The most popular and least expensive flooring materials are the resilient ones such as wood and vinyl. They are soft on your feet and because of their popularity, add to the resale of your home. Both come in an enormous variety of styles and colours and are easy to maintain. They are an excellent choice for a busy household. Wood floors can be installed by the square foot and are available in strip, plank or parquet patterns.
Most wood floors are oak, but other woods such as teak, cherry, pine and maple are also available.
One Swedish manufacturer makes wood floors backed in cork for added comfort. Other manufacturers make treated wood that is suitable for bathroom floors. Wood is naturally beautiful and is easier on feet and legs than either tile or stone. The draw back with wooden floors is that they are vulnerable to water damage. Infrequent minor spills are not a problem, but in areas where continued exposure to water occur such as around the sink or dishwasher, the floor may warp and buckle.