10 Alternatives to Solid Wood for Floors, Walls and Ceilings
Love solid wood but looking for something different? Check out these ideas to suit different budgets, styles and spaces
Jennifer Chong
23 May 2017
Interior designer, Houzz contributor and champion of local businesses in Cambridge.
I have a passion for all things beautiful combined with a meticulous eye for detail. Through my company, Feioi, I offer an affordable in-home consultancy design service. I believe everyone deserves to live in a beautiful, functional home and smart design concepts can be applied to any space, no matter the size or budget.
Interior designer, Houzz contributor and champion of local businesses in Cambridge.
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We often think of solid wood – whether it is for a floor, panelling or kitchen units – as a superior material. But it might not always be the best option. These substitutes might work just as well in your home, or even better.
1. Lay cost-effective engineered wood
A solid wood floor looks classy, but it can be expensive. A great alternative is engineered wood. These floorboards are constructed from layers of wood with a core layer of a substrate, such as plywood. The top layer is made of a hardwood and is usually around 2-6 millimetres thick. As a result, once the floor is laid, the effect is no different to a solid-wood board.
The reduced amount of hardwood material per board means engineered boards tend to be better value than their solid equivalents. The boards are also more stable than solid wood: they’re more resilient to temperature and humidity changes, and have the benefit of being compatible with underfloor heating.
A solid wood floor looks classy, but it can be expensive. A great alternative is engineered wood. These floorboards are constructed from layers of wood with a core layer of a substrate, such as plywood. The top layer is made of a hardwood and is usually around 2-6 millimetres thick. As a result, once the floor is laid, the effect is no different to a solid-wood board.
The reduced amount of hardwood material per board means engineered boards tend to be better value than their solid equivalents. The boards are also more stable than solid wood: they’re more resilient to temperature and humidity changes, and have the benefit of being compatible with underfloor heating.
2. Go for hard-wearing vinyl
Vinyl flooring has come a long way, and is now an incredibly high-quality and attractive substitute to real wood.
There are a huge variety of shades and styles to choose from (think pale oak and dark walnut copycats) and the flooring is super easy to install. It is also super tough, which makes it perfect for use in kitchens, bathrooms, areas of high traffic and homes with pets.
Vinyl flooring has come a long way, and is now an incredibly high-quality and attractive substitute to real wood.
There are a huge variety of shades and styles to choose from (think pale oak and dark walnut copycats) and the flooring is super easy to install. It is also super tough, which makes it perfect for use in kitchens, bathrooms, areas of high traffic and homes with pets.
3. Consider beautiful bamboo
Bamboo, which is actually a grass, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to wood, particularly for flooring and furniture. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), bamboo is highly renewable as it grows quickly, so this aspect appeals to eco-conscious homeowners. It is easy to maintain and fairly strong. It is susceptible to scratches but, like a hardwood floor, blemishes can be sanded out and refinished.
Browse more bamboo floors
Bamboo, which is actually a grass, is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to wood, particularly for flooring and furniture. Certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), bamboo is highly renewable as it grows quickly, so this aspect appeals to eco-conscious homeowners. It is easy to maintain and fairly strong. It is susceptible to scratches but, like a hardwood floor, blemishes can be sanded out and refinished.
Browse more bamboo floors
4. Choose waterproof wood-effect tiles
Natural wood plus water equals disaster – or at least a lot of wiping and treating. Wood-effect tiles, either ceramic or porcelain, are a great way to incorporate a timber look into an area of high moisture without all the effort and maintenance. They are also ideal for sunny rooms, such as conservatories and orangeries, as there’s no possibility of the colour fading like it would on natural wood.
If your budget will stretch, it’s worth opting for porcelain tiles. With this type, you get very sharp, clean edges and you can tile them very close together so it looks similar to how you would lay real wood planks. Ceramic tiles usually have more irregular edges, which means you need to allow a wider grout space (3-5 millimetres) and this can sometimes make it look more obvious that it’s a tile and not real wood.
Natural wood plus water equals disaster – or at least a lot of wiping and treating. Wood-effect tiles, either ceramic or porcelain, are a great way to incorporate a timber look into an area of high moisture without all the effort and maintenance. They are also ideal for sunny rooms, such as conservatories and orangeries, as there’s no possibility of the colour fading like it would on natural wood.
If your budget will stretch, it’s worth opting for porcelain tiles. With this type, you get very sharp, clean edges and you can tile them very close together so it looks similar to how you would lay real wood planks. Ceramic tiles usually have more irregular edges, which means you need to allow a wider grout space (3-5 millimetres) and this can sometimes make it look more obvious that it’s a tile and not real wood.
5. Add on-trend plywood
It was once considered a cheap building material, but plywood is really having its moment in the spotlight and is fast becoming one of the trendiest interiors finishes for floors, walls and furniture. Often displayed in all its raw unfinished glory, plywood is perfect for a range of interiors styles, including contemporary, Scandi, industrial and minimalist. In this kitchen, plywood has been used for the benchtop, and has been covered with a sheet of stainless steel. The edges have been left exposed to appreciate the laminated structure.
Plywood is constructed from thin sheets of wood that are glued and compressed together. It is incredibly versatile, structurally stable and can be a sustainable alternative to solid wood. It is much stronger and less likely to warp compared to solid wood (although untreated it will soak up moisture like a sponge). Some varieties can even be bent for curved finishes.
Cheaper unattractive woods are usually used for the inner layers, with higher quality wood reserved for the visible surface layer, making it an affordable option.
Ply: the wood that grows on you
It was once considered a cheap building material, but plywood is really having its moment in the spotlight and is fast becoming one of the trendiest interiors finishes for floors, walls and furniture. Often displayed in all its raw unfinished glory, plywood is perfect for a range of interiors styles, including contemporary, Scandi, industrial and minimalist. In this kitchen, plywood has been used for the benchtop, and has been covered with a sheet of stainless steel. The edges have been left exposed to appreciate the laminated structure.
Plywood is constructed from thin sheets of wood that are glued and compressed together. It is incredibly versatile, structurally stable and can be a sustainable alternative to solid wood. It is much stronger and less likely to warp compared to solid wood (although untreated it will soak up moisture like a sponge). Some varieties can even be bent for curved finishes.
Cheaper unattractive woods are usually used for the inner layers, with higher quality wood reserved for the visible surface layer, making it an affordable option.
Ply: the wood that grows on you
6. Max out on a striking veneer
Veneer often gets a bad rap as the assumption is that it is an inferior product to solid wood. In fact, a quality veneer can be considered just as good as solid wood and, in some cases, an even better option.
Veneer is formed using a thin layer of wood applied to a substrate core such as MDF or particle board. The material used for the core can provide a solution to some of the pitfalls associated with solid wood. For example, an MDF substrate is less prone to warping and shrinking than natural wood. It therefore works well for large joinery pieces such as bookcases and wardrobes, as well as for furniture such as dining tables. Similarly, if it is finished with a suitable lacquer it becomes a useful material for humid areas, such as this bathroom.
As only a fine layer of wood is used, a substantial amount of material can be created from one log, so the sustainability factor gets a big thumbs-up. This also means more expensive wood types, such as walnut, are available for a relatively affordable cost.
Most veneers have a smooth finish, although new versions are being developed to incorporate the grain textures of solid wood. Veneers can’t be repaired if they’re scratched (unlike solid wood, which can be sanded), decorative details can’t be carved into it and the edges aren’t as attractive. A good solution is to combine veneers with solid wood to take advantage of the strong structure of the veneer, and use solid wood for edges and details.
Veneer often gets a bad rap as the assumption is that it is an inferior product to solid wood. In fact, a quality veneer can be considered just as good as solid wood and, in some cases, an even better option.
Veneer is formed using a thin layer of wood applied to a substrate core such as MDF or particle board. The material used for the core can provide a solution to some of the pitfalls associated with solid wood. For example, an MDF substrate is less prone to warping and shrinking than natural wood. It therefore works well for large joinery pieces such as bookcases and wardrobes, as well as for furniture such as dining tables. Similarly, if it is finished with a suitable lacquer it becomes a useful material for humid areas, such as this bathroom.
As only a fine layer of wood is used, a substantial amount of material can be created from one log, so the sustainability factor gets a big thumbs-up. This also means more expensive wood types, such as walnut, are available for a relatively affordable cost.
Most veneers have a smooth finish, although new versions are being developed to incorporate the grain textures of solid wood. Veneers can’t be repaired if they’re scratched (unlike solid wood, which can be sanded), decorative details can’t be carved into it and the edges aren’t as attractive. A good solution is to combine veneers with solid wood to take advantage of the strong structure of the veneer, and use solid wood for edges and details.
7. Give practical MDF a go
If opting for a painted finish, MDF can offer a simple and economical alternative to solid wood. Medium-density fibreboard is constructed using fine particles of wood, compressed together with resin and wax, and the result is a smooth, strong, versatile, hard-wearing material.
True, you don’t get the texture and appearance of natural wood but it’s a dream to paint and you don’t need to worry about blemishes such as knots showing through. It is ideal for painted joinery projects and looks great on panelling, as demonstrated in this hallway. Use it alone for a clean contemporary look or combine it with natural wood finishes such as decorative beading to achieve a more traditional style.
If opting for a painted finish, MDF can offer a simple and economical alternative to solid wood. Medium-density fibreboard is constructed using fine particles of wood, compressed together with resin and wax, and the result is a smooth, strong, versatile, hard-wearing material.
True, you don’t get the texture and appearance of natural wood but it’s a dream to paint and you don’t need to worry about blemishes such as knots showing through. It is ideal for painted joinery projects and looks great on panelling, as demonstrated in this hallway. Use it alone for a clean contemporary look or combine it with natural wood finishes such as decorative beading to achieve a more traditional style.
8. Embrace the raw look of OSB
Similar to plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) is another humble construction material that is starting to appear as a finishing surface in modern interiors. Construction is similar to MDF, but rather than fine particles, larger wood pieces are combined with glue and resin then compressed to achieve this rustic-looking board.
Fans of bare brick walls, reclaimed wood and exposed piping are bound to get on board with the raw appearance of OSB. It works well on feature walls and ceilings, as in this cottage, as well as joinery and furniture. It is strong, affordable, sustainable and can be produced in very large sheets ensuring fewer joins when used on a large area.
OSB is highly absorbent, so it needs to be treated to avoid swelling when exposed to moisture. It can also be a little tricky to paint, but when used with oil-based products, the result is wonderfully textural and looks stunning contrasted against smooth finishes.
So your style is: industrial
Similar to plywood, oriented strand board (OSB) is another humble construction material that is starting to appear as a finishing surface in modern interiors. Construction is similar to MDF, but rather than fine particles, larger wood pieces are combined with glue and resin then compressed to achieve this rustic-looking board.
Fans of bare brick walls, reclaimed wood and exposed piping are bound to get on board with the raw appearance of OSB. It works well on feature walls and ceilings, as in this cottage, as well as joinery and furniture. It is strong, affordable, sustainable and can be produced in very large sheets ensuring fewer joins when used on a large area.
OSB is highly absorbent, so it needs to be treated to avoid swelling when exposed to moisture. It can also be a little tricky to paint, but when used with oil-based products, the result is wonderfully textural and looks stunning contrasted against smooth finishes.
So your style is: industrial
9. Consider cool cork
Cork is an emerging trend and is being used on floors, walls and furniture. But it is not just its good looks that are making it popular. It’s an eco choice as it is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree and the trees are not cut down to harvest it.
As flooring, cork is soft and warm underfoot compared with wood and vinyl. The insulating properties are brilliant both for noise and temperature, so it also gets top marks for energy efficiency. Another great feature is that it is hypoallergenic, making it a perfect compromise for people with allergies who also crave the softness of carpet. It is also a doddle to clean.
Cork is water-resistant so it is an excellent choice for kitchens, but it is not completely waterproof so beware of excess standing water. It is also not the best choice for households with pets as its soft surface is susceptible to damage from claws.
Cork is an emerging trend and is being used on floors, walls and furniture. But it is not just its good looks that are making it popular. It’s an eco choice as it is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree and the trees are not cut down to harvest it.
As flooring, cork is soft and warm underfoot compared with wood and vinyl. The insulating properties are brilliant both for noise and temperature, so it also gets top marks for energy efficiency. Another great feature is that it is hypoallergenic, making it a perfect compromise for people with allergies who also crave the softness of carpet. It is also a doddle to clean.
Cork is water-resistant so it is an excellent choice for kitchens, but it is not completely waterproof so beware of excess standing water. It is also not the best choice for households with pets as its soft surface is susceptible to damage from claws.
10. Think wood-effect concrete
Concrete was previously considered a construction material, but is increasingly being used as an exposed finished surface. To create a warmer look, concrete can be set with the appearance of wood. If it is stained the right colour, it can be a convincing wood alternative as you can see on this stunning wall. You’d never know it wasn’t wood!
The main benefit of concrete is that it is extremely hard-wearing, so it can be applied to areas where wood would be impractical. For example, high traffic zones, wet areas or outdoors on a patio or around a pool.
Concrete isn’t particularly environmentally friendly, but once in place – and if treated and maintained correctly – it should last a lifetime.
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Concrete was previously considered a construction material, but is increasingly being used as an exposed finished surface. To create a warmer look, concrete can be set with the appearance of wood. If it is stained the right colour, it can be a convincing wood alternative as you can see on this stunning wall. You’d never know it wasn’t wood!
The main benefit of concrete is that it is extremely hard-wearing, so it can be applied to areas where wood would be impractical. For example, high traffic zones, wet areas or outdoors on a patio or around a pool.
Concrete isn’t particularly environmentally friendly, but once in place – and if treated and maintained correctly – it should last a lifetime.
Your say
If you enjoyed this story, like it, bookmark it, save the photos and share your thoughts below. Join the conversation!
More
Read more stories about flooring
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Bamboo ! yes of course a good idea to use for so many reasons . Thanks for such a good article.
Hemp is a sustainable crop and fastest growing substitute of solid wood that is been used in many construction sites. In Washington State University researchers used hemp-based medium density fibreboard which was found to be twice as strong as wood.