Is Hardwood All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
3 Wood-Floor Alternatives for Budget-Savvy Homeowners
According to market- research firm Mintel’s report on residential flooring, hardwood flooring continues to be America’s flooring of choice.
In fact, Remodeling Magazine reports 87% of buyers want hardwood floors in their homes.
And it’s no wonder — hardwood floors are timeless, luxurious, and for the most part, highly durable. But that luxury also comes with a hefty price tag — between $5 and $14 per square foot for both traditional and engineered wood flooring, depending on the type of wood. Plus, professional installation can cost up to $10 per square foot.
While hardwood floors do offer a fairly high return on investment — between 70-80% of the project cost — if you want the look of hardwood floors without breaking the bank, there are several alternatives to consider — some with added benefits like increased durability and water resistance.
Here are 3 options to consider:
Laminate
Laminate has long been one of the most popular — and least expensive — alternatives to wood flooring. Laminate closely resembles the look of wood and comes in a variety of styles, sizes and textures — plus varying degrees of durability.
Traditional laminate is made up of several layers, with a photographic applique applied to the surface layer designed to replicate wood (or another material). Some laminate flooring actually uses a super-thin slice of wood known as a veneer, which is then covered in a clear protective coating.
Some laminates are designed to be scratch-proof or water resistant, making them a popular choice among homeowners with children and pets.
Material Cost:
$0.70-$2 per square foot
Installation Cost:
$2-$8 per square foot
Vinyl Planks
Laminate Vinyl plank flooring is one of the most innovative products to hit the the market in the last decade. These planks look and feel like hardwood, but they have the added bonus of being waterproof. Some, more luxury, varieties also come with a scratch-proof finish.
Pet owners and parents alike are increasingly choosing vinyl plank flooring to stand up to daily spills
and pet messes.
Unlike hardwoods, there isn’t a huge urgency to clean messes on vinyl planks because the spills from liquids won’t penetrate the material’s surface.
Material Cost: $2-$7 per square foot
Installation Cost:
Here are 3 options to consider:
Laminate
Laminate has long been one of the most popular — and least expensive — alternatives to wood flooring. Laminate closely resembles the look of wood and comes in a variety of styles, sizes and textures — plus varying degrees of durability.
Traditional laminate is made up of several layers, with a photographic applique applied to the surface layer designed to replicate wood (or another material). Some laminate flooring actually uses a super-thin slice of wood known as a veneer, which is then covered in a clear protective coating.
Some laminates are designed to be scratch-proof or water resistant, making them a popular choice among homeowners with children and pets.
Material Cost:
$0.70-$2 per square foot
Installation Cost:
$2-$8 per square foot
$2-$8 per square foot
Wood-look Tiles
Wood-look tiles aren’t a new product, but they’ve recently seen a surge in popularity, especially for those living in warmer climates — they tend to be cooler on your feet, so they aren’t necessarily recommended for main living areas.
If you’re looking for a gray or white-
washed wood look, tiles are a great options because they start with a white base and won’t show red or yellow undertones over time. Plus, tiles are completely spill-proof and easy to mop or wipe clean.
Material Cost:
$0.45-$3 per square foot (ceramic); $3- $10 per square foot (porcelain)
Installation Cost:
$5-$7 per square foot
Material Cost:
$0.45-$3 per square foot (ceramic); $3-$10 per square foot (porcelain
Installation Cost:
$5-$7 per square foot
Rooms That Shouldn’t Have Hardwood
● Kitchens:
While the popularity of wood floors in kitchens is on the rise, kitchens are also notorious places for spills and moisture. Tiles are much more practical — and there are even wood- look tiles and vinyls that have the appearance of wood but can stand up to water damage. If you insist on hardwoods in your kitchen, consider engineered over traditional hardwood — it handles moisture better.
● Bathrooms:
Showers, bathtubs and toilets can all cause big water messes — not to mention consistent steam from daily showering. Again, opt for vinyls or tiles.
● Laundry Rooms:
Between potential water, bleach and detergent spills, laundry rooms are a major danger zone for wood floors. Tiles will stand up best in a laundry room.
● Foyers/Mud Rooms:
While hardwoods can make a great first impression when people enter your home, these are also highly vulnerable areas, especially on
rainy or snowy days. If you opt for hardwoods in these areas, be sure to lay out protective area rugs for guests to dry or take off their shoes.