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Types of Flooring Made Simple

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Types of Flooring Made Simple

Mike Daily

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02 Jan

The Complete Guide to help you choose the proper flooring:

Yes, at Brazil Floors we know.  Choosing a new floor for your home can be challenge. There are many types of flooring and it’s hard to tell the difference between most of them. That is why we’re here to help. 

Below, we’ll break down everything you need to know about all the floors that we sale and install: Solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, bamboo flooring.

Solid Hardwood Flooring

For starters, let’s take a look at a traditional favorite: Solid hardwood.

Thanks to hardwood’s durability and warm, natural feel, it continues to be the flooring of choice for many homeowners. Hardwood floors come in a variety of styles such as unfinished or prefinished boards.

It’s gorgeous, durable, warm, and very elegant. Plus, if you treat it right, it can last for a lifetime. 

Of the hardwoods, Red and White Oak remains the most popular choice, but other woods like American Cherry and imported exotic woods such as Brazilian Cherry or Tasmanian Oak are definitely worth considering.

Solid Hardwood Flooring Construction

Solid hardwood flooring is constructed of one big piece of solid wood throughout.

It usually comes in strips between 1½ and 3½ inches wide, or planks between 4 and 8 inches wide. Strips and planks are generally ¾ of an inch thick and can come prefinished or unfinished, depending on your preference.

Today we sale and install more of the prefinished hardwood floors, but if you want to have unfinished wood floors so you can finish it on-site, you won’t have any problems, we can provide as well.

Solid Hardwood Flooring Installation

First of all, make sure to leave your flooring in its intended room for at least a few days before installation to acclimate; natural wood grains expand and shrink based on humidity and temperature.

Solid wood flooring generally needs to be nailed or glued to a subfloor. And what is subflooring? It’s the rough surface underneath your finished floor. Most of the time, it’s made of plywood or concrete.

Because it needs to be glued or nailed, you’re almost certainly going to want to hire a professional to put it in for you, just call us here at Brazil Floors.

Advantages of Solid Hardwood Flooring

There are lots of other advantages to a solid wood floor. First and foremost, it’s extremely long-lasting. A solid wood floor can be sanded and refinished over and over again for decades.

Solid wood is versatile and has dozens of hardwood species (types of trees) to choose from, each with its own look, color, and texture.

Here’s a quick guide to some of the most popular wood flooring options:

  • Oak: The most popular type of wood flooring in the U.S., Oak is known for its warmth, character, and variation. Red Oak, White Oak. 
  • Maple: Maple is another popular domestic hardwood. It’s much lighter and can be a bit more difficult to stain than oak, but it’s a harder wood with a great natural look.
  • Walnut: Rich and dark, walnut is known for its chocolate-colored grain and luxurious appearance. 
  • Hickory: Varied, complex, and hard, hickory is a great option if you want to showcase your floor’s intricate detail.
  • Bamboo: With its unique look, the bamboo flooring is both eco-friendly and one of the most durable wood flooring options around. 

This is, of course, just a tiny cross-section of your endless solid wood flooring types.

Disadvantages of Solid Hardwood Flooring

While it looks and feels great, solid wood is a natural material—meaning it’s susceptible to temperature, humidity, and moisture. 

Water can make it swell. It can be stained, warped, and scuffed relatively easily (depending on the species and finish, of course).

With proper care, your wood floor can last a lifetime; without it, you’ll find yourself looking for a new floor quicker than you thought.

Best Uses for Solid Hardwood Floors

Solid wood floors are a great option for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways, etc.—anywhere you want a beautiful look and a great feel. 

You should avoid putting solid wood floors anywhere they’ll be exposed to:

  • Water, humidity, or moisture (like a kitchen or bathroom).
  • Rising damp (like a basement or other below-ground-level room—or any room with a concrete subfloor).
  • Dramatic shifts in temperature (like a 3-season room or above an underfloor heating system). 
  • Intense activity (like a child’s room or somewhere dogs play, for instance).

Solid Wood Flooring Cost

At Brazil Floors Solid wood flooring costs between $2–$9 per square foot, (Not including professional installation). We also care exotic floors (aka imported) or luxury woods and that can cost between $5-$10 per square foot (Not including professional installation).


Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a great option if you want the look and texture of solid wood with a bit more versatility and a little less maintenance.

Engineered Wood Flooring Construction

Normally the engineered floors consist in two layers: a thin sheet of solid wood (called a veneer) on top, and a thicker core of high-density fiberboard or plywood below.

Engineered wood can come in strips or planks up to 12 inches wide, and it’s generally ⅜ to ½ inch thick.

Engineered Wood Flooring Installation

You can glue or nail it to a subfloor or install it as a floating floor. A professional installer from Brazil Floors can usually do the job more quickly (and efficiently).

Advantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

It has the same look, feel, and versatility of solid wood—since the top of it is solid wood.

While it isn’t waterproof, engineered wood flooring is much more resistant to warping, meaning it can go where hardwood can’t.

Disadvantages of Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered hardwood is susceptible to the same types of surface scratches and gouges that solid wood flooring is. At the surface level, they’re the same type of flooring!

Best Uses for Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is much less susceptible to warping than solid hardwood flooring. That means humidity, temperature, and moisture aren’t going to affect it nearly as much.

Put it wherever you can’t put solid wood (as long as it’s not going to get super wet). Basements, over a concrete subfloor, above an underfloor heating system. 

Engineered Wood Flooring Cost

The cost of engineered floors is about the same as the cost of solid wood floors when it comes to domestic species.

If you like exotic wood flooring and don’t want to shell out the big bucks, engineered hardwood can be a great alternative. Because it uses less of that expensive solid wood, it won’t run you nearly as much.


Laminate Flooring

Think of it as a more durable alternative to engineered hardwood, but with a photo layer instead of solid wood veneer. 

Laminate Flooring Construction

Laminate flooring is made up of three (sometimes four) layers. Starting from the bottom, they are:

  1. Base Layer/Core: A rigid, high-density fiberboard (very similar to the core of engineered wood).
  2. Image Layer: A photorealistic image of wood grain.
  3. Wear Layer: A transparent plastic that guards against both fading and wear.

Some laminate flooring has a fourth layer below the base, often for soundproofing or comfort.

Laminate Flooring Installation

Laminate is generally installed as a floating floor, meaning it’s only attached to itself (and not the subfloor). It usually requires a soft underlayment (foam, for example), and can be glued together or clicked into place—it all depends on what kind of laminate you get.

Advantages of Laminate Flooring

Durability. The wear layer of laminate flooring makes it super, super durable. Kids? Dogs? Heavy furniture? Whatever you’ve got going on, kids, dogs, heavy furniture… laminate is a great way to avoid scratches and gouges on your floor.

Plus, its wear layer makes it easy to clean and UV resistant (so it won’t fade in the sun the way solid wood sometimes does). Oh, and it’s usually a lot less expensive than wood, too. 

Disadvantages of Laminate Flooring

Like engineered wood, laminate flooring isn’t susceptible to humidity, moisture, or temperature—but it’s not waterproof and will swell if water gets into the base layer.

Lower-end laminate floors are sometimes artificial-looking, and though laminate is some of the most scratch-resistant flooring on the market, some types have been known to chip. And while its super-hard top makes it durable, it also feels plastic-y underfoot and gets slippery when wet.

Plus, you can’t refinish or repair it. 

Best Uses for Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a solid flooring option anywhere it won’t get wet. Its scratch resistance makes it one of the best flooring options for high-traffic areas (like hallways) or homes with kids or dogs.

Laminate Flooring Cost

Laminate flooring can cost anywhere from $1 per foot to $5 per foot (though it’s generally in the $1.50 to $3.50/sq. ft. range). It all depends on the type and quality you want.


Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP) / Vinyl Tile Flooring (LVT)

Vinyl plank flooring, LVP, LVT, luxury vinyl… call it whatever you want, it’s essentially the same product: a durable, synthetic flooring material that can mimic the look and feel of just about anything.

LVP stands for luxury vinyl plank. The “luxury” is there to differentiate it from older types of vinyl flooring, which we’ll discuss further down. 

LVT stands for luxury vinyl tile, which is, predictably, the same thing, but in the shape and look of tiles rather than wood planks.

Vinyl Plank / Vinyl Tile Flooring Construction

Vinyl plank flooring is primarily made of PVC (plastic). It’s a space-age surface that offers perhaps the best value of any of the types of flooring on this list.

Like laminate, vinyl plank contains multiple layers. Starting from the bottom, they are:

  1. Base Layer/Core: Made of vinyl, the core can range from rigid to flexible, depending on the product.
  2. Design Layer: Also made of vinyl, the design layer range mimics the look (and texture) of anything from wood to metal to stone. 
  3. Wear Layer: A transparent layer to guard against (you guessed it) wear.

Many of the vinyl plank flooring brands offer backing underneath the base layer, sometimes they’re designed to make the tile softer underfoot, sometimes to make the floor more durable, etc.

You can find both flexible core and rigid core luxury vinyl flooring on the market.

Rigid core LVP is also known as “EVP flooring “, and it’s by far the more comfortable and durable option.

And if you go the rigid core route (which we would recommend), the best types of flooring for you are either going to be WPC flooring (which has a wood-polymer composite core for increased comfort) or SPC flooring (which has a stone-polymer composite for increased durability). 

Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation

You can find glue down vinyl plank flooring, click-lock vinyl plank that installs as a floating floor, and even loose lay vinyl plank flooring that relies on friction and weight to hold it in place. Some types even have peel-and-stick backing!

Advantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

It’s inexpensive, it’s comfortable underfoot, it’s insanely durable, it can mimic the look and texture of just about any material, and (maybe best of all) it’s an entirely waterproof vinyl flooring option.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

It’s plastic, which means it’s not particularly environmentally friendly flooring. All plastic products can contain VOCs, which can be hazardous to your health, meaning you’re going to want to look specifically for low-VOC vinyl flooring brands that we care in stock all the time.

Best Uses for Vinyl Plank Flooring

Like we said, LVT/LVP is waterproof—you can put the stuff anywhere. That said, you’d be making a mistake if you thought of it as just a “utility floor”.

High-quality laminates do an amazing job of imitating hardwood, they are gorgeous. Put it in the living room or bedroom!

Vinyl Plank / Vinyl Tile Flooring Cost

Vinyl plank floors and vinyl tile floors are budget-friendly options. They usually run between $1 and $5 per square foot, before installation.


Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring, an increasingly popular choice among homeowners, is renowned for its distinctive natural appearance, durability, and eco-friendliness. Originating from the fast-growing bamboo plant, this type of flooring offers a fresh and modern alternative to traditional hardwood.

Types of Bamboo Flooring

Primarily, bamboo flooring comes in three varieties:

  1. Solid Bamboo: Made entirely from bamboo, solid bamboo floors are comparable to solid hardwood but are more sustainable.
  2. Engineered Bamboo: This type consists of a bamboo veneer atop a base of layered material, offering enhanced stability.
  3. Strand-Woven Bamboo: Created by compressing bamboo fibers under high pressure, strand-woven bamboo is noted for its exceptional hardness and durability.

Strength and Durability

Bamboo floors are known for their strength, often surpassing traditional hardwoods in durability. This makes them suitable for high-traffic areas in homes.

Moisture Resistance

While bamboo is more moisture-resistant than many hardwoods, it’s not entirely waterproof. Hence, it’s important to manage spills promptly.

Environmental Impact

Bamboo’s rapid growth and ability to regenerate without replanting make it a sustainable and environmentally friendly choice. Its production typically has a lower carbon footprint compared to hardwoods, given bamboo’s rapid growth rate. Many manufacturers also adhere to environmentally friendly practices, further enhancing its eco-credentials.

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Bamboo flooring offers a variety of styles, from natural and carbonized colors to more contemporary shades and textures. This versatility allows it to fit into diverse interior designs, from traditional to modern.

Installation Process

Bamboo flooring can be installed using various methods, including gluing, nailing, and floating (click-together). Professional installation is generally recommended for the best results.

Maintenance Tips

Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with a damp (not wet) mop are sufficient to keep bamboo floors looking their best. It’s important to avoid harsh chemicals and excessive water.

Price Range

The cost of bamboo flooring varies but is generally comparable to hardwood. Factors influencing the price include quality, type, and finish.

Advantages of Bamboo Flooring

  1. Eco-Friendliness: As a renewable resource, bamboo has a minimal environmental impact.
  2. Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, making it suitable for busy households.
  3. Aesthetic Flexibility: With various styles available, it can complement any interior design.

Disadvantages of Vinyl Plank Flooring

  1. Scratch and Dent Susceptibility: While durable, bamboo can be prone to scratching.
  2. Moisture Limitations: Not ideal for highly humid or wet environments.
  3. Quality Variability: The quality can vary significantly between different brands and types.

Consumer Considerations

When choosing bamboo flooring, it’s vital to look for quality indicators like certifications and warranties. Look for reputable brands and consider the specific needs of your space.


Bottom Line

In many aspects, all floors can be used interchangeably in most homes. Some flooring options have more similarities than differences, making it a personal decision. The exception to hardwood, engineered, vinyl, laminate or bamboo interchangeability comes down to water damage.

Some flooring is a better choice in high-moisture environments than others, making it a better option for kitchens, bathrooms and basements. But, for whole-house installations, all flooring options offer a wide range of style choices. It boils down to your budget and style preferences.

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