Best Flooring For Wood Subfloor

Installing new flooring is an effective way to enhance the appearance and functionality of your home. However, if your home has a wood subfloor, choosing the right flooring type is especially important to ensure durability, comfort, and ease of installation. Here are the best flooring options for wood subfloors, each with its unique advantages and considerations.

1. Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood flooring is a popular choice for wood subfloors because it combines the beauty of natural hardwood with the stability of a plywood core. The top layer of engineered hardwood is made from real hardwood, while the bottom layers are made from plywood or other wood products. This construction makes engineered hardwood more resistant to moisture and temperature changes than solid hardwood flooring, making it a suitable option for areas with fluctuating humidity levels.

Engineered hardwood flooring is available in a wide range of species, colors, and finishes, allowing for customizable looks. It can be installed over wood subfloors using either nails or glue, making it a relatively easy flooring option to install.

2. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective and durable option for wood subfloors. It is made from layers of high-density fiberboard (HDF) with a decorative image layer topped with a wear layer. Laminate flooring is highly resistant to moisture, scratches, and fading, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas and homes with pets or children.

Laminate flooring comes in a wide variety of styles that mimic the look of wood, tile, or stone. It is installed using a floating system, which means it is not attached directly to the subfloor. This makes laminate flooring easy to install and remove, making it a good option for temporary flooring or for renters.

3. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is another durable and water-resistant option for wood subfloors. It is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is available in a variety of styles, including planks, tiles, and sheets. Vinyl flooring is highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches, making it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and mudrooms.

Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, including realistic wood and stone looks. It is installed using either an adhesive or a floating system, making it a relatively easy flooring option to install.

4. Carpet

Carpet is a soft and comfortable flooring option that can add warmth and insulation to your home. However, it is important to note that carpet is not as durable or water-resistant as other flooring options, so it may not be the best choice for high-traffic areas or homes with pets or children.

Carpet is available in a wide range of styles, colors, and textures, allowing for customizable looks. It is installed by stretching it over a padded underlayment and securing it with tack strips or staples.

5. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is a unique and sustainable flooring option for wood subfloors. It is made from the bark of the cork oak tree and is naturally hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and sound-absorbing. Cork flooring is also highly resistant to moisture and wear, making it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas.

Cork flooring comes in a variety of colors and patterns, including natural cork, stained cork, and printed cork. It is installed using either an adhesive or a floating system, making it a relatively easy flooring option to install.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Flooring For Wood Subfloor

In addition to the flooring type, there are also several other factors to consider when choosing flooring for a wood subfloor:

Subfloor condition: The condition of your wood subfloor will determine the type of flooring you can install. If the subfloor is damaged or uneven, you may need to install a new subfloor or level the existing one before installing new flooring.
Moisture levels: If your home is prone to high moisture levels, you should choose a flooring option that is resistant to moisture, such as engineered hardwood, laminate, or vinyl flooring.
Traffic: If you have a high-traffic home, you should choose a flooring option that is durable and resistant to wear, such as laminate flooring or vinyl flooring.
Budget: Flooring costs vary depending on the type of flooring, the size of the area being floored, and the cost of installation. It is important to set a budget before choosing a flooring option.