The Look of Hardwood, The Benefits of Laminate: Your Style Options

The appeal of hardwood is undeniable it brings a timeless warmth, character, and organic beauty to any space. However, the realities of owning solid hardwood namely the cost, susceptibility to scratches, and vulnerability to moisture and humidity can make it impractical, especially in areas like Georgia where humidity levels fluctuate. Thankfully, modern flooring technology provides a brilliant solution: wood-look laminate. Laminate has transcended its former reputation, now offering The Look of Hardwood with the practical Benefits of Laminate.

At Select Floors in Marietta, GA, we showcase the wide range of styles available in wood-look laminate, helping clients explore how different plank widths and realistic wood grains can replicate the authentic beauty of natural wood. This allows us to highlight a vast array of design possibilities, from classic to contemporary, offering a truly durable and cost-effective solution to get the aesthetic you desire.

Style Defined by Plank Width and Grain

The most significant visual choices you make with laminate flooring are the plank width and the wood grain replication, both of which dramatically affect the final aesthetic.

Plank Width for Modern and Traditional Looks

• Wide Planks (7 inches and up): These are the staple of modern and rustic design. Wide planks minimize the number of seams, creating a clean, expansive, and contemporary feel that works perfectly with large-format or open-concept spaces. They are ideal for replicating the popular farmhouse or reclaimed wood look.
• Narrow Planks (4 inches or less): Narrow planks are more traditional and formal, often used to replicate the look of vintage or exotic hardwood like cherry or teak. They add a sense of detail and formality to a room and are a great choice for classic interiors.

Realistic Wood Grain Replication

Modern laminate utilizes advanced printing and technology to perfectly replicate the authentic look of natural wood species, including:

• Wire-Brushed Oak: A texture that mimics the look of wood where the softer grain has been pulled out, creating a textured, slightly rustic appearance.
• Distressed Hickory: Featuring printed characteristics like knots, subtle splits, and saw marks, this look is perfect for achieving a deep, aged, and rustic character.
• Clean Maple or Birch: Laminate can also replicate the smooth, minimal grain of modern light wood, providing a minimalist and Scandinavian aesthetic.

Cost-Effective Design for Any Vision

Laminate’s ability to replicate high-end, bespoke wood floors at a fraction of the cost makes it a truly revolutionary design tool.

Achieving Sophistication on a Budget

Laminate allows homeowners to achieve sophisticated design visions such as installing high-end, exotic woods or specialized wide-plank floors that would be cost-prohibitive in solid hardwood. The final aesthetic quality is virtually indistinguishable, making it an excellent investment in style. Furthermore, laminate’s durability and resistance to humidity make it a more practical choice for areas like Marietta, GA, where solid wood can be challenging to maintain due to moisture fluctuations.

Select Floors has spent years building a strong reputation for excellence, driven by our team of skilled professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. Our commitment to quality craftsmanship and exceptional customer service has earned us recognition in the Best of Atlanta magazine and the status of preferred vendor for CBUSA and the Atlanta Greater Home Builders Association. We are ready to deliver flooring solutions that exceed your expectations. We invite you to contact us or visit our showroom location in Marietta, GA.