Wood flooring is a very important element in the interior design of any space because it has a great impact on the functional characteristics of the space and its appearance and the feeling that is conveyed to people by being in the space. In fact, wood flooring plays a background role and affects all other elements of decoration, and for this reason, to have a suitable decoration, one should be familiar with different types of wood flooring decoration.
Wood is a familiar material that has always been considered as flooring and never gets old; In addition, it gives a special warmth and sense of intimacy to the home space.
There is a wide range of wood flooring and flooring on the market today, which makes the selection and decision-making process difficult. In this article, we have tried to provide you with the practical information you need in simple language. Stay tuned for more.
Step 1 - Before choosing wood flooring, you should consider the following points:
Determine how much you want to spend
What is the amount of humidity in your desired space, or other words, is the flooring to be installed in a humid environment?
What space are you going to use this flooring for? Investigate the amount of traffic, the likelihood of injury, falling objects, spills, and other influencing factors.
How exposed is your surface to direct sunlight?
Think about maintenance methods and the possibility of repairing wood flooring and examine them in the options you want.
If you plan to change the floor covering of your home or install another floor on the current surface, pay attention to the thickness of the flooring you choose. If the thickness of the new floor is much larger than the previous one, it may be difficult to open and close the doors.
Step 2 - Familiarize yourself with the types of flooring available in the market:
1- Parquet
Parquet is a flooring that is made of natural wood and there are different types depending on the type of wood from which the wood is made. The parquet is glued to the floor, then the surface is smoothed and polished by sanding. Finally, the surface is varnished to make it smooth and shiny. Sanding and then varnishing should be repeated every few years, as the parquet surface may be damaged or lose its original luster after a while. The price and quality of the parquet depend on the type of wood it is made of. This wood flooring is very suitable for covering the living room floor, living room, and stairs.
Advantages and Disadvantages
+ Parquet is a type of wood flooring that is compatible with all decoration styles, is very luxurious, and has a unique beauty; In addition, its surface is softer and more comfortable than ceramics. It has a long life and is very durable. This flooring can be repaired and its damage and scratches can be removed by sanding and finally giving it its original appearance by waxing. It is interesting to know that if you are going to sell your house one day, having parquet flooring is a point for your house in pricing!
The parquet surface is easily damaged by falling or hitting sharp objects. You should sweep and clean the surface regularly as dust on the surface may cause abrasion. If the parquet is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, it may lose its natural color or its surface may fade slowly. Parquet has little moisture resistance. For this reason, you should not allow its surface to remain wet; Moisture that seeps from the floor or floor can also damage the parquet. So if you live in a humid climate, be more careful in choosing the type of parquet and applying the necessary arrangements for its installation and maintenance.
2- Laminating
Laminate is a type of wood flooring that is made of compressed wood fibers and, like parquet, is not made directly from wood. Its outer surface is a cover on which the image of natural wood is printed. The laminate is installed through the joints of the crotch and the tab, without being glued to the floor.
Advantages and Disadvantages
+ Laminate has a great variety in design and color. Since these floors do not stick to the ground, they are easily installed on any surface (such as stone or ceramic). You can also remove them if you move them and use them again in another place. Therefore, laminate is a good option for tenants.
Laminate is more resistant to moisture than parquet, however, it is not a good option for wet spaces such as bathrooms.
3- PVC (vinyl)
wood flooring PVC (compressed plastic) is available in different thicknesses and colors and the form of tiles and rolls. Industrial glue is used to install these floors. This type of flooring is commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms where the floor is wetter.
Advantages and Disadvantages
+ These floors are washable and can be installed easily and quickly on any flat surface, in addition, they are less thick than parquet and laminate. They are easy to maintain, do not require waxing, and are easy to clean. PVC has a long life and is very affordable. In addition, wood flooring is suitable for humid environments. These floors today have a good variety of designs and colors.
PVC does not have the appearance quality of parquet or laminate. This flooring is attached to the floor with glue, so you have no choice but to replace it for repairs. It also damages its floor and, unlike laminate, cannot be removed and reinstalled in another space. One of the problems of this product is its low resistance to tearing and scratching; Of course, this problem has been solved to some extent in new productions.
4- Linoleum
Linoleum is another type of wood flooring that is also produced with wood design. This wood flooring is made of completely natural materials such as linseed oil and wood products. Linoleum is available in rolls and tiles in the market and is a suitable flooring for use in the kitchen.
Advantages and Disadvantages
+ This flooring creates a soft and comfortable surface underfoot and is easy to clean. In addition, it is durable and has a long life. As mentioned, linoleum is made from natural materials, so it is an environmentally friendly material and does not pollute the indoor air of the house through the production of chemical gasses.
The degree of resistance and durability against impact and scratches depends on the type and varies from product to product. The surface of linoleum needs to be polished and waxed every year. Excessive contact with moisture can damage this floor, so it is not a good option for covering the bathroom floor.
4- Bamboo
+ Bamboo looks like wood but is more affordable than other types of wood flooring. In addition, the bamboo plant grows rapidly; Therefore, this flooring is a renewable material, and using it instead of wood can prevent the cutting of trees. Bamboo is very durable and creates a more comfortable surface than wood.
Bamboo is less resistant to moisture than other materials and may twist in climates or spaces with high humidity. Also, the variety of colors and designs is more limited than wood. Bamboo is vulnerable to direct sunlight and may change color over time.
5- Cork
+ Cork like bamboo is an environmentally friendly material because it is made from the bark of trees. This wood flooring has a relatively soft surface and flexibility. It is also resistant to mold, rot, pests, and fungi. Cork is partially sound and heat insulating, its surface has a texture and is resistant to moisture.
Cork is easily damaged, so sweeping and applying a protective layer to maintain it is essential. (You can use natural waxes or "polyurethane" protective layers to prevent the surface from scratching.)
6- Thermo wood
Thermowood or thermo wood refers to woods that, through a specific process, lose most of the negative properties of wood. Some types of thermowood are used as wood flooring. In addition to the interior of the house, these floors can also be used in open and semi-open spaces (such as terraces).
7- Advantages and Disadvantages
+ Thermowood has a clean and uniform texture and is resistant to rot, insect attack, and moisture; In addition, it has several times the lifespan of ordinary wood and is a very good thermal insulation.
8- Ceramic wood design
Ceramic wood flooring can be used in all rooms such as the kitchen, bathroom, living room, living room, and bedroom.
9- Advantages and Disadvantages
+ These old materials are very resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches and are produced in a variety of designs and colors.
Ceramics with wood design do not have the quality and appearance of other materials. It cracks due to impact and its slurry needs constant cleaning. Ceramics are relatively expensive and difficult to install. The ceramic surface is slippery. It is also harder and colder than other options, so it may not feel comfortable in the winter.