Looking at flooring trends, there is no doubt that wood has ruled in the contest over the last decade and the fascination with this beautiful natural look is still only increasing in popularity. This fascination is no wonder – the look of wood suits just about any taste and style, from classic country homeliness to modern minimalism and even contemporary urban chic spaces. The truth is, however, that genuine hardwood floors are also very expensive, and that they require care and attention to retain their great look. So, is it worth looking at an alternative like wood-look rigid board flooring instead?
To help you make your decision so that you can enjoy the natural look you like without compromise, we take a closer look at rigid board flooring and how it compares to genuine hardwood floors.
Let’s start by looking at what exactly rigid board flooring is. Hardwood flooring is made using solid wood planks. Rigid board is generally made from a stone plastic composite to give it a solid, stable core. The planks consist of four layers:
- Layer 1: A wear layer that protects the floor and provides scratch- and stain-resistant properties.
- Layer 2: This is the layer that contains the visual aspect and texture of the floor. This can be either a thin veneer of real wood – meaning that your floor is virtually indistinguishable from the real thing – or a vinyl layer with a print or pattern.
- Layer 3: This is the SPC core. This composite layer usually combines limestone powder with stabilisers to create a strong, solid, and stable core that is also waterproof.
- Layer 4: An underlay is added to the flooring to improve the comfortable underfoot feel, and to provide noise reduction.
How does rigid board flooring compare to hardwood flooring?
- Appearance: As mentioned, rigid board often uses a thin veneer of actual wood, which means that visually it is on par with genuine hardwood.
- Durability: While hardwood is resilient, it does not quite meet the durability standards of SPC, which is a market leader in this aspect.
- Maintenance requirements: The wear layer of rigid board flooring is scratch and stain resistant, making it very low maintenance. Hardwood, on the other hand, requires refinishing and resealing from time to time.
- Waterproof: The SPC core is moisture resistant, making this suitable for areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Hardwood is susceptible to moisture damage.
- Pet- and child-friendliness: Unlike hardwood, rigid board flooring is scratch, stain and moisture resistant, enabling it to withstand the wear and tear of pets, children, and the associated wear, tear, spills, and accidents.
- Temperature fluctuations: Hardwood tends to expand and contract with heating changes, which could lead to gaps between planks. Rigid board is less likely to do this.
- Environmental sustainability: The SPC core is made from reused scrap wood and stone particles, whereas hardwood uses non-recycled materials.
- Affordability: Hardwood is a very expensive flooring option. Luxury SPC provides the same visual appeal at a fraction of the cost.
- Installation: Installing a hardwood floor is a time-consuming process that requires skill and patience, while luxury SPC flooring can be installed in a matter of hours.
- Property value: Both floor types are likely to increase your property value, although genuine hardwood floors may have a slight edge over its competitor here.
Now that you have a better idea what rigid board flooring is all about and the benefits it offers you, why not head over to our online store section and browse the wonderful range of options we have available? While you’re at it, make use of our stylish Room Visualizer feature to get a better idea of what your favourite options will look like in situ. Then get in touch with one of our expert team members to make your dream floor a reality.
