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If you want to renovate your home, refurbish a bathroom, or convert a garage, there are plenty of material options. Every floor in your property must be durable and resist the wear and tear of family or tenant life.

Many would consider solid wood flooring the crème de la crème of the flooring world. The craftsmanship is unmatched, and the stunning finish is one many people envy – but it comes at a price. It’s the most expensive flooring option on the market, and not everyone – assisted by the cost of living crisis – can afford it.

Fear not; however, that wood flooring look might be farther from reach than you think. There are tons of best-of-the-rest alternatives for a fraction of the cost. Let’s explore the top-rated wood flooring alternatives.

What Wood Flooring Alternatives Are There?

Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)

The crème de la crème of flooring. With luxury in its name, you can expect a visual delight that – unless you tune into the sound of your feet on the floor – you wouldn’t notice that it wasn’t natural wood flooring.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring is available in a wide range of patterns, colours and textures, which makes it suitable for most rooms in the house. LTV flooring can vary in price from around £20-£60 per square metre, depending on the quality and brand.

LVT flooring is designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials such as stone, hardwood, or tile. It comprises several layers, including a wear layer, a printed design layer, a core layer, and a backing layer.

One of the main advantages of LVT flooring is its durability, resistance to water, and it’s defiance against moisture, making it an ideal choice for areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

LVT flooring is also an excellent option for high-traffic areas such as entryways, living rooms and dining rooms because of its durability and ease of maintenance.

Engineered Wood Flooring

If you want to get as close to hardwood flooring as possible, engineered wood flooring is your best option. It’s reasonably priced but still the most expensive of the best-of-the-rest options.

Engineered wood flooring can range in price from around £30-£80 per square metre, depending on the quality and brand.

Technically speaking – it’s cheating being on the list, but there are differences between hardwood and engineered wood flooring.

It has several layers of wood, with a top layer of hardwood veneer glued to a core layer made of plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF). The bottom layer is also made of wood and acts as a stabilising layer.

The top layer of engineered wood flooring is usually a thin strip of hardwood which often comes from wood species such as oak, maple, or walnut.

The hardwood veneer gives the flooring a natural look and feel, similar to solid hardwood flooring.

However, unlike solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood flooring is more resistant to moisture and temperature changes, making it a suitable option for installation in areas; such as bathrooms, living rooms and basements.

Engineered wood flooring may also be suitable for dining rooms, bedrooms and even kitchens, as long as proper precautions are taken to prevent water damage.

Engineered wood flooring can be a beautiful and durable material that adds value to any home.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is your go-to if you’re looking to renovate on budget – when installed correctly, laminate has a realistic finish perfect for the kitchen or bathroom.

Laminate flooring can range in price from around £10-£50 per square metre, depending on the quality and brand.

Laminate flooring is a type of flooring that is made up of multiple layers of material that are fused using heat and pressure. The top layer of laminate flooring is a high-resolution image of natural materials such as wood, stone, or tile, covered by a transparent protective element to protect it from damage.

One of the main advantages of laminate flooring is its durability and resistance to moisture and wear. Laminate flooring is typically made of high-density fibreboard (HDF), which is more durable and less prone to warping than traditional hardwood flooring.

The top protective layer also helps to prevent scratches and other damage, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as entryways, kitchens, and living rooms.

As well as a popular choice for children’s rooms and playrooms as it is easy to clean and maintain.

However, it is not recommended in areas with high moisture or humidity, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, as it can warp or buckle when exposed to excess moisture.

Some types of laminate flooring are designed to be more water-resistant than others, so it’s always best to consult a flooring specialist to determine which flooring is best for your needs.

How Do You Install Wood Flooring Alternatives?

It is also relatively easy to install and maintain, as it can be installed using a click-and-lock or adhesive method and can be cleaned using a damp mop or a mild cleaning solution.

1. First, the subfloor must be clean, flat and free of debris or bumps.
2. Depending on the product, an underlayment may be needed to provide additional support, soundproofing or moisture resistance.
3. Plan the layout of the planks or tiles, ensuring that they are spaced correctly and that there are no narrow or awkward cuts.
4. Install the planks or tiles, following the manufacturer’s instructions for glue-down, click-lock or loose-lay installation methods.
5. Install any necessary transition pieces, baseboards, or trim to complete the look.

How Do You Maintain Wood Flooring Alternatives?

Proper maintenance is essential for keeping wood flooring looking its best and extending its lifespan. Here are some general guidelines for maintaining each of the wood flooring alternatives:

Luxury Vinyl Flooring:

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and debris.
2. Damp-mop the floor with a mild cleaning solution and a non-abrasive mop. Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaning products, which can damage the flooring.
3. Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to the floor.
4. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage to the floor.
5. Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floor, which can cause scratches or other damage.

Engineered Wood Flooring:

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and debris.
2. Damp-mop the floor with a hardwood floor cleaner and a non-abrasive mop. Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaning products, which can damage the flooring.
3. Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to the floor.
4. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage to the floor.
5. Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floor, which can cause scratches or other damage.
6. Refinish or recoat the flooring to restore its appearance and protect it from wear and tear.

Laminate Flooring:

1. Sweep or vacuum the floor regularly to remove dirt and debris.
2. Damp-mop the floor with a laminate floor cleaner and a non-abrasive mop. Avoid excessive water or harsh cleaning products, which can damage the flooring.
3. Clean up spills immediately to prevent staining or damage to the floor.
4. Use felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches and damage to the floor.
5. Avoid dragging heavy furniture or appliances across the floor, which can cause scratches or other damage.
6. Do not use wax, polish, or oil-based products on laminate flooring, as they can cause build-up and damage to the flooring.

Generally, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for each type of wood flooring and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the surface.

Regular maintenance and care will help keep wood flooring looking beautiful and lasting for years.

Which Wood Alternative Is Best?

When choosing between luxury vinyl flooring, engineered wood flooring, and laminate flooring, one of the primary considerations for many people is the cost.

Hardwood flooring can be pretty expensive, so these alternatives are often chosen as a more affordable option that still offers the aesthetic appeal of hardwood.

However, it’s important to note that the cost of each option can vary depending on the quality and the aesthetic finish. For example, luxury vinyl flooring can come in different thicknesses and with different types of underlayment, which can affect the durability and overall cost.

Similarly, engineered wood flooring can come with different types of veneers and finishes, affecting the appearance and cost. Laminate flooring can also vary in thickness, texture, and finish, affecting durability and cost.

So, when researching these different options, it’s essential to consider the quality and aesthetic finish you’re looking for, as well as your budget. While these alternatives are generally more affordable than hardwood flooring, you can still find a range of prices within each option depending on your specific product and features.

Ultimately, all three of these options are excellent alternatives for anyone who wants the hardwood feel without the cost, and with proper maintenance, they can provide a beautiful and long-lasting flooring solution for your home.