Different Hard Flooring Options for a Stylish and Durable Home
Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions when designing or renovating your home. Hard flooring is a popular option due to its durability, aesthetics, and ease of maintenance. In this guide, we’ll explore six different hard flooring options to help you find the perfect fit for your space.
Image from John Jarvis Carpet & Flooring
1. Engineered Timber Flooring: The Best of Both Worlds
Engineered timber flooring offers the classic look of hardwood with the added benefit of stability and moisture resistance. Made from multiple layers of wood with a real timber veneer on top, this flooring option is more affordable and environmentally friendly than solid hardwood.
Benefits of Engineered Timber Flooring:
- More resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood
- Can be sanded and refinished (depending on veneer thickness)
- Available in a variety of wood species and finishes
- Typically easier to install with floating or glue-down options
Considerations:
- Cannot be sanded and refinished as many times as solid hardwood
- Some lower-quality engineered timber may have thinner top veneers
- Higher cost compared to laminate or exposed strand flooring
Image from Hurford Flooring
2. Solid Hardwood Flooring: Timeless Elegance
For homeowners wanting a classic and luxurious flooring option, solid hardwood is an excellent choice. Crafted from a single piece of timber, solid hardwood flooring can be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring longevity.
Benefits of Solid Hardwood Flooring:
- Long lifespan with proper maintenance
- Can be sanded and refinished multiple times
- Adds warmth and character to a home
- Enhances property value
Considerations:
- More expensive than engineered timber or laminate flooring
- Susceptible to moisture-related expansion and contraction
Image from Tile Imports
3. Tiles: Versatile and Water-Resistant
Tiles are a versatile, durable, and water-resistant flooring option, making them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Available in ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, tiles offer endless design possibilities.
Benefits of Tile Flooring:
- Completely waterproof when installed correctly
- Available in a vast range of colours, textures, and patterns
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Resistant to scratches and stains
Considerations:
- Cold to stand on unless there is underfloor heating
- Grout lines require regular cleaning and sealing
- Hard surface may not be as comfortable for long periods of standing
Image from Peter Fell
Concrete: Modern and Industrial Appeal
Polished concrete floors are an excellent option for those looking for an industrial, minimalist, or modern aesthetic. Concrete is highly durable, low-maintenance, and thermally efficient, making it perfect for contemporary homes.
Benefits of Concrete Flooring:
- Extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear
- Low maintenance and easy to clean
- Can be polished, stained, or textured for different looks
Considerations:
- Requires sealing to prevent staining and moisture absorption
- Typically difficult and expensive to construct in a pre-existing house
Image from John Jarvis Carpet & Floor
5. Laminate Timber Flooring: Budget-Friendly and Stylish
Laminate timber flooring mimics the look of real wood but is made from high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a photographic layer on top. It’s a cost-effective, easy-to-install alternative to solid and engineered timber flooring.
Benefits of Laminate Timber Flooring:
- More affordable than engineered and solid timber
- Scratch-resistant and easy to maintain
- Click-lock installation makes it DIY-friendly
- Wide variety of styles and finishes
Considerations:
- Cannot be sanded or refinished
- Susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed
Image from Laminex
6. Exposed Strand Flooring: Raw and Textured Appeal
Exposed strand flooring, often made from oriented strand board (OSB), is a growing trend in industrial and contemporary home designs. It provides a raw, textured appearance that adds unique character to a space.
Benefits of Exposed Strand Flooring:
- Affordable and easy to install
- Can be sealed for durability and moisture resistance
- Adds a distinctive, modern, or rustic aesthetic
- Works well in loft-style homes or converted spaces
Considerations:
- Not as durable as traditional hardwood or tile flooring
- Must be properly sealed to prevent damage from moisture
- May not be suitable for high-traffic areas
Choosing the Right Hard Flooring for Your Home
Each of these hard flooring options offers unique advantages, making it important to consider budget, durability, maintenance, and design preferences before making a decision.
If you’re planning a flooring upgrade or a new build, contact us today for expert advice and professional installation!