5 Types of Wood-Look Flooring: Find the Perfect Fit for Your New Mexico Home
Love the look of hardwood but need something more durable, affordable, or moisture-resistant? You’re in luck! Advances in flooring technology mean you can get the beauty of wood with added benefits like water resistance, easy maintenance, and budget-friendly pricing.
At The Floor Store in Albuquerque, we help homeowners like you find the right flooring for their lifestyle. Let’s explore five types of wood-look flooring and their pros and cons so you can choose the best fit for your space.
1. Wood-Look Tile
What Is It?
Wood-look tile is made from ceramic or porcelain but designed to mimic real wood grain. It comes in plank or tile form and is a stylish, ultra-durable option.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Waterproof – Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
✅ Super Durable – Scratch-resistant and stands up to heavy foot traffic.
✅ Low Maintenance – Easy to clean and never needs refinishing.
✅ Lots of Choices – Available in various wood tones and patterns.
Keep in Mind: Tile can feel hard and cold underfoot, but an area rug can add warmth and comfort.
2. Laminate Flooring
What Is It?
Laminate is made from compressed wood fiber with a high-quality wood image on top, covered by a protective layer.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Budget-Friendly – Gives you a wood-look floor without breaking the bank.
✅ Durable – Resists scratches and general wear and tear.
✅ DIY-Friendly – Click-and-lock installation makes it easy to install yourself.
Keep in Mind: Laminate isn’t waterproof, so it’s best to keep it out of bathrooms and basements.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
What Is It?
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a synthetic flooring designed to look like real wood but with extra durability. It’s a popular choice for a modern, convenient and durable floor covering. LVP comes in many options for color, style, width and grain patterns.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Waterproof – Great for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
✅ Tough & Scratch-Resistant – Holds up well in busy households.
✅ More Comfortable – Softer and quieter underfoot than tile or hardwood.
✅ Affordable – Less expensive than real wood but still looks fantastic.
Keep in Mind: While LVP looks great, it might not have the same “premium” feel as real wood.
4. Engineered Hardwood
What Is It?
Engineered hardwood has a thin layer of real wood on top, with a base of plywood or high-density fiberboard for added stability.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Real Wood Look – Because it is real wood!
✅ More Stable Than Hardwood – Resists warping in humid conditions.
✅ Can Be Refinished – Depending on the veneer thickness, it can be sanded and restained.
Keep in Mind: It costs more than laminate or vinyl, and the number of times an engineered hardwood can be refinished is limited.
5. Solid Hardwood
What Is It?
Hardwood flooring is made from solid natural wood, offering timeless beauty and warmth.
Why You’ll Love It:
✅ Long-Lasting – Can last for generations with proper care.
✅ Can Be Refinished – Sand it down and restain multiple times for a fresh look.
✅ Adds Value – A premium flooring choice that increases home value.
Keep in Mind: Hardwood is expensive and isn’t ideal for high-moisture areas. It can scratch easily, so it may not be the best choice for homes with pets or an active family.
So, Which Wood-Look Flooring Is Right for You?
It all depends on your needs!
🔹 Want something waterproof and ultra-durable? Go with tile or vinyl plank.
🔹 Need an affordable, easy-to-install option? Laminate is a great choice.
🔹 Love real wood but want something more stable? Engineered hardwood is the way to go.
🔹 Looking for a timeless, long-term investment? Hardwood is the premium pick.
At The Floor Store in Albuquerque, we’re here to help you find the perfect flooring for your home. Stop by our showroom on Second Street, just a mile south of Paseo del Norte, to browse thousands of options and even take a few samples home!
Let’s find the wood-look flooring that’s right for you—see you soon at The Floor Store!