The Best Fake Wood Flooring: 4 Faux Wood Floor Ideas
| Fact Checked By: Ashley De Zeeuw
Published: July 15, 2015 | Updated: April 27, 2022
Wood flooring is incredibly popular these days, and everyone wants to take part in this classic trend. But not everyone has the budget for real hardwood flooring. Plus, some people have kids and pets and might worry about ruining the floor. That’s where wood-look flooring comes in! You can deck out your home in faux wood flooring that looks exactly like the real thing.
To get all the style and luxury of hardwood floors without the cost and maintenance, explore these best fake wood flooring options, including laminate, tile, and vinyl.
Let’s get started!
Related Content >> Top Wood Flooring Trends |
Wood-Look Laminate Flooring
Laminate is the original hardwood flooring alternative, and it’s still one of the most affordable wood-look flooring options on the market. There are tons of gorgeous and affordable laminate options that come in textured authentic wood looks that can fool almost anyone.
Plus, laminate is easy to clean and maintain so you can keep your floors looking great without cleaning all day. Laminate is a fairly easy DIY project so you can save yourself some extra money on both the product and installation.
Pros:
- Affordable
- DIY-friendly
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Can’t be refinished like real wood
Best Wood-Look Laminate Flooring Options
- 14mm KronoSwiss Origin Wide Plank Laminate
- 12mm Mannington Arcadia Waterproof Laminate
- 12mm Mohawk Boardwalk Waterproof Laminate
Shop Wood-Look Laminate Flooring
Related Content >> Laminate Flooring Buying Guide |
Wood-Look Tile Flooring
For the perfect combination of style and functionality, choose tiles that look like wood. Tile is easy to clean and super durable. It’s probably the most worry-free wood-look flooring option out there.
Floor tile is specifically designed to hold up to the abuse of heavy foot traffic. Another great thing about tile is that it can handle water. That means you can enjoy wood looks in bathrooms and kitchens without worrying about water damage. You don’t get that with real hardwood!
Plus, unlike many other floor types, tile can be steam mopped for a next-level clean that can’t be accomplished elsewhere.
Pros:
- Durability
- Low-maintenance
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Pricy
- Less DIY-friendly
Best Wood-Look Tile Flooring Options
Related Content >> Floor Tile Buying Guide |
Wood-Look Vinyl Plank Flooring
Vinyl flooring is the fastest-growing category of faux wood flooring, and for good reason! Manufacturers can make incredibly realistic wood-look vinyl, and it’s also pretty affordable.
Vinyl is ultra-durable, water-resistant, stylish flooring. This is a favored option for both its benefits and minimal upkeep. Many vinyl flooring options are waterproof, so you can use them in bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Waterproof options
- Realistic textures
Cons:
- Lower quality products carry the added concern for VOCs
Best Wood-Look Vinyl Plank Flooring Options
- TritonCORE Pro 7″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
- COREtec Pro Plus 7″ Rigid Core Vinyl Planks
- COREtec Plus 5″ Waterproof Vinyl Planks
Shop Wood-Look Vinyl Plank Flooring
Related Content >> Vinyl Plank Flooring Guide |
Wood-Look Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet vinyl is an attractive and affordable option for flooring. Like with all vinyl flooring, vinyl sheets have made big technological strides in the last decade and are loved for their versatility, beauty, and low maintenance requirements.
You can now find vinyl sheets with realistic wood visuals and textures, durable construction, and even some water-resistant and allergy-friendly options. Plus, there are tons of options with thick wear layers that can protect the surface even in high-traffic commercial areas.
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Waterproof options
- Soft underfoot
Cons:
- Chance of discoloration
- Difficult to repair
Best Wood-Look Sheet Vinyl Flooring Options
Shop Wood-Look Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Related Content >> Sheet Vinyl Flooring Guide |
Conclusion
Even if you don’t have the budget for real hardwood flooring, or if it just doesn’t make sense in your home, you can still get that beautiful wood look in your home with these affordable, DIY-friendly, and more durable and low-maintenance alternatives.
Whether you want the durability of tile or the easy installation of laminate and vinyl, you can find the perfect faux wood flooring for you, all while sticking to your budget. Ready to explore your options?
Thanks for posting this. Hardwood and Tile look great, but they aren’t always practical, depending on your home’s construction or your budget
Thanks so much, Serenity! Glad you enjoyed the post!
Thank you for sharing your blog. Your guide is valuable.
It’s a good resource for new home owners like Options for faux wood flooring, thanks a lot for this valuable article.
Thank you!