When asked their preference in flooring for their home, most people invariably choose a hardwood floor. That’s easily understandable given that nothing else has quite the same impact as the warm glow of oak or the deep richness of walnut flooring. That’s not to minimize the attractiveness and versatility of ceramic tile, marble, slate and even some of the high-end carpeting selections available today, but there’s just something about solid wood floors.
Solid wood planks are what people normally envision when they talk about wood flooring, but that may not always be true. There are many alternates being used, today, and there are those who believe that one day it will be rare to find solid wood in any but the most costly constructions.
Environmental considerations play a part in this trend. The practice of cutting down old growth forests has played havoc with everything from global warming to the extinction of entire species. Considering the rate of population growth, it is unlikely that we can plant and replace at a rate that would meet demand for construction.
One alternative, engineered wood flooring now outsells solid wood world wide, although that is not yet the case here in the United States. Engineered wood is created by pressing two or more strips of wood together. The layers are arranged with the grains running in different directions which has the benefit of significantly increasing stability. This discourages the same expansion and shrinkage that solid planks are prone to when exposed to variations in temperature and humidity. Consequently, this opens up the option of installing this type of floor in areas that are sub-grade and even in basements.
Reclaimed or recycled wood has become exceedingly popular. This wood is found in old houses, barns and cabins and carefully removed to be reused in new construction. Having been weathered by sun, wind and rain for decades, these planks have all the beauty of solid wood without any of the warping tendencies of freshly milled timber. Besides providing flooring that has a unique character, the homeowner has the extra benefit of knowing that not a single new tree had to be cut down.
Engineered and reclaimed wood flooring are attractive options to solid plank hardwood floors and are real wood. Laminate flooring, on the other hand, only has the appearance of wood. This imitation is created by gluing a photograph of one of the hardwood varieties onto a fiber board and resin composite. This is then sealed with a clear coating. In existence for approximately the last thirty years, the process has been greatly improved and some are even given a texture to simulate the feel of wood.
These alternatives may well become the norm for new construction and remodeling. The truth is that our hardwoods are a dwindling resource. What is less easy to believe, however, is that any substitute will ever truly equal the beauty and value added to a home by solid wood flooring.
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