Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling an older property, updating the flooring is a major decision, especially if you want the look of wood floors in your Austin home. Your floor choice will depend on several factors, including how you plan to use the space. From vinyl to wood flooring, compare available options to know what is right for your home.
Wood Flooring
Hardwood floors add warmth and create timeless beauty that fits with many design styles. Modern hardwood offers a wide range of colors, from light brown and dark brown to gray. Choose the color that complements your space, making it the focal point or enhancing other architectural elements. Many species of wood are used in modern floors, such as the following:
- Maple
- Walnut
- Hickory
- White oak
- Light oak
Wood flooring comes in different styles, including various plank widths, textured finishes, and shades. Choose light wood for small spaces or to brighten a dark room. Deep shades add richness to a room; medium colors are a nice mix between the two. Because every wood species has its own unique grain pattern and appearance, you may prefer varied flooring in different areas of your home depending on how each space is used.
Hardwood flooring is installed over wood subfloors and is especially well suited to living rooms and bedrooms. Because hardwood is sensitive to moisture, kitchens, bathrooms, and finished basements may require flooring options designed for higher-moisture areas. With proper care, hardwood is able ot maintain its beauty and performance for many years, and professional installation helps offer lasting results.
Engineered Wood
Similar to solid hardwood flooring, engineered wood offers a range of benefits for Austin homeowners. It combines a genuine hardwood wear layer with a layered wood-based core, giving it greater versatility in where it is installed. Engineered wood is suitable for installation over concrete subfloors and performs well in a variety of interior conditions, making it a practical choice for homes built on concrete slabs.
Because engineered wood features a genuine hardwood wear layer, it offers a wide selection of colors, patterns, and grain styles similar to those available with traditional hardwood flooring. Its layered construction provides dimensional stability in changing indoor conditions; its construction also makes it well suited for doorways and adjoining rooms where different flooring heights require a smooth transition.
Wood Patterns and Textures
Patterned wood flooring adds visual interest and a custom look to your space, with styles available in both hardwood and engineered wood. Common patterns include:
- Herringbone
- Chevron
- Diagonal
- Other custom patterns
Texture helps conceal signs of everyday traffic and gives the floor a natural, inviting appearance. Because many textures are available, compare styles before choosing the right option for your space. Visit a showroom in Austin to explore different patterns in person, and take home samples when available. This allows you to see how each option looks with your lighting, furniture, and other design elements.
Luxury Vinyl Plank Floors
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, provides the look of hardwood with water-resistant or waterproof performance. Its durable construction makes LVP a practical choice for busy households and high-traffic areas. LVP features three main layers: a durable core, a wood-look design layer, and a protective wear layer that helps resist everyday wear.
LVP uses either stone-based or wood-plastic composite cores. Stone-based cores provide greater rigidity and durability, making them well suited to kitchens, bathrooms, and busy areas. Wood-plastic composite cores offer a softer feel underfoot, making them comfortable in bedrooms and living areas. These cores also provide a refined appearance that complements a variety of interior styles.
Another benefit of LVP is its ability to reduce sound as you move across the floor. This feature creates a quieter atmosphere, which makes LVP a comfortable choice for bedrooms and other living spaces. With its combination of style, durability, and moisture resistance, LVP suits a wide range of rooms throughout the home.
Choose Your Wood Floors
The type of flooring you select depends on which characteristics matter most to you. If you desire the natural look of a wood floor, you can select genuine hardwood, engineered wood, or luxury vinyl plank floors. Visit a professional showroom to find the material, style, and color that best fit your Austin home.
