The Tiny house Blog

What Flooring Looks Good in a Cabin?

Updated on:
November 8, 2023
flooring installation

The flooring is one of a cabin's most crucial components, and choosing the right flooring is essential  in setting the tone for the rest of your cabin décor. Beside the importance of it being durable and easy to maintain, it must also look good.

So, what flooring would look good in your cabin? 

There are a few different options you should consider, including vinyl, barn wood flooring, laminate, white oak floors, wood grain foam tiles, carpets, and tiles.

Each of theses floorings has its benefits and drawbacks. Hence, when deciding on the finest flooring for your cabin, consider style as well as the type of floor that performs well in your area's weather conditions.

For instance, if your cabin is in a cold climate, choosing a flooring material that will not crack or warp due to the cold weather is essential. If your cabin is rustic, choose a flooring material that will complement it. 

That said, in this article, we will explore some of the most popular choices so that you can decide what type of flooring is right for your cabin.

Vinyl flooring for affordability and durability

Vinyl flooring for affordability and durability

Vinyl flooring is a modern flooring option that is both long-lasting and easy to maintain. It is affordable and can be used to make lovely designs and patterns that will last your cabin for years.

It is available in a variety of styles, including wood, stone, and tiles, and it is simple to install.

If your cabin is in a humid environment, vinyl flooring, whether tile or plank, is a terrific alternative. They are both incredibly durable, moisture resistant, and provide the warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring without the price tag.

Vinyl planks are not affected by temperature changes and can withstand high traffic. If you choose Vinyl planks, be sure to select a floating vinyl plank, loose-lay vinyl floor, or glue-down vinyl plank. 

With proper installation and care, vinyl flooring can provide a long-lasting splendid-looking solution to your log home interior design needs.

Looking for ideas to help improve the aesthetics of your cabin structure? Check out these impressive interior ideas.  

Barn wood flooring for an authentic look

This type of flooring is made from reclaimed wood from old barns, which gives it a unique and weathered appearance making it a perfect fit for cabins, cottages, and other rustic homes. 

In addition to its aesthetic, barn wood flooring is eco-friendly. It gives new life to wood that would have otherwise gone to waste and reduces the need for harvesting new trees. Hence, it has a lower carbon footprint than new wood flooring. 

Barn wood flooring, known for its durability, is available in an array of styles, colors, and materials such as oak, elm, hickory, and maple, and is user-friendly when it comes to installation. However, it’s noteworthy that due to its natural traits, barn wood may need more upkeep, from regular sweeping and vacuuming to periodic staining.

Barn wood flooring can give your cabin a warm, cozy wood look atmosphere making it an excellent choice for owners who want to create the charm of a rustic, authentic look in their cabin with a homey feel.  

Planning to build a cabin for your weekend getaways? Find log cabin kits here to make your build smoother. 

Laminate for natural insulation

Laminate for natural insulation

Laminate flooring is one flooring option we wouldn't have recommended a few years back. However, in recent years, laminated floors have improved in design, looking very realistic and aesthetically appealing.

Some benefits of laminate include durability, scratch-resistant surface, water-resistant and easy to maintain.

Another benefit of laminate is that, since it is available in different finishes, including wood, stone, and tile, you can have it in any style you like to complement your cabin decor.

Also, laminate flooring can give natural insulation against cold temperatures, keeping your cabin warm during the winter. 

However, it's essential to note that if the humidity level in your cabin exceeds 60%, moisture may seep into the floorboards, causing them to warp or swell.

Rolling Cabin tiny log cabin on wheels
Take a quick look at the Rolling Cabin tiny log cabin on wheels

White oak floors for a classic vibe

White oak floors for a classic vibe

White oak flooring is widely popular, and for a good reason. Its light color and sturdy grain pattern lend a classic look that blends into any décor.

If you're thinking of installing white oak floors in your cabin, here are a few things you should know:

  • White oak floors are manufactured from a species of oak tree indigenous to North America.
  • The wood is very durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times if necessary. 
  • White oak flooring is also scratch resistant, making it a top choice for busy households with pets and children.

White oak flooring has one drawback in that, despite being naturally water-resistant, they are not infallible and can be vulnerable to moisture damage if not properly maintained.

You can make your white oak flooring cabin more cozy by adding an area rug into the space; this will help preserve the floor in heavy foot traffic areas.

Lastly, to prevent any problems, routinely seal and clean your flooring. With proper care, white oak floors can last for many years.

Wood grain foam tiles for a cushioned surface

If you want a soft, cushioned surface for your cabin flooring, wood grain foam tiles are an excellent choice. These tiles are composed of a soft, foam substance that is easy on the knees and hands, making them excellent for high traffic foot areas. 

Wood grain foam tiles have a textured surface that simulates the look and feel of natural wood. The mats interlock with a straightforward jigsaw puzzle connection making them an excellent choice for log cabin homes.

Besides cabins or log homes, wood grain foam tiles are great for homeowners and gym owners alike because they combine the best features of both worlds which include the look of real wood grain and the added advantages of foam cushioning. 

They are ideal for high-intensity activities since they provide a comfortable surface for standing and walking on which help lessen the effect of workouts.

Carpeted floors for a homey feel

Carpeting is still one of the preferred flooring materials among homes. It is affordable, simple to maintain, and has infinite colors and patterns. 

If you want to create a warm and welcoming environment, then carpeted floors are the best for you. Not only do carpets provide comfort and cushioning underfoot, but they also add a layer of insulation to your cabin home, making it feel more cozy and inviting.

In addition to their aesthetic benefits, carpeted floors also offer practical advantages. They can help absorb noise and reduce echoes, making your home quieter and more peaceful. 

It is more beneficial if you are a family with young children or older adults as it provides a non-slip surface, making it safer and preventing home accidents.

Tile flooring for easy maintenance

Tile flooring for easy maintenance

Tiles are a durable, versatile, and low-maintenance flooring options for cabin owners. We recommend this option for cabins with high-traffic areas. Although, it might not the best option if your cabin is located in areas with cold climate.

Tiles comes in various colors and styles, so you can find the perfect look that matches your cabin.

Regarding maintenance, specific tile needs special care. For instance, ceramic tiles and porcelain floor tiles are relatively low maintenance, while coarse tiles such as slate, marble, granite, or limestone require individualized care and often specific cleaners. Be sure to choose tile flooring that fits your needs.

Wide planks to make your cabin feel larger

If you want to make your cabin feel larger than it is, one great option to consider is wide plank flooring. Wide plank flooring is characterized by boards wider than the standard size, typically around 6 inches or more. 

This style of flooring has become increasingly popular in recent years thanks to its ability to make any room look larger and more spacious.

One reason wide plank flooring works so well is that it creates fewer seams between the boards, giving the illusion of a larger expanse of floor. Additionally, broader boards can draw the eye towards the walls, making the space look more open and expansive.

When choosing wide plank flooring for your cabin, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to select a wood species and finish that complements the overall aesthetic of your space. 

For example, if you want to brighten up your cabin room and make it feel more airy, lighter finishes like bleached oak or maple would do the trick, whilst darker finishes like walnut or cherry will provide warmth and depth.

What flooring type is the best looking one in a cabin?

Selecting a flooring type for your cabin is critical since it can have a major impact on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Yet, consider the temperature, humidity, and upkeep cost of a flooring type while making a decision.

It is important to note that selecting the best-looking flooring for your cabin is not an easy task. Vinyl plank floors, laminate, carpeted floors, tile floorings, and so on are some of the best-looking ones in a cabin.

Eventually, the best-looking flooring for your cabin will be determined by your own preferences as well as the practical aspects of the space.

Takeaway: Find your perfect flooring match for a cozy cabin retreat

Lakehouse Cabin in California
View the Lakehouse Cabin in California

As you can see, there is no definitive answer to the question of what flooring looks good in a cabin since everyone's preferences are different. When deciding what looks good in your cabin, you should consider climate, ease of maintenance, longevity, feel, aesthetics, and budget, among other factors.

Some of the most popular cabin floor coverings options mentioned in this piece include White oak, Wood grain, Wide Planks, carpet, laminate, Barn wood, Vinyl, etc. Because each of these solutions has a distinct look and feel, it boils down to personal preference.

White oak is an excellent choice for a classic cabin style. If you want something a little more modern, laminate or vinyl may be a better option. It is ultimately up to you to decide what looks best in your cabin.

That said, have you ever been invited to a friend's cabin and been dazzled by that cozy feeling that makes you want to spend the entire week inside?

Then you might be interested in reading about: What Makes a Cabin Cozy?

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