Solid wood flooring is a firm favourite for many, and it’s easy to understand why. However, with the large price tag and high levels of maintenance involved, more and more people are opting for alternatives. We put together a list of flooring options that are not only stylish but are easier on the wallet!
Luxury Vinyl Tiles
Luxury vinyl tiles are made up of three different layers – a high performance backing layer and a scratch resistant top layer, sandwiching a photographic layer in the centre. Luxury vinyl tiles can therefore be designed to look like any type of natural flooring – from real wood to mosaic. The tiles add warmth to any room and are made durable by the backing layer and scratch resistant surface.
The new ‘Form’ range from Amtico boasts luxury vinyl tiles with revolutionary thickness and durability, teamed with a beautifully authentic appearance. The range includes ‘Artisan Embossed Wood’ which features unique hand-crafted grooves – ideal for creating the appearance of real hardwood in your home. Amtico Form also offer ‘Natural Wood Grain Emboss’ which adds a depth to the room with its raised texture.
If you’re interested in this flooring, but not sure on the design or colour, then head over to the BestatFlooring Amtico Décor page, to see their full range of beautiful and elegant designs in this range.
Once installed, vinyl flooring is easy to maintain by regularly vacuuming or sweeping with a soft brush. Unlike solid wood, vinyl does not require regular polish or treatments to maintain its look and if well looked after, will keep its colour and texture for years to come. All of this makes it a great choice for rooms requiring a bit of extra resilience.
Laminate Flooring
If Luxury Vinyl Tiles aren’t your thing, laminate flooring is another excellent alternative to solid wood. Laminate offers the look of a solid wood floor with a much smaller price tag and lower up-keep. Much like luxury vinyl tiles, laminate can be made to look like any natural flooring, and is made up of layers – a scratch resistant top layer, a photographic layer, a high-density layer, and a stabilising backing layer. These layers combine to give superior durability and resistance to wear and tear.
Laminate flooring can be used almost anywhere in the home but we would recommend installing it in rooms that are not vulnerable to spills. Although laminate flooring has a certain amount of water resistance, it is not as resistant as vinyl tiles and may become damaged if water is left on the surface.
Whichever option you choose, getting the look of a solid wood floor has never been easier. From Birch to Walnut, there will always be a beautiful replica to solid wood giving you the style you want without the extra maintenance.
