A Quick Guide to Wood Styles That Wow
Thinking about upgrading your floors but not sure which type of wood is right for your home? Wondering what really makes solid hardwood different from engineered or bamboo?
In this post, you’ll learn about the most popular types of wood flooring—from timeless oak to trendy cork—and how each one stacks up in terms of style, performance, and price.
By the end, you’ll know which wood flooring best fits your flooring installation vision.
Types of Wood Flooring
Start by understanding the main types of wood flooring available, each with its own pros and cons in terms of style, cost, and performance.
- Solid Hardwood Flooring – One-piece planks milled from solid wood; durable and long-lasting.
- Engineered Hardwood Flooring – Real wood veneer over layered plywood; more stable in humid climates.
- Engineered Waterproof Hardwood – Engineered core with water-resistant construction for moisture-prone areas.
- Bamboo Flooring – Technically a grass; eco-friendly, hard, and scratch-resistant.
- Parquet Flooring – Geometric patterns made from small wood slats; decorative and stylish.
- Cork Flooring – Soft, sustainable, and naturally sound-dampening; less common in hardwood discussions.
Contact us about your flooring installation.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
What It Is
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of solid wood, usually oak, maple, cherry, or hickory. Each plank is cut straight from the tree and milled to standard widths and thicknesses, typically around 3/4 of an inch thick.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Can be sanded and refinished many times
- Extremely long-lasting when maintained
- Adds significant value to your home
Cons
- Prone to expansion and contraction with humidity
- Not suitable for moisture-prone or below-grade areas
- Generally, more expensive than engineered wood floors
Best Use Cases
Solid wood is a great choice for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms—any room where the air stays fairly dry and steady. It adds lasting value and warmth to traditional and modern homes alike.
Cost Range
Expect to pay between $8 and $15 per square foot for materials, depending on the wood species and grade.
There’s more to know about wood flooring costs.
Installation and Maintenance
This flooring must be nailed or stapled to a plywood subfloor, which often requires professional help.
Regular sweeping, dry mopping, and refinishing every 7–10 years will keep it looking its best.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
What It Is
Engineered hardwood flooring features a real hardwood veneer over multiple layers of plywood or fiberboard. This layered construction makes it more stable than solid hardwood while still delivering the same classic appearance.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Better resistance to moisture and humidity
- Can be installed below grade, including in basements
- Click-lock and glue-down installation options are available
- Often more affordable than solid wood flooring
Cons
- Limited refinishing depending on the thickness of the top layer
- Not as long-lasting as solid hardwood in high-traffic areas
- Lower-quality versions may have thin veneers and feel less sturdy
Best Use Cases
Engineered hardwood works well in kitchens, basements, condos, and anywhere humidity tends to fluctuate. It’s ideal for homeowners who want the look of solid hardwood without the risk of warping or gapping.
Cost Range
Materials typically cost between $6 and $12 per square foot, depending on the thickness and wood species used.
Installation and Maintenance
Engineered wood can be installed as a floating floor or glued directly to subfloors, including concrete.
Routine sweeping and dry mopping are all it takes to maintain the surface, with refinishing possible in higher-end options.
Hardwood vs. engineered hardwood flooring.
Waterproof Engineered Hardwood
What It Is
Waterproof engineered hardwood takes the layered construction of engineered wood floors and upgrades it with water-resistant materials and sealing technology. These planks are built with a waterproof core, tight seams, and protective finishes to handle moisture more effectively than standard wood flooring.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Handles spills and humidity without swelling or buckling
- Looks and feels like real wood
- Easier to maintain in kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms
- Great for families and pet owners
Cons
- Usually more expensive than regular engineered hardwood
- Limited refinishing options depending on the veneer thickness
- Not all brands are fully waterproof—some are just water-resistant
Best Use Cases
Waterproof engineered wood is ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens—any room where moisture is part of daily life. It’s a smart pick for high-traffic homes where durability and appearance both matter.
Cost Range
Expect to pay between $8 and $16 per square foot, depending on brand, core material, and veneer quality.
Installation and Maintenance
These floors often use floating click-lock systems and can be installed over concrete or existing floors.
They’re low-maintenance—just sweep regularly and mop with a hardwood-safe cleaner as needed.
Bamboo Flooring
What It Is
Bamboo flooring is made by compressing strips of bamboo stalks into planks using heat, adhesives, and pressure. Though technically a grass, bamboo is often grouped with hardwood flooring for its similar appearance and function.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Eco-friendly and rapidly renewable
- Often harder than oak flooring, making it scratch-resistant
- Distinctive look that fits both modern and rustic decor
- Available in a variety of colors and textures
Cons
- Sensitive to humidity and moisture
- Quality varies greatly between manufacturers
- Limited refinishing options depending on the construction
Best Use Cases
Great for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways—spaces where comfort and durability matter, but humidity is controlled. It’s a top choice for eco-conscious homeowners looking to reduce their environmental impact without sacrificing appearance.
Cost Range
Bamboo flooring typically runs between $5 and $11 per square foot.
Installation and Maintenance
Most bamboo flooring can be floated, nailed, or glued, depending on the type.
Maintain it like other wood flooring: sweep regularly, avoid standing water, and use furniture pads to prevent dents.
Parquet Flooring
What It Is
Parquet flooring is made up of small pieces of wood arranged in geometric patterns like herringbone or basketweave. It can be created using solid hardwood or engineered wood and is prized for its decorative, high-end look.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Offers unique patterns and visual interest
- Ideal for elegant or historic interior styles
- Can be made from a wide range of wood species
- Works with both traditional and modern design
Cons
- Time-consuming and costly to install
- Requires precise layout and skilled labor
- May not suit minimalist or casual spaces
Best Use Cases
Perfect for formal living rooms, dining areas, and entryways where you want to make a visual statement. It’s also a popular choice in older homes where preserving historic design is a priority.
Cost Range
Costs vary widely based on pattern complexity and wood type. Most parquet options range from $10 to $20+ per square foot, including installation.
Installation and Maintenance
Typically glued down in pre-set tiles or custom laid piece by piece, parquet flooring is best left to pros.
It should be swept and dry-mopped regularly, and refinishing is possible depending on the wear layer.
Cork Flooring
What It Is
Cork flooring is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees and manufactured into tiles or planks. It’s soft, quiet underfoot, and has natural insulating properties.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Cushioned and comfortable to walk on
- Reduces noise—great for multi-level homes
- Naturally mold- and mildew-resistant
- Sustainable and renewable material
Cons
- Softer than hardwoods and more prone to dents
- Can fade in direct sunlight
- Needs sealing to protect against moisture
Best Use Cases
Cork is ideal for bedrooms, home offices, and playrooms where comfort and quiet are top priorities. It’s also a good fit in homes looking for sustainable materials and a more relaxed, earthy vibe.
Cost Range
Expect to pay between $3 and $8 per square foot for cork flooring.
Installation And Maintenance
Cork flooring is usually glued down or floated.
It should be swept frequently, kept dry, and resealed every few years to maintain its water resistance and appearance.
Stunning Floors Start with Stair Creations
From timeless oak to eco-friendly bamboo, Stair Creations can help you install the perfect wood flooring for your Virginia home. Whether you’re updating a single room or designing a whole new look, our team brings precision, craftsmanship, and beautiful results to every project.
If you’re ready to transform your space with the warmth and style of wood flooring, we’re here to help. Fill out our contact form today or give us a call.
