Wax should be considered as a top coat—a final layer of protection, not the only protective finish, on a hardwood ... including no-wax linoleum or vinyl flooring that looks like wood.

Engineered vinyl flooring can mimic the look of hardwood floors ... Stained concrete can look like wood, stone, or tile and is resistant to damage from falling objects and heat.

But the top design layers on the planks are now highly varied and realistic, much like hardwood with graining, grooves, and realistic variety, so it’s easier than ever to achieve hardwood flooring ...