Flooring can become a deal-breaker in deciding the look and feel of the interior design. It can either win or bust the appearance of the interiors of a space. Flooring lays a foundation to the design creating a pathway to decide other factors of the space.

Wooden flooring is rapidly growing to become a popular choice of interior designers and individuals. This type of flooring poses more advantages than you can think of. It is easier to clean and maintain against carpet or tile flooring. They are long-lasting and cost-effective and accentuate the look of the room.

There are several types of wooden flooring and in this blog, we will discuss the major differences between softwood and hardwood flooring – the two popular types of wooden flooring.

1. Softwood flooring: Let’s begin with the origin of softwood flooring. Softwood flooring is stemmed from evergreen trees. Pine, spruce, cedar and fir trees are some of the most well-known evergreen trees softwood is extracted from. Softwood, as opposed to hardwood flooring, has a fine and defined appearance and is strong and versatile. Unlike hardwood flooring, they grow at a faster rate making for their affordable cost levels.

Among the different types of softwood, pine and fir are the two commonly used variants of softwood for flooring.  Owing to its less durability than hardwood, softwood is not suitable for rooms with immense heavy furniture, spaces with constantly moving traffic, spaces where there is a consistent moving of chairs and tables. Softwood is fundamentally used for interior moldings, windows and manufacturing plywood and fibreboard.

2. Hardwood flooring: The origin of hardwood flooring comes from deciduous trees like oak, maple and hickory. Coming in a wide range of colours and styles, hardwood offers a series of options to choose from. Unlike softwood, hardwood flooring is easy to maintain and any dent or scratches can be repaired swiftly. Although it takes more time than softwood to grow, hardwood is in higher demand and is an expensive choice. Hardwood flooring is more durable, more resistant to fire than softwood. Hardwood is used to create heavy furniture and maple, teak and oak are some of the most well-known examples of hardwood.

Flooring is a pertinent part of the interior design process. This is an important decision to make and hence is necessary to take into consideration all the aspects, types and properties of each flooring has to offer. To receive the best design education in South India, check the top courses that JD Institute of Fashion Technology has in place.

Flooring: softwood vs hardwood