Comprehensive Comparison of All Common Flooring Materials on The Market
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Comprehensive Comparison of All Common Flooring Materials on The Market

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Comprehensive Comparison of All Common Flooring Materials on the Market

  • Solid Wood Flooring: Natural, eco-friendly, comfortable underfoot, but expensive, prone to expansion/contraction, and requires high maintenance.

  • Engineered Wood Flooring: Excellent stability, cost-effective, wide variety of styles; the mainstream choice in the market.

  • Laminate Flooring: Highly wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, inexpensive, easy to clean and maintain, but feels hard underfoot and requires attention to formaldehyde emissions.

  • SPC/WPC Vinyl Flooring: 100% waterproof, zero formaldehyde, superior stability; ideal for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.

  • Cork Flooring: Soft and comfortable underfoot, quiet and sound-absorbing, but susceptible to scratching; a relatively niche option.

  • Bamboo Flooring: Eco-friendly and renewable, very hard, but susceptible to climate changes and has limited style options.


Detailed Comparison Table

CategoryMain Composition / StructureAdvantagesDisadvantagesIdeal ForPrice Range (per m²)Eco-Friendliness
Solid WoodSingle piece of natural timber1. Natural, eco-friendly, no formaldehyde
2. Warm, comfortable feel
3. Natural grain, high-end look
4. Can be refinished multiple times
1. Expensive
2. Poor stability, prone to expansion/contraction
3. Susceptible to water/moisture, requires careful maintenance
4. High installation requirements
Bedrooms, Studies, Living Rooms (with humidity control)¥300 - ¥1000+★★★★★
Engineered Wood
(3-Ply/Multi-Ply)
Real wood veneer + core layers (plywood/ HDF)1. Excellent stability, less prone to warping
2. Good cost-effectiveness
3. Feel close to solid wood
4. Wide variety of styles and colors
5. Easy installation
1. Contains adhesives, potential formaldehyde risk
2. Limited number of refinishes due to thin top layer
3. Not waterproof (can be damaged by standing water)
Entire home (except very wet areas like full bathrooms)¥200 - ¥600★★★★☆
(Depends on adhesives)
LaminateWear layer + Decorative layer + HDF core + Backing layer1. Extremely durable & scratch-resistant
2. Most affordable
3. Vast array of designs, high realism
4. Impact-resistant, easy to clean and maintain
1. Hard, unnatural feel underfoot
2. Not waterproof (core swells if soaked)
3. Varying eco-friendliness (choose E1 or higher)
4. Cannot be refinished
Living rooms, Bedrooms, Offices, Retail spaces (High-traffic areas)¥60 - ¥200★★★☆☆
(Choose reputable brands)
SPC/WPC
(Rigid Core Vinyl)
Limestone powder, PVC, stabilizers (fused under pressure)1. 100% Waterproof (suitable for kitchens/bathrooms)
2. Zero Formaldehyde (high-quality products)
3. Superior dimensional stability
4. Thin, minimal impact on room height
5. Durable, better underfoot feel than laminate
1. Look and feel less premium than wood
2. Requires expansion gaps (though minimal)
3. Some low-cost products may have PVC odor
Entire home, especially:
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Balconies, Basements, Rentals
¥80 - ¥300★★★★★
(Choose "zero-formaldehyde" core products)
CorkBark of the cork oak tree1. Exceptionally soft and comfortable underfoot
2. Excellent sound absorption & quiet
3. Naturally warm and slip-resistant
4. Sustainable and eco-friendly
1. Vulnerable to scratches and sharp objects
2. Relatively expensive
3. Requires periodic sealing/maintenance
4. Niche market, limited choices
Children's rooms, Elderly rooms, Bedrooms, Studies, Home theaters¥300 - ¥800★★★★★
BambooProcessed and laminated bamboo strands1. Eco-friendly and renewable resource
2. Very hard and dense
3. Cool feeling in summer
4. Unique, fresh aesthetic
1. Can be susceptible to humidity changes
2. Limited style and color options
3. Comfort underfoot is average
Bedrooms, Studies, Living Rooms (Best for stable, dry climates)¥150 - ¥400★★★★☆
(Depends on adhesives)

How to Choose Based on Your Needs

  1. For Natural, Premium & Eco-Friendly, with Ample Budget:

    • Top Choice: Solid Wood Flooring. Offers the purest natural experience and sense of value.

  2. For Best Value, Stability & Aesthetics (The choice for most households):

    • Top Choice: Engineered Wood Flooring. The best balance of price, stability, looks, and comfort.

  3. For a Tight Budget, or High-Traffic Commercial Spaces/Rentals:

    • Top Choice: Laminate Flooring. The most wear-resistant, affordable, and easy-to-maintain option.

  4. For Whole-House Waterproofing, especially Kitchens, Bathrooms, Balconies:

    • The Only Choice: SPC/WPC Vinyl Flooring. Currently the only type that can withstand direct water exposure.

  5. For Ultimate Underfoot Comfort, Quietness & Safety (e.g., Kids' Rooms, Elderly Rooms):

    • Consider: Cork Flooring. Its softness and sound-dampening qualities are unmatched.

  6. For a Fresh, Natural, Oriental Style, Emphasizing Eco-Friendliness:

    • Consider: Bamboo Flooring. Pay attention to its suitability for your local climate.

Pro Tips for Selection

  • Check Eco-Standards: Regardless of type, check the formaldehyde emission rating. In China, look for at least the National E1 Grade (≤0.124mg/m³). For higher standards, consider CARB Certification (US), F★★★★ (Japan), or China's Green Product Certification.

  • Smell Test: Open a sample box. A strong, pungent odor often indicates potential超标 (excessive) formaldehyde or other VOC emissions.

  • Test Durability: For laminate, check the "Abrasion Class" (AC Rating) or "revolutions" – AC3/AC4 is suitable for homes. For solid and engineered wood, check the hardness of the surface finish.

  • Inspect the Locking System: Assemble a few sample planks to check if the tongue-and-groove locks fit tightly and seamlessly.

  • Ask About Warranty & Installation: Understand the brand's installation service and warranty policy. Remember, "三分地板, 七分安装" – the installation is as crucial as the flooring product itself.


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