Two Easy — and Surprisingly Affordable! — Ways to Get the “Hardwood Floor” Look

Sometimes, it feels like the only way to get gleaming hardwood floors — especially on a budget — is to already have them. But while it’s a thrill to pull up carpeting and find pristine planks underneath, you don’t have to get lucky (or live in a Brooklyn brownstone) to get the flooring effect you’re after.

Whatever your budget or lifestyle, The Home Depot has thousands (really) of stylish, affordable flooring options that deliver all the charm and appeal of traditional hardwood. From blond oak to rich hickory, parquet to wide plank, you can install a beautiful brand-new floor for as little as $3 per square foot. Not sure which design direction to take? With the flooring visualizer tool, you can upload a picture of your space and see what the room will look like before you buy.

Engineered hardwood lets you enjoy the beauty of solid wood at a more affordable price — as little as $3 per square foot! Made with real wood, engineered hardwood flooring is composed of thin layers of bonded hardwood or plywood — which prevents the bowing that can happen with solid hardwood — and a pre-finished solid wood veneer on top. It comes with two installation methods: tongue-and-groove, which requires nailing or gluing, and click-lock, a DIY-friendly option that you can do directly over existing flooring or concrete.

The Home Depot’s exclusive Home Decorators Collection features engineered hardwood options in a variety of sizes and finishes. For a warm, classic feel, try Wide Plank Hickory Kensington: Made with a traditional method that reveals a more consistent wood grain pattern, this style features hand-selected hickory and layers of bonded solid wood for a rich, natural look. Or go light and airy with Wymill Hickory, a blond hickory with a wire-brushed matte finish that feels fresh and modern. Hayes Mill Oak is an agreeable medium brown that suits a number of aesthetics, with a seven-layer aluminum oxide finish that protects from wear and tear.

Have kids and pets? This option offers a worry-free wood look that’s great for high-traffic households. Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring is embossed to look and feel like real hardwood — while also being 100 percent waterproof and treated to resist mold, mildew, scratches, and stains. The easy “drop and lock” installation makes it a simple DIY project, and it can be laid over most existing surfaces. Lifeproof flooring comes with a pre-attached underlayment for added sound reduction and comfort underfoot. And with a lifetime warranty, you can really put its name to the test.

Plus, if you have a specific wood tone in mind, Lifeproof probably has it. Trail Oak is a medium brown with natural-looking variation in depth. The light hue of Vesinet Oak gives bright beach house vibes. With its crisp finish, Fresh Oak imparts a modern, contemporary feel. And Dusk Cherry‘s honeyed tones balance brightness and warmth for an open yet cozy effect. Or go for a patterned style, like chevron or herringbone, for as little as $3.79 per square foot. Lifeproof Vinyl Plank is also available in a wide variety of plank lengths, all the way up to 72 inches.

Whatever your flooring needs, The Home Depot has beautiful, affordable options to help you get exactly what you’re looking for. With rich finishes and an assortment of sizing options, The Home Depot engineered hardwood and Lifeproof vinyl plank flooring can help you transform your space — and keep it looking great for years to come.

Find your new floor at The Home Depot.