Cork flooring is manufactured from the bark of trees (usually oak), and usually made in squares that can be glued to the ground, or left unglued. Cost-wise it averages about $5 a square foot and is generally pretty inexpensive to install. Cork is naturally water resistant, but to ensure total water resistance, cork floors should be finished and sealed to prevent leaking into cracks, as well as scuffing or wear and tear. It’s not going to be as nice or stylish as hardwoods or tile, but is great in outdoor areas and work spaces. It is comfortable to walk on and a great sound insulator.

What is bamboo flooring?

As you might suspect, bamboo flooring is made from actual bamboo and is usually manufactured in bamboo plants. It is ecologically friendly and very water resistant. It is also considered one of the sturdiest types of ‘wood’ flooring (even though it’s really a grass). In fact, on the Janka scale (an industry standard system that ranks the hardness of different woods), it is ranked in the top three strongest available wood floorings). Its price point is near wood flooring at roughly $3-$10 a square foot. While generally easy to maintain, bamboo can be susceptible to scratching or scuffing, which can be a problem in high traffic areas. Although it is very water resistant, it is not 100 percent, and humidity can affect it so it’s not ideal for bathrooms or humid environments. Overall bamboo is a viable option for flooring in most areas of the house and is affordable and durable.

Types of flooring

Where you live and the type of room you are covering, not to mention your budget and aesthetic preferences, are all factors in finding the right flooring to fit your needs. Vinyl, vinyl plank, laminate, hardwood, bamboo, tile (ceramic and porcelain), stone, marble, cork, and carpeting are the most popular types of flooring available. There are more than a dozen options just for wood alone. If you want a pure industrial look you can always go with straight cement floors.

What is the best type of flooring for a kitchen?

When considering kitchen flooring, think durability and water resistance first, and style second. Quality vinyl (don’t go cheap, get a quality product – there are differences between brands) is durable, fashionable, and completely water resistant--making it a top choice. Wood is visually appealing, but not 100 percent water resistant. Tile (porcelain tile, not ceramic) is a great choice for style and durability and is completely water resistant. Laminate is a great option - especially on a budget (ceramic tiles and wood are cost more). It is durable and easy to clean, but not 100% water resistant. As with all man-made products, be sure to skip the low quality products and shoot for at least a mid-range product.

What is the cheapest type of flooring?

The most inexpensive flooring options are going to be laminate, vinyl plank, and bamboo flooring. Each of these options will give you durability and variety, and can even be found for less than $2 a square foot if you shop around.

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E. T. Moore Manufacturing Inc.

Serving the Motley area.

(888) 419-1540

The Largest Supplier of Reclaimed Wood,

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Wiczek's Floors & More

50 E Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345

(320) 412-1166

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