, and Hardness

Speaking of durability, hardwood flooring can last up to decades if it is properly maintained.
Moisture is the enemy of this organic product. Thus hardwood flooring can stand the flooding but they will never be perfectly the same.
Wood Look Floors are durable but not comparable to hardwood,
They are very thin that can be chipped or de-laminated easily. They can hold up to limited moisture.
Hardwood flooring is never bathrooms, basements or other areas where moisture is prevalent. Hardwood flooring can resist some moisture.
Wood Looking flooring is better than hardwood flooring when it comes to moisture. The plywood base is dimensionally stable that it warps and flexes less.
Hardwood is surrounded with a greater range of wood hardness than wood-looking floors. The hardness ranges from extremely soft and appropriate only for utility areas to extremely tough hardwoods. Wood looking flooring is the most durable including birch, maple, and walnut. Soft hardwoods such as pine will not be found in engineered wood format.

Areas of Installation and Process

Hardwood is never installed on a floating basis but instead, it is nailed or stapled down.
Wood Look Tile is easier to install than hardwood floors. It has several ways of installation methods like nailing or stapling, using glue and fold and lock.
Hardwood floor works best in living areas, bedrooms, dining rooms and hallways.
Wood Look Floors is best to install in powder rooms and in below-grade with a proper subfloor.
Basements are good for wood looking floors as long as it has no moisture problems.
Never install hardwood in your kitchen areas or bathrooms. Most especially near the sink or dishwasher.
Hardwood Floors can be sanded many times while wood look tiles can only be sanded once or twice.

I hope this article has helped you with your floor and remodeling project. You can also read the blog about Comparing the Different Flooring Type.

If you need help with remodeling planning and design, let Advantage Design + Remodel help you. Schedule your remodeling consultation with us today.

Hardwood Flooring Versus Wood-Look Flooring

Why is Flooring important?

Durability, Moisture, and Hardness

Areas of Installation and Process

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