18 November 2022

Why choose real wood over wood effect flooring?

Whether you’re looking to redecorate your home or business, the floor is the best place to start. The floor sets the foundation and can really transform a space.

But with so many options to consider – from smooth laminate and vinyl to decorative ceramic tiles, luxurious carpet and real wood – choosing your new floor can feel overwhelming.

Fortunately, there’s one type of flooring that never goes out of style, and that is hardwood flooring. Timeless. Classy. Rustic. Refined.

No matter your preferred style of interior design, whether you’re opting for a snug farmhouse vibe or contemporary minimalism, wooden floors can complement and enhance your space to impress everyone who enters.

But although wooden floors are stunning and stylish, we’d be lying if we said they came cheap. And not everyone can afford the real thing. That’s why there are so many budget-friendly wood effect options that look almost as good as the real deal for a fraction of the cost.

So, why would anybody opt for the real deal if there are less expensive options? Well, let’s take a look at the benefits of choosing genuine wood over its cheaper counterparts.

Long life-span

Laminate and vinyl tiles are two popular wood-effect options, but replicas of wooden flooring tend to have a much shorter lifespan. They can still last up to 20 years or so if well looked after, but they will certainly need to be replaced at some point in the future.

All types of flooring are susceptible to damage over time, but laminate cannot be refinished the way wood can. You would have to remove and replace any damaged planks instead, which can add to maintenance costs.

Vinyl can be refinished with a sealant to bring it back to life, but you’ll have to do this every couple of years, so it definitely requires more regular maintenance than wood. And after 10-20 years, it’s likely the entire floor will need to be replaced.

One of the biggest benefits of choosing authentic wood is how incredibly long it lasts. Despite being more expensive, you’re sure to get more years out of it than you do with wood-effect alternatives. This makes it a fantastic investment if you don’t want to replace your floors every few years.

You may need to sand and re-coat wood approximately every ten years if you want to keep it looking glossy and new, but with a little bit of love and care, wooden flooring can last more than a lifetime.

A solid investment

If you’re redecorating a space for short-term use, we recommend opting for a wood effect floor such as laminate or luxury vinyl tiles. These options won’t break the bank, and if you choose to move, you won’t feel guilty for pouring money into a temporary property.

But if you’ve just bought a house and you’re certain it’s going to be your forever home, then real wooden flooring is one of the best investments you can make. It might be expensive, but it makes up for it in durability.

Once your flooring is down, you will never have to worry about carpets getting worn or tiles cracking. With the right care, your wooden floors will last a lifetime, and you won’t need to think about replacing them in the near future.

If circumstances change and you choose to move, having hardwood floors can increase the value of your house and make it more attractive to buyers.

Easy to clean

Whether you’re installing wooden flooring into your home or business, one of its biggest perks is how easy it is to keep clean and fresh.

If you have a business where people are constantly in and out, it’ll be simple to wash mud, dirt and germs off the floor. And if you’re choosing wood flooring for a home with kids or pets, you won’t need to fret about juice spillages or pet fur getting trapped in your carpet fibres.

A wooden floor can be maintained with a combination of hoovering, sweeping, and light mopping to keep your rooms looking top-notch. It really is as simple as that.

Versatile styles

It takes longer to install wooden floors than wood-effect alternatives, but the time and money will be well and truly worth it for the stunning finish. Vinyl and laminate do a good job of imitating hardwood and come in various styles, but they don’t quite match up to the real thing. If you’re truly looking to impress, hardwood is the way forward.

From distressed golden oak to a dark polished herringbone, there is a style of wood to suit every taste, and the type of wood you choose can change the ambience of a room.

Dark wooden floors add a flair of style and uniqueness not many homes have. A darker hue also hides imperfections, so it will need less cleaning and fewer touch-ups. Lighter wood, on the other hand, can create a space that feels open and inviting. This makes it preferable for smaller or more narrow rooms, as it can make the place feel more spacious even when it’s packed in with furniture.

Floor stains and varnishes can change the appearance of your hardwood when you want a fresh look. With dark walnut to rustic beige, mahogany, ebony, and everything in between, there’s sure to be a wood stain colour that gives you the Pinterest-perfect look you’ve been searching for.

Wooden floors can then be enhanced with a range of finishes that all give a different sheen and add a layer of protection. You can go for a super glossy finish or something more matt and subtle; the choice is yours.

Wooden floors add character and flair to all rooms, and there is no wrong choice when it comes to hardwood.

Ideal for both domestic and commercial

Hardwood floors have been around for centuries, and while other trends may come and go, wood is the most timeless and classic choice for homes or businesses. Wood effect flooring emulates the beauty of hardwood flooring, but it doesn’t quite capture the authenticity of genuine wood.

Hardwood makes for a gorgeous bedroom or living room foundation. You can accessorise with rugs to add a cosier vibe for living rooms or make smaller bedrooms feel larger with a light hue and minimal furniture.

Hallways and entrances with a real wood floor are bound to impress and inspire visitors, and wooden staircases can be a stunning feature in any space.

If you’re choosing flooring for your workspace, wood not only looks fantastic but is also very durable for high-traffic areas where customers or employees may be in and out a lot.

Avoid hardwood in rooms high in moisture, such as bathrooms. Water damage is the worst thing for wooden floors as it cannot be repaired, and that’s not a good look. So for rooms that get wet, your best options would be LVT, or ceramic tiles – something that can handle the moisture build-up without repercussions.

Need a little inspiration or advice?

There are hundreds of flooring manufacturers, suppliers and installers, so it can be hard to know where to turn.

At Beyond Flooring Direct, we understand the importance of getting the right flooring for your home – it’s a big investment. That’s why we focus on quality – quality products and quality service.

Every product in our range has been hand-picked by our team so you can have complete confidence that your new floor will be of the highest standards.

And with our measuring guide and choice of delivery and payment options, it’s easy to get your perfect flooring solution with Beyond Flooring Direct.

Browse our range for a little inspiration or come along and visit our showroom in Leeds. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home or commercial space.