Your Guide to Wood (and Wood-Look!) Flooring

What’s new — and tried-and-true — in the world of wood and wood-look flooring.

Written by Suzanna Logan

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Solid Hardwood

A perennial favorite for good reason, solid hardwood offers beauty, tactile appeal and can be refurbished as needed. Get the charm and character of antique floorboards with a wire-brushed or hand-scraped finish (so you won’t have to wait for years to achieve the patina).

Cost: $5 to $10 per square foot

Get the look! Natural Choice collection by Bruce

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Waterproof Hardwood

A game-changer in the world of wood flooring, the industry’s most innovative brands are now offering hardwoods that are actually waterproof, not just water resistant, thanks to breakthrough technology, such as hydrophobic sealant applied to a thick hardwood veneer wrapped around a waterproof core. Combined, these materials allow you to enjoy the beauty of hardwoods in your kitchen, mudroom and bathrooms — worry-free.

Cost: Prices vary by manufacturer and location

Get the look! Winslow Hill Maple Day Dream by Aquadura H20, Flooring America

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Engineered Hardwood

Consisting of a thin layers of real wood fused together, engineered hardwood maintains the wood look but won’t shrink or warp, making it a smart choice for below-grade installations.

Cost: $4 to $9 per square foot

Get the look! Brushed Suede in Sugar Cane by Shaw Floors

Wood-look Vinyl

Get the essence of wood flooring plus the added benefit of waterproofing and scuff resistance with economical vinyl plank flooring. For a faux version that looks like the real deal, choose a product with added surface texture to mimic the grain of natural wood.

Cost: $2 to $6 per square foot

Get the look! Timekeeper’s Call Vinyl Sheet in Sand Dune Run by Armstrong

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Laminated Hardwood

Composed of an image of wood placed on top of fiberboard and coated with a protective sealant, laminate wood flooring replicates the appearance of hardwood with the same durability against wear and tear as vinyl. Giving it an edge, laminate tends to feel softer and warmer than its plastic rival.

Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot

Get the look! REPEL Laminate Grand Vista in Township by Shaw Floors