01 Jun Best Faux Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood continues to be the flooring of choice for a majority of people in the U.S., but it can be cost prohibitive. There are other solutions. Terms such as faux wood or fake wood are disparaging names given to alternatives in an effort to discourage customers in favor of higher-end options. However, faux hardwood can provide years of service and provide the look of solid hardwood.

Laminate

Available since the 1970s, laminate flooring is now available in tiles and planks. It contains a wear layer for durability and is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas. Laminate is affordable, some types are waterproof, and it’s a child- and pet-friendly option. It’s available in multiple colors and patterns to emulate almost any type of wood desired.

Engineered Hardwood

It’s real wood, just made differently than traditional wood flooring and very few people will be able to tell it’s not solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is less expensive than solid hardwood and is available in looks that imitate exotic wood species such as teak and mahogany. It’s offered in planks.

Vinyl

Offered in planks, it’s a type of PVC flooring that has the look of real wood without the price. It’s durable, water-resistant and low maintenance. Vinyl can be made to emulate even the most high-end woods. Highly durable, it’s equally applicable for any room in the home and easy to clean. Low VOC vinyl planks are available.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a grass and not an actual wood. It has natural antibacterial properties, is sustainable, eco-friendly, and helps dampen noise. It can be stained in almost any color imaginable.

Cork

While cork comes from the cork tree, flooring is actually made from the bark of the tree. Highly resistant to scratching, it’s a good choice for homes with children and pets. Cork is naturally mold and mildew resistant and easy on those with sore joints.

Hemp

One Kentucky manufacturer is producing flooring made of hemp – the same plant that was once used to make rope, sails, clothing and paper. It’s an eco-friendly flooring, very fast growing, and twice as hard as oak.