21+ Advantages And Disadvantages of Wooden Flooring | Cost & Types of Wooden Flooring
What is Wooden Flooring |Advantages And Disadvantages of Wooden Flooring | Wooden Flooring Installation Process
What is Wooden Flooring
Wooden flooring is flooring made of wooden boards or planking. It is a type of flooring that is made of wood. It can be made of plywood, hardwood, and other materials.
The basic materials for making a wooden floor are wood, various types of glue and additives such as linseed oil. The wood is normally a type of hardwood such as oak, beech, mahogany or walnut.
Generally, these wood varieties provide a very durable and stable floor surface, with plenty of natural stability for standing.
These boards are often nailed together to form the floor, and certain types of flooring are very hard to install.
Wooden flooring provides a warm and natural appearance, as well as a quieter surface to walk on.
In the past, wooden floors were used in every home. They are now mainly used in homes with a rustic or country house feel.
Wooden flooring can be produced as prefinished (finished after being manufactured), prefinished and unfinished, or unfinished.
Types of Hardwood Flooring
Your next flooring could be made of anything from engineered wood to laminate, but hardwood is a very popular choice. We’ve compiled a list of the most common types below.
1. Acacia
Acacia features a wavy grain pattern that is similar to oak. Acacia is more durable than most other types of wood flooring, and it has a low moisture level and a very low level of shrinkage.
It is 1 ½ times denser than oak, so it can be used in applications where oak could not. Like most hardwoods, Acacia features knots or grain patterns in the wood that will create natural color variations and shading.
2. Bamboo
This hardwood is from the grass family, and features a grain pattern that can sometimes resemble oak. It is one of the fastest growing plants on earth, so it’s naturally sustainable in an environmentally friendly way.
Bamboo can be very durable if it is treated properly, so check with your retailer before purchasing to make sure you’re purchasing a quality flooring product.
3. Beech
This wood is very similar to oak, but not as dense or heavy. Beech is not a hardwood, but it does have a wide array of qualities that make it popular for flooring. Beech features dark brown streaks and mottled grain patterns, so this wood is perfect for kitchens or bathrooms.
4. Cherry
This wood has a nice reddish-brown color, which makes it perfect for living rooms and bedrooms. Cherry is fairly lightweight and can be easily cut with an electric saw without making additional noise or damaging the surface of the flooring.
5. Ebony
This wood is black, and it features streaks that can resemble white lines across the grain pattern. Ebony is very hard, which makes it ideal for kitchens or bathrooms.
It does not have a strong scent, and because it has a low moisture level, there’s not as much chance of causing any damage to the flooring.
6. Hard Maple
This wood is similar to ash in color, and with a maple finish, it can be made to look like oak flooring. Hard maple is harder than ash, and it doesn’t have as much grain pattern or wavy mottled texture. Because it’s more smooth, hard maple can be a good choice for a living room flooring.
7. Mahogany
This wood is extremely popular as an alternative to other types of dark hardwoods like ebony or cherry, which are often too dark for many homes.
Mahogany is fairly hard, and it features an earth tone that will work well for most types of living areas. Because it’s very popular for use in furniture, you can often find mahogany flooring at a bargain price.
8. Oak
This wood is from the evergreen tree family, and it is the original “hardwood” flooring option. Oak comes in a variety of colors ranging from light to dark brown, and sometimes features white or gray streaks in the wood grain pattern. It is extremely durable and long-lasting, but it can be somewhat heavy.
9. Pine
This wood features a dark brown color, and it is very lightweight compared with other hardwoods. Pine is another popular wood for use in furniture due to its durability and simple style.
10. Poplar
Poplar is a softwood flooring material that is used for manufactured wood products such as plywood or particle board.
Poplar flooring is not as durable or safe as hardwoods, and it can be very susceptible to warping if left in contact with water for too long. It does have a low moisture level, so this wood can be used in areas that are subjected to high humidity.
11. Red Oak
This wood comes in a variety of colors ranging from light to dark brown, and sometimes features streaks that can look similar to white lines across the grain pattern.
12. Redwood
The wide, spreading grain pattern of this wood looks similar to oak, and it features a reddish brown color. The water resistance of redwood makes it a popular choice for use in wet areas such as kitchens or bathrooms.
13. Teak
This wood is very durable and dense, but it does not have a very wavy or grainy texture like other hardwoods do. Teak is a very popular choice for outdoor flooring because it will not rot or degrade over time.
14. Walnut
Walnut is a hardwood that features a medium brown color and a wavy grain pattern that can resemble oak flooring in some instances. It is also known as black walnut, and it has been used for furniture and doors for centuries.
15. White Oak
White oak features a light brown color with white streaks running through the grain pattern. This wood is very similar to red oak in appearance, but it’s slightly softer and lighter.
16. Yellow Pine
This wood has a light brown color, and it features streaks that can resemble white lines across the grain pattern. The hardness of this wood makes it very durable, and yellow pine is often used for construction projects.
17. Zebrawood
This wood has a nice medium brown color with dark streaks running through the grain pattern. The wood texture is similar to oak, but it can feature a wide array of different shades and markings.
18. Brazilian Tigerwood
This wood features a dark brown color, and it features wavy grain patterns that resemble oak flooring in some instances. It is very durable, and it has a low moisture level.
19. Apple
This wood comes from the same tree as cherry, but it’s not as red in color. Apple features a lighter brown that will work well for bedrooms or living rooms that need a wood flooring option with less obvious knots or shading patterns.
20. Alder
This wood has a beautiful blue-gray color, and it is often used for outdoor flooring to match the appearance of other materials used in outdoor home decor.
21. Ash
Ash is another type of lightweight hardwood that can be easily cut with an electric saw. It features an excellent natural resistance to rot and insect damage, and it is very easy to maintain.
22. Cork
This is a type of fake wood that is made out of compressed expanded polystyrene foam. It has an attractive brown color, and it features a wavy grain pattern that can sometimes resemble oak flooring in appearance.
Cork flooring does not have a very low moisture level, so it can be a great choice for high humidity areas where other types of wood might warp or crack over time.
23. Cypress
This wood is very similar to redwood, and it has a reddish brown color with streaks that can resemble white lines across the grain pattern. It is very durable, and it’s easy to clean and maintain.
24. Douglas Fir
This wood comes in a variety of colors ranging from light to dark brown, and sometimes features streaks that can look similar to white lines across the grain pattern. Douglas fir features a wavy grain pattern similar to oak, but it is softer than oak.
25. Eucalyptus
This wood has a dark brown color and is very lightweight. It features a very low moisture level, and it works well in high humidity areas.
26. Fir
This wood has light brown color with streaks that can look similar to white lines across the grain pattern in some scenarios. It’s another type of lightweight hardwood that is easy to handle and is also easy to maintain.
27. Pecan
This wood is a common choice for use in furniture and cabinet doors. It has a light brown color, and it features wavy grain patterns that can sometimes resemble oak flooring.
28. Pine
White pine features a light brown color with white streaks running through the grain pattern. The hardness of this wood makes it very durable, but it does not have a very low moisture level like yellow pine does.
29. Cedar
This wood has a bright reddish brown color, and it features wavy grain patterns. The low moisture level of cedar makes it a popular choice for use in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
30. Hickory
Hickory features a variety of colors ranging from light to dark brown, and sometimes features white streaks in the wood grain pattern. It is extremely durable and long-lasting, but it can also be extremely heavy with high levels of shrinkage potential.
31. Hemlock
This wood features a dark brown color, and it has a wide grain texture that looks similar to oak flooring. The low moisture level of hemlock makes it a good choice for use in wet areas or high humidity areas such as bathrooms or kitchens.
32. Hemlock Bark
Hemlock bark is the outer layer of the tree trunk, and it’s completely edible and healthy. It has little to no tannin content, so this type of wood will not discolor or stain with age.
Wooden Flooring Installation Process
The process of installation is can be very difficult for first time users. It requires some mechanical or carpentry skills to get it done properly. If you don’t have these skills, then you should take help from someone who does or hire a professional flooring installer to do the job for you.
Wooden flooring care
No matter how large your wood floors are, they need tender loving care every day. Although they do not require a lot of maintenance, they do need some attention and regular cleaning to keep them looking their best at all times.
Here are simples’ steps to installing wooden flooring;
1. Level the floor space
Use a level to check the floor surface and make sure it is structurally sound and flat. If there is any unevenness, then you can sand it down a little bit to make it level. You also need to look for any cracks in the wood as this can cause damage later on.
2.Lay out the boards
First, lay out all the boards one-by-one across your intended floor area, spacing them somewhat evenly. You can use a square to ensure that they all line up. It’s best to keep the boards at least 2 inches away from the wall and other areas of your house.
3.Start attaching the boards together
Once you have laid out all the boards, then it’s time to attach them together. You need to leave plenty of space between each board and make sure it is strong enough to support your weight without breaking or creaking.
4. Check for any warps
After you have laid out all the boards, then take a look at the front side of each board and check for any warps or movement in their condition. If they are warped and cause your floor to wobble, then they will need to be fixed. You can do this manually by using a hand held roller or machine.
5. Check the edges
After you have laid out and checked all the boards, then it’s time to check the edges. This is important because if any of the boards are chipped or damaged in any way, then they will need to be replaced. You will need to do this by hand or you can use a hammer and nail to replace any damaged areas.
6. Start nailing down your wooden flooring
Now that you know everything is in good order, then you can start nailing down your wooden flooring into place. Start from the middle and work outwards once you have nailed down all the sections of your floor. You should also take this opportunity to nail any wood trim along the edges of the floor as well.
6. Finish off and use a finish
Once you’ve finished nailing down all the boards, then it’s time to apply a hard finish to them by using special tools and products. This will seal in all of your hard work so that it lasts as long as possible.
Advantages And Disadvantages of Wooden Flooring
Advantages of wooden flooring
The following are some advantages of wooden flooring
1. Durable
The hardness of wooden flooring makes it very durable, and most types can be sanded and painted. Lighter hardwoods such as ash, alder, and birch are often chosen for use in living room areas or bedrooms since they’re easier to move furniture around on.
2. Multipurpose
This type of flooring can be used in any room including living rooms, hallways, kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms or basements. It can also be used outside in decks, patios and porches.
3. Low cost
Wooden flooring is very inexpensive compared to other types of flooring alternatives, and it’s also quick to install.
4. Easy maintenance
Many people prefer wooden floor products due to their easy maintenance. This type of wood isn’t as susceptible to spills or moisture damage as many other types of floors, and it doesn’t stain as easily either. The only thing that needs to be done regularly is to clean it with a damp cloth or vacuum.
5. Cuts well
A lot of wood flooring products can be cut with an electric saw, and this makes it easier to install in small areas. It can also be cut with a circular saw, but this option requires more skill and experience because the blade will have to move very fast.
6. Enhance the look of your home
The natural appeal of wooden flooring adds a warm and cozy feel to your home decor, and it’s perfect for use in kitchens, living rooms, guest bedrooms, offices or hotel lobbies.
7. Environmentally friendly
The fact that most wooden floor products are made out of wood means they are completely eco-friendly. This material is biodegradable and renewable, making it one of the best choices for use under your feet.
8. Color does not fade
Wooden flooring won’t fade over time, and this means you’ll be able to preserve the original color of your new floor for many years.
9. Affordable
Wooden floors are much more affordable than a lot of other types of flooring options. They are simple to install, and they have a great return on investment especially if you get them professionally installed by professionals at an affordable price.
10. Can be refinished
If your wooden floor gets damaged, it can be fixed or refinished very easily and cheaply. This type of flooring can be sanded or painted.
11. Many color options
Wooden floor products come in a variety of colors, textures and grains that you can choose from depending on the overall look you’re trying to achieve in your home. Most colors come with a matte finish that will not show scratches or scuffs easily.
12. Easy to install
Wooden floor products are very easy to install, especially if the wood is unfinished. If you are only DIYing it, you can use a table saw, power drill, sandpaper or a small circular saw that comes with its own starter kit.
13. Resilient
Most types of wooden flooring are resilient and durable enough to keep up with the demands of everyday family use. They can also be used outside without sustaining any damage due to elements such as rain or humidity.
14. It can be sanded
If the wood is unfinished, it can be sanded easily with a few simple tools. This means that they can be sanded down if they get damaged or scratched since the surface of the surface will already be smooth.
15. Looks good in all décor theme
Wooden flooring can be used in all types of décor, including classic or modern interior design. You can also choose from different textures, colors and grains that will make your home stand out with class.
16. Easy to clean
Wooden floor is easy to clean with a damp cloth or soft sponge, and it doesn’t have any high-pigment stains that can stain your clothes when they get dirty. It’s also not as susceptible to spills or moisture damage as some other flooring options.
17. Underfloor heating
Natural materials such as wood are great for floors because they have a lot of thermal properties. Your hardwood floor will absorb and retain the heat from your underfloor heating system, making it great for use in bathrooms or kitchens.
18. Can be recycled
Most types of wooden flooring can be recycled and reused again after they’re no longer needed. They can be made into table tops, kitchen countertops or even into new furniture items too.
19. Timeless appeal
The timeless appeal of wooden flooring is sure to be appealing to everyone in every home décor. It’s also possible to take out the wood from your floor and use it in other rooms such as outside on patios, decks or porches where beams are required.
20. Great investment
The great return on investment that wooden floors provide is a huge reason why they’re so popular. They are very easy to clean, and the fact that they can be sanded if they get damaged means that you won’t have to buy new flooring until many years later.
21. Better Air Quality
Wooden floor products are better at filtering out harmful pollutants such as dust mites and mold, and they provide better air quality than other types of floors. You can find wooden flooring products with heat retention and energy efficiency in mind.
Disadvantages of wooden flooring
Even though wooden flooring is one of the most popular types of floor material for use indoors, it does tend to have a few drawbacks.
The following are some disadvantages of wooden flooring
1. It’s not easy to install
If the wood is unfinished, it will be very difficult to finish the installation and it can even need to be sanded on a regular basis because of the rough surface. If it needs to turn into a high-traffic area, then you’ll need professional help.
2. It’s susceptible to scratches and damage
The grain of wood is its natural appearance that ranges from light yellow, brown or black with a variety of different colors as well. This means you’ll need to be very careful when you handle it, or it can easily be damaged and even break.
3. It’s not suitable for heavy use
Wooden flooring does have some weight to it that will make it unsuitable for use in places that are used every day by heavy flow of traffic such as elevators or a busy cafeteria.
4. It’s difficult to repair
Wooden floorboards can be very difficult to repair if they are damaged at all. This is because the surface is not smooth, and it’s not as easy to see the damage unless you are looking directly at it straight on.
5. It’s not suitable for kitchen or bathroom floors
When you purchase wooden flooring for your kitchen or bathroom, then the style of the floor and the color will determine what type of flooring material you choose to use. If you choose to go with a stick-on product that will have an adhesive underneath it, then it’s also unlikely that you will be able to install it yourself.
6. It’s very expensive
When buying wooden flooring products, then the price can vary greatly according to its type, size and longevity. The cheapest material is not going to provide the best floor covering for your home.
7. It’s not a permanent solution
Wooden floor is not meant to be a permanent solution. It will go through wear and tear and damage. If you want the floor to last for the longest amount of time, then you need to sand and refinish it on a regular basis to maintain its ideal look.
8. It’s more prone to cracking
Because wooden floor is more porous, then it can crack when subjected to moisture or humidity. If you’re planning to use it in a bathroom or kitchen, then it can be easily damaged from moisture.
9. It’s not smooth
If you want to make your wooden flooring look like it has a smooth surface appearance, then you’ll need to apply a hard finish to the surface. This means that after it dries, then you can buff and polish the floor with special tools and products.
10. It’s difficult to put down runner rugs
If you’re looking for runners to use with your wooden flooring that have a smooth surface texture, then this is going to be very difficult. Other than that, you need to be cautious about the type of runner rug you decide to use with your wooden floor. It can easily be scratched, or it may not even lie flat on the surface of the wood.
11. It can warp
If wooden flooring is not installed on a flat surface, then it can easily push upwards from the weight of the floorboards. This means that it’s very likely that it will become out of shape over time.
12. It’s not suitable to use in kitchens and bathrooms
The high-traffic areas of your home will be affected most by the porous nature of wooden flooring and how easily it can be damaged. Therefore, it’s not a very good flooring choice for your kitchen or bathroom.
13. It’s dangerous to use with water
Wooden floors are not suitable for use in any area with water or where there are chances of heavy surface traffic, which is why you need to be careful when installing wooden flooring in these areas. They can trap moisture and become damaged easily, which can cause wooden boards to warp and break.
14. It’s more prone to fading
Wooden flooring can become very prone to fading over time, and you may also find yourself exposing it to ultraviolet rays without even knowing. The best way to avoid this from happening is by using hard-wearing products that are made with a UV-resistant finish.
15. It’s susceptible to damage
Wooden flooring can be damaged by scratches and dents rather easily. It’s very porous, so you can see the damage if you look at it closely. Because wooden floors tend to warp over time, then they will become less protected on the surface over time.
How Much Does Wooden Flooring Cost Per Square Feet
Hardwood flooring installation costs between $6.50 and $13 per square foot. Wood flooring typically costs between $3.50 and $8 per square foot in supplies and $3 to $5 per square foot in labor.
