Choosing new flooring is one of the most important design and budget decisions you can make while exploring flooring in OKC. After all, your floors need to stand up to daily wear, fit your style, and suit your budget. With hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), and laminate flooring all vying for attention, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Here’s a simple breakdown of the key benefits and differences of these hard flooring options, plus a step-by-step method to help you pick the right one for your home at Akin Brothers Floor Stores.
- Determine Your Budget
Different flooring materials come at different price points, so a clear budget upfront will help narrow your choices. At Akin Bros, we have great hard flooring options to fit every budget. We’d love to walk you around our showroom and warehouse to explore the best options.
- Assess Your Traffic & Lifestyle
Do you have pets, kids, or heavy foot traffic? Or is your home mostly adult-occupied with lighter use? High-traffic households often need more durable, scratch-resistant flooring—something to keep in mind before settling on a particular material.
- Consider Moisture & Maintenance
Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms are typically exposed to higher moisture. Make sure to choose a floor that can handle potential spills or humidity. Hardwood flooring may need extra care, LVP is often waterproof, and some laminate products are more water-resistant than others.
- Think About Style
Decide what aesthetic you want, from the warmth of wood floors to the sleek look of modern planks. Hardwood has a classic, high-end charm; LVP can mimic a variety of textures; and laminate comes in a wide range of design possibilities at an affordable cost.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors remain a coveted choice for their timeless appeal and natural beauty. Each plank is genuine wood, giving it a unique look and the potential to last for generations with proper care.
How is Hardwood Different than LVP and Laminate?
- Longevity. Solid hardwood can be refinished multiple times and ages gracefully with proper upkeep.
- Value Addition. Hardwood often boosts resale value and lends instant elegance to any space.
- Maintenance. Natural wood floors require more upkeep than synthetic options to prevent scratching or warping, especially in moist environments.
Is Hardwood Flooring Right for Me?
Natural wood floors can be an excellent choice for any room and any style, but here are a few important considerations to help you decide whether hardwood is the right fit for your home:
- You desire a classic, timeless aesthetic that can be refreshed over time.
- You’re ready for a higher initial investment to enjoy long-term value.
- You have or can install a suitable subfloor and maintain stable indoor humidity.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is engineered to look like wood (or even tile flooring) while providing exceptional water resistance and easy upkeep. Its durable core and protective top layer handle everyday life with minimal fuss.
How is LVP Different than Hardwood and Laminate?
- Water Resistance: LVP is an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or any space prone to spills.
- Easy Installation: Many LVP products feature click-and-lock systems that are suitable for DIY projects.
- Versatile Style: From rustic wood grains to sleek modern finishes, vinyl flooring offers variety at a mid-range price.
Is Luxury Vinyl Plank Right for Me?
Luxury vinyl plank combines durability with versatility, but is it the best fit for your home? Here are a few factors to keep in mind as you decide:
- You want the appearance of wood floors without the premium cost or high maintenance.
- You need a robust, family-friendly surface that stands up to heavy foot traffic.
- You’d like a simpler, often DIY-friendly installation process.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring uses a photographic layer to replicate hardwood or other surfaces, backed by layers of high-density materials. It’s an affordable option that still delivers a realistic wood-look appearance.
How is Laminate Different than LVP and Hardwood?
- Budget-Friendly: Laminate flooring is often more affordable than hardwood or LVP.
- Scratch Resistance: Many laminate finishes stand up well to active households.
- Quick Installation: Click-and-lock panels make laminate floors straightforward to install.
Is Laminate Flooring Right for Me?
Laminate flooring offers a cost-effective way to achieve a beautiful look, yet it may not suit every situation. Consider these points before deciding if laminate is right for you:
- You need an economical solution for high-traffic areas.
- You prefer the look of wood without worrying about refinishing.
- You’re prepared to avoid overly wet environments unless you choose a water-resistant product.
Are You Ready for New Floors in Oklahoma?
If you’re still weighing your options, the flooring experts at Akin Brothers Floor Stores in OKC are here with the advice, guidance, and flooring options you’re looking for.
Whether you’re looking for hardwood flooring, laminate flooring, luxury vinyl plank, new carpet, or tile flooring, we can help you identify the right product. Plus, our professional installers can handle all your installation needs if you decide to refresh multiple rooms.
With the right knowledge, materials, support, AND SAVINGS, you’ll soon enjoy the perfect flooring for your home, lifestyle, and budget. Visit Akin Bros online or in person at any of our three OKC Metro locations to experience our Full-Service Floormanship.