Considering hardwood flooring installation? While classic, hardwood is susceptible to moisture if not meticulously maintained. Wood isn’t always an ideal choice for humid environments, especially in homes that are not used year-round.
As a South Florida flooring contractor, East Coast Flooring & Installation fields a lot of requests for materials that give the hardwood appearance but can stand up to our climate. Fortunately, there are three great options.
Wood-Look Tile
Tile that emulates wood is a hot trend. It provides the look of wood, while allowing you to dodge some of the humidity concerns. Tile is extremely durable, and unlike wood it’s water-resistant. It’s also easier to clean. Bonus!
Tile feels cool underfoot, even during the summer. During months where the temperature drops, you may not be a big fan, but temps normally don’t dip down too low here in South Florida!
Wood-look tile is more appropriate than wood for bathrooms, kitchens and utility-type rooms, because tile repels moisture and humidity.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring looks and feels the most like hardwood; it’s a convincing alternative. It’s less expensive than hardwood, and it’s durable. Since it’s water-resistant, you can feel safe using it in the kitchen, bathroom or laundry room.
Laminate is easy to clean and maintain. While durable, it doesn’t offer the decades-long durability of tile or of our next candidate.
Bamboo
Bamboo looks very similar to hardwood, but it’s technically a grass. Don’t let that fool you, though. Bamboo is even more durable than hardwood and can easily last decades. Maintenance is a breeze. It is not water-resistant, so be sure to wipe up spills.
Bamboo is ecologically friendly, because it’s no longer harvested from natural forests. That practice once threatened giant pandas. Today, bamboo sold in the U.S. is sustainably grown on farms.
If you’re looking for an alternative to hardwood flooring installation, talk to East Coast Flooring & Installation – a trusted South Florida flooring contractor – about which hardwood flooring look-alike option will serve you best.