Choosing the best flooring options for a living room renovation isn't always easy. You have this vast space that everyone's going to be walking on, sitting on, and playing on. It needs to be practical and tough enough to handle what life throws at it. It also needs to look great and fit in with the rest of the decor. The obvious option is to go for a wood floor. It has the strength and user-friendly features to handle family life and the diverse options to suit your taste. The question is, which type of wooden floor should you go for? Is engineered wood flooring the perfect middle-ground option people say it is?

Solid Wood Vs. Laminate Flooring Vs. Engineered Wood Flooring

There are three different ways you can bring wooden flooring into your home, and each has its pros and cons. Many homeowners will immediately find themselves drawn to the prospect of a solid wood floor. There is a romance associated with this option that makes you think of period properties. These floors are built to last, provided they are cared for and don't sustain water damage. You can sand them, stain them, and create something to make people envious. The biggest downside, however, is the cost. You'll end up blowing a big chunk of your budget on the materials and labor needed to create this floor. The bigger the living room, the higher the cost.

This financial issue is why many people turn to laminate flooring instead. The idea with laminate is that it's meant to trick people into thinking there's solid wood when there isn't. The thin veneer of wood lies over a much cheaper material, and when you get up close, you see the facade. These boards can look really lovely with the right wood grain and tone. They're also fairly easy to keep clean. They're just not as durable and long-lasting as the real thing. There isn't the depth to sand down these boards and fix any chips and dents. The cheap material underneath can also decay from water damage. It's an affordable solution that might not give the high-end look you're going for.

That's when it's more beneficial to opt for high-quality engineered wood flooring instead. This is the middle ground between the two previous solutions. You have a much thicker and more robust piece of real wood on the surface, which increases the durability, attractiveness, and adaptability of the panel. However, the cheaper material beneath means you aren't dealing with the higher costs and potential for warping that you get with solid wood. It is a much better way to give the illusion of solid wood because of the depth and the finish of that wood surface. Because of this, you'll also find many leading providers offering a range of product options with robust oak surfaces. You can choose your design, such as a classic parquet or chevron pattern, as well as the final tone and effect. Some users go for oiled wood, while others like a more natural feel.

Alternatives To Wooden Flooring

Engineered wooden floors are the perfect middle ground when choosing the best flooring solution for your living room. But what if you don't like the look of those warm wooden panels or worry about the cost and maintenance? There are other options available that are worth looking into. However, most aren't as suitable for living rooms as wooden options.

1. Carpet

We've come this far without mentioning carpet, but it has to be done. Carpet is a potential option if you want that softer feel and a more muted tone. The problem is that it's so much more difficult to keep hygienic. If you've got small children and pets, it's going to get messy fast.

2.Concrete

Concrete floors are very popular right now because of their aesthetics. You can create an excellent minimalist or brutalist look with this uniform flooring in the right space. The ability to add different finishes and tones just amplifies that and makes the room more stylish. This is great for grown-up kitchens and bathrooms but not so much for a family living room.

3. Tiling

Tiled floors have their charm in the right place. They are a great way of creating a rustic vibe or something more homely, especially with warm terracotta tones or painted tiles. They are also durable enough for regular footfall and will last for years. However, it's best to stick to kitchen and conservatory floors than to bring this into a cozier living room space.

4. Cork

This final option is something you might not have heard of before, but it's gaining popularity. Cork is a trendy choice because of its look and eco-friendly credentials. It's a sustainable and natural option that brings a really nice tone to a room. It's also bouncy, so it's great for kids' rooms. The only problem is that it's so susceptible to damage from spills and scratches that it's not the most practical choice.

Engineered Wood Flooring: The Perfect Middle Ground

What this all shows is that engineered wooden flooring is the best choice for a living room. It simply ticks all the right boxes. Unless you're completely against the idea of a hard floor in a living area or hate the look of wood grain, it's hard to argue against wooden flooring. It looks beautiful, especially when you apply the right tones and finishes to match it with the decor. It can also be durable and long-lasting when you choose the right type of wood. Skilled designers and tradespeople can help you pick out engineered wood flooring perfect for your needs. You can decide if you want a deeper oiled finish on a classic parquet floor, a more minimalist plank design in a natural tone, or a more stylish chevron design. With engineered wood, you'll know you're getting quality pieces that will last without destroying your budget. So, check out your option, take advantage of any AI tools and free samples, and find what works for you.