5 Best Alternatives to Hardwood Flooring

Posted by Helena Kostina on February 08, 2025

Choosing the right flooring is a significant decision for any homeowner. Flooring is expected to last for decades and can significantly impact our homes. That’s why choosing the right one can be challenging.

Laminate is undoubtedly a versatile and popular choice, but like any material, it has its downsides. For those undecided or seeking something different, plenty of alternatives are available.

In this article, we’ll explore five top alternatives to laminate flooring and compare them to help you make an informed decision.

1. Cork Flooring

Cork is an eco-friendly material made from the bark of the valiant cork oak tree – which regenerates naturally every few years without harm to the tree. It is, therefore, a completely renewable and sustainable material.

It offers a unique, authentic look that complements both modern and traditional interior design styles. It’s also comfortable to walk on, and an excellent temperature and sound insulator, helping to regulate the temperature in a room and to keep it insulated from outside noises.

These are some of the qualities that have made it a favourite for homeowners seeking both style and comfort.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Comfortable and soft, naturally warm, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, eco-friendly, resistant to water, resistant to mould and microbes, hypoallergenic.
Cons: Vulnerable to damage from sharp objects or heavy furniture, requires periodic sealing to maintain moisture resistance.

Best Applications: Cork flooring is ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, bathrooms, and home offices, where comfort and warmth are key considerations.

Comparison to Hardwood: Unlike hardwood, cork flooring provides a softer, more cushioned surface, making it more comfortable to walk on. It also offers excellent sound insulation and natural thermal properties, helping to regulate indoor temperature for added comfort.

While hardwood is more durable and easier to refinish, cork is the more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

For a more detailed comparison, see our article “Cork Flooring vs Hardwood: Cost Analysis and Long-Term Value ”.

Summary

Feature:	Cork Flooring:	Hardwood Flooring:
Durability	Durable, requires periodic sealing	Highly durable; can last decades with proper care
Comfort	Very comfortable and soft underfoot; naturally cushioning	Moderate; hard surface but warmer than tile
Sound Insulation	Excellent; absorbs sound and reduces noise	Low; can echo
Maintenance	Requires periodic sealing every 3-5 years	Moderate; sweeping and occasional refinishing
Cost	Moderate initial cost	High; significant initial investment but long-lasting value
Sustainability	Highly sustainable and renewable	High; can be eco-friendly, if sourced responsibly
Easy to Install?	Moderate; may require professional installation for optimal results	Hard; typically requires professional installation
Easy to Clean?	Easy: regular sweeping and mopping	Easy; regular sweeping and mopping

2. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are highly durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of designs and colours. They are ideal for spaces that require both durability and aesthetic appeal.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Highly durable, water-resistant, scratch-resistant, and available in many styles.
Cons: Feels cold underfoot and may require underfloor heating for added comfort.

Best Applications: Bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms benefit most from the robustness and high tolerance to water of ceramic or porcelain tile.

Comparison to Hardwood: Ceramic tile is more durable, water-resistant, and easier to maintain than hardwood, making it a top choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Tile is also highly versatile in design, with options that mimic the look of wood. On the other hand, it lacks the natural warmth and comfort of hardwood and feels colder and harder underfoot.

Summary

Feature:	Ceramic Tiles:	Hardwood Flooring:
Durability	Highly durable and resistant to wear	Highly durable; can last decades with proper care
Comfort	Low; hard and cold	Moderate; hard surface but warmer than tile
Sound Insulation	Low	Low; can echo
Maintenance	Low; simple sweeping and mopping	Moderate; sweeping and occasional refinishing
Cost	Mid to high range	High; significant initial investment but long-lasting value
Sustainability	High; often made from natural materials	High; can be eco-friendly, if sourced responsibly
Easy to Install?	Moderate to high; professional installation usually required	Hard; typically requires professional installation
Easy to Clean?	Easy to clean and resistant to stains	Easy; regular sweeping and mopping

3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Luxury Vinyl Plank is a versatile option that mimics the appearance of hardwood or stone while offering great durability and high resistance to water. It is made to withstand intense and frequent foot traffic, making it a solid choice for busy households.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Affordable, durable, water-resistant, and available in a wide range of designs.
Cons: Potential chemical emissions, not as environmentally friendly as other options, cheaper options are less durable and look less realistic.

Best Applications: LVP is best suited for kitchens, bathrooms and other areas prone to moisture.

Comparison to Hardwood: LVP is cheaper, more resistant to water and easier to maintain than hardwood, making it a common choice for areas with a lot of moisture. While LVP can mimic the look of wood, it lacks its natural warmth and durability. However, it provides a softer, quieter surface underfoot.

Summary

Feature	Vinyl Flooring	Hardwood Flooring
Durability	Highly durable and resistant to scratches	Highly durable; can last decades with proper care
Comfort	Moderate; can be paired with underlayment for added comfort	Moderate; hard surface but warmer than tile
Sound Insulation	Moderate; can be improved with sound-dampening underlayment	Low; can echo
Maintenance	Low; regular sweeping and mopping	Moderate; sweeping and occasional refinishing
Cost	Moderate; depends on the quality.	High; significant initial investment but long-lasting value
Sustainability	Typically synthetic and not eco-friendly	High; can be eco-friendly, if sourced responsibly
Easy to Install?	Easy; frequent DIY project with click-and-lock or adhesive options	Hard; typically requires professional installation
Easy to Clean?	Easy: waterproof and resistant to stains	Easy; regular sweeping and mopping

4. Carpet

Carpet is a flooring option with many advantages. Typically made from synthetic or natural fibres, it is soft and cosy, adding warmth to any room. Its comfortable texture and variety of styles make it a great choice for creating a welcoming environment.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Soft underfoot, excellent sound insulation and available in a wide range of colours and patterns.
Cons: Prone to staining and wear in high-traffic areas; requires frequent cleaning.

Best Applications: Carpet flooring works best in bedrooms, living rooms and family rooms, offering a snug, comfortable feel and effectively reducing noise.

Comparison to Hardwood: Carpet provides greater comfort and sound insulation, making it a great choice for creating a cosy atmosphere. However, hardwood is more durable and easier to clean, making it the superior choice for longevity and low maintenance.

Summary

Feature:	Carpet Flooring:	Hardwood Flooring:
Durability	Moderate; may wear in high-traffic areas	Highly durable; can last decades with proper care
Comfort	High; soft and warm underfoot	Moderate; hard surface but warmer than tile
Sound Insulation	High; excellent noise absorption	Low; can echo
Maintenance	Moderate; requires regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning	Moderate; sweeping and occasional refinishing
Cost	Low to moderate; varies by material and quality	High; significant initial investment but long-lasting value
Sustainability	Moderate; some options made from recycled materials	High; can be eco-friendly, if sourced responsibly
Easy to Install?	Moderate; can be DIY or professionally installed	Hard; typically requires professional installation
Easy to Clean?	Moderate; requires frequent vacuuming	Easy; regular sweeping and mopping

5. Rubber Flooring

Rubber is a durable and versatile flooring option that offers both comfort and resilience. Its shock-absorbing and slip-resistant surface make it a common option for home gyms and other areas.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: Durable, shock-absorbent, slip-resistant, easy to clean, and noise-reducing.
Cons: Some homeowners find it lacking in aesthetic appeal. It can also be more expensive than other options and may initially emit a rubbery odour.

Best Applications: Rubber flooring is most often used in home gyms, playrooms, basements, and other areas that require durability, comfort, and safety.

Comparison to Hardwood: Rubber flooring offers superior durability and comfort, making it ideal for active or high-impact areas. However, it lacks the classic, timeless elegance of hardwood, making it more appealing to those prioritising practicality over aesthetics.

Summary

Feature:	Rubber Flooring:	Hardwood Flooring:
Durability	Very high; resistant to wear, impact, and moisture	Highly durable; can last decades with proper care
Comfort	High; soft and cushioned underfoot	Moderate; hard surface but warmer than tile
Sound Insulation	High; reduces noise and impact sound	Low; can echo
Maintenance	Low; requires only sweeping and damp mopping	Moderate; sweeping and occasional refinishing
Cost	Moderate to high; varies depending on quality	High; significant initial investment but long-lasting value
Sustainability	Moderate; often made from recycled materials	High; can be eco-friendly, if sourced responsibly
Easy to Install?	Easy; suitable for DIY installation	Hard; typically requires professional installation
Easy to Clean?	Very easy; resistant to stains and spills	Easy; regular sweeping and mopping

Conclusion

Each of the five types of flooring we’ve chosen for this article – cork, luxury vinyl plank, carpet, ceramic tile, and rubber – has its own advantages and, depending on your preferences and requirements, may be worthy of consideration as an alternative to hardwood.

Consider factors such as your budget, the type of space, and, of course, your personal taste, to make a well-informed decision.

From cork interlocking floors to glue-down and floating cork floors, Portuguese Treasures offers a wide range of flooring options with unique designs, ensuring you find the perfect blend of style, comfort, and sustainability for your space.

Read about other popular comparisons:

5 best alternatives to laminate flooring

5 best alternatives to carpet flooring