Choosing new flooring is a major undertaking because it affects the entire aesthetic of your home.
The material has a crucial role in the overall aesthetic of your home. Yet, it also determines its function, installation complexity, and upkeep requirements. You should learn about your options and their pros and cons before making a final decision.
How To Select Flooring
Choosing a floor requires first establishing the function of the room. Take into account the following:
- Carpets and hardwoods, for example, aren’t suited to every room.
- Floors that can withstand spills and scratches are a must in homes with young children or pets.
- Pricing range: Having an idea of what you can pay is essential.
- Some materials call for underlayment or pad during installation, which might add to the final price.
- When it comes to creating a certain look, some styles are more effective than others.
- A higher initial investment or a higher standard of quality usually results in a higher Return.
Flooring Material Types
From traditional hardwood to eco-friendly laminate, there are six common types of house flooring to choose from. Several other, less common varieties also have their advantages. Choose the appropriate type or types for your room using the information below.
Flooring Made Of Hardwood
Hardwood’s magnificent appearance and long-term Return make it the material of choice.
Pros
- well-known for how good it looks
- available in a wide range of colours and designs.
- high ROI
- every three to five years
- suitable for use in communal areas
Cons
- Compared to other premium flooring options, it is somewhat pricey.
- can get dinged up and dented over time
- can get ruined by dampness
Depending on the type of wood and the complexity of the design, the price of installing wood flooring can range from $6 to $12 per square foot. Costs range from $3 to $8 a square foot to refinish hardwood floors.
Flooring Made Of Laminate
Laminate-floored apartment
While learning more about laminate flooring, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- cheaper than solid wood
- Quick and simple set up
- durability
- natural wood, as well as a wide range of other colours and designs
- appropriate for busy intersections
Cons
- sensitive to dampness
- challenging to fix
- no good in the bathroom or kitchen
Laminate flooring installation might cost anything from $2.70 to $10 a square foot.
Linoleum Vs. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring has come a long way from its days as a cheesy option. These days, you may have synthetic flooring for your home that looks just like ceramic tile, stone, or hardwood.
Vinyl flooring is typically glued down and comes in either rolls or tiles. Like laminate flooring, it may be made to seem like different materials, and it can come in a wide variety of colours and textures (like studded).
Pros
- affordable
- versatile
- excellent for busy streets
- simplicity in upkeep
- Allows for do-it-yourself set up
Cons
- ROI is lower compared to wood and laminate.
- less well liked because of their physical characteristics
Prices per square foot for expert installation of vinyl / linoleum flooring typically run between $3.50 to $15.
Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile Flooring
High-traffic and wet areas of the home might benefit greatly from ceramic or porcelain tile flooring.
Pros
- range in style and appearance
- durable
- impermeable to water or air
- excellent for use in anterooms, foyers, and washrooms
Cons
- of the more pricey possibilities
- challenging to set up
- can get damaged easily when used frequently
Depending on the tile style, the cost to install a ceramic, porcelain, or other type of tile floor can range from $13.50 – $83 per sq foot.
Flooring Made Of Natural Stone Tiles
Granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone are just few of the natural stones that can be used to make beautiful tile floors. Travertine, for example, is considerably more long-lasting than other materials.
Different finishes will call for various maintenance procedures. Scratches and scuffs will be more noticeable on a polished stone surface than on a tumbled one.
Pros
- durable
- padded for comfort
- has a wide variety of forms, colours, and designs
- excellent radiant heating material
- environmentally friendly
- friendly to families with children and animals
Cons
- of the more pricey possibilities
- easy to break or scratch
- There are porous varieties of stone tiles.
- costly maintenance
It is recommended to engage a professional stone floor installer due to the complexity of a project and also the weight of a tile. Most homeowners may expect to spend between $800 – $3,000 on the materials and labour needed to create a natural stone floor.
Carpet
Nonetheless, many people prefer carpet, especially in the bedroom.
Pros
- cost-effective
- Feet-friendly softness and thermal comfort.
- Several styles and hues are on hand.
- excellent for blocking out noise
- Certain kinds are resistant to stains.
Cons
- challenging to care for; annual deep cleaning by an expert is recommended.
- receptive to odours
- bad for households with animals
- not a good idea in damp places like the kitchen or bathroom
Carpet is one of the least expensive building materials to have installed, with prices ranging from $3.50 – $11 per square foot. Carpet padding installation costs about $3.75 per sq foot on average.
Ideas For New Or Alternative Flooring
Some types of flooring to consider if you want a truly one-of-a-kind aesthetic or additional benefits like sustainability are:
Rubber:
Rubber flooring can be fabricated from a wide variety of resources, from crude oil to recycled tyres. Because of its elasticity and bounce, this flooring is classified as resilient.
Because of this, it’s appropriate for use on dance floors, in restaurants, and in other high-traffic places where tired feet and slipperiness are common.
The use of rubber flooring in private residences is on the rise. Playrooms, bathrooms, garages, at-home gyms, and other areas that get wet often benefit from its moisture & stain resistance, soundproofing, durability, pliability, and temperature stability.
- substances poured
- safety against slippage
- The price per square foot for rubber flooring is $4 to $12.
- excellent for the home, gym, or playroom
Parquet:
- mosaic-like arrangement of wooden parts
- typically, more expensive wood varieties
- excellent for use in upscale establishments
Terrazzo:
Use a high-quality terrazzo sealer to protect your floors. This makes it so that the bond between the marble surface and the concrete base won’t be broken, no matter how often you have to clean it.
Due of its inherent shine, all that is required to keep it in pristine condition is a mop, water, and a mild neutral floor cleaning.
- stone-chip and resin-based composite
- Stunning Artwork
- Costs range from $25 to $90 per sq foot for terrazzo flooring.
- style-dependent, it’s equally at home indoors as out.
Marmoleum:
- recyclable vinyl substitute
- bespoke building
- The price of a square foot of marmoleum flooring is $3.25 to $9.
- perfect for use in both kitchens and bathrooms
Bamboo:
This flooring is made not from wood but from compressed grass that is then either nailed down or cemented together. Hence, it has the benefits of functioning as a natural resource and being resistant to water.
- green and wooden in appearance
- Impervious to Wetness
- Bamboo flooring installation costs can range from $5.50 to $12 per square foot.
- superior than most woods as a kitchen and deck material.
Cork:
Cork is a renewable, water-resistant material well-suited for use in a variety of settings, including bathrooms and basements.
Cork can be glued or snapped together like laminates. Cork flooring are flexible and warm, but they are readily harmed by sharp items.
- low VOCs
- fire-resistant
- sound-blocking
- The price per square foot for cork flooring is $5 to $14.
- ideal for serene settings
Flooring That Have Been Poured (Mastic Asphalt And Polymeric)
As liquids, mastic asphalt & polymeric floors are applied to surfaces before being allowed to cure and solidify. This results in a seamless final product.
In commercial (particularly industrial) and residential settings where water protection & durability are paramount, asphalt & polymer flooring alternatives have advantages despite their relative rarity.
Comparison Of Flooring
Confused about what kind of flooring will work best in your house? When weighing considerations like longevity, comfort, and aesthetic appeal, there is more than one optimal solution.
Choose the ideal material and materials for your area by focusing on the most important criteria.
Finding the ideal flooring material may also require looking at the nitty-gritty of two different options, such as:
- Rugs or Floorboards?
- Choosing Between Hardwood and Laminate
- Ceramic Tile vs. Porcelain Tile
- Comparing Laminate and Engineered Hardwood
- Comparison between Vinyl and Laminate Flooring
Most Long-Lasting Flooring
The most long-lasting varieties of hard flooring are:
- bamboo
- travertine
- plastic wrap
The Best Flooring For Dogs, Cats, And Other Pets
Tile flooring made of a non-slip material like porcelain or stone is good for pets. This impermeable surface will protect your feet from scratches and wear.
Best Flooring For The Entire Home
Solid hardwood and tile is a good choice if you plan to put the same flooring across the entire house. You can use these materials in almost any space.
Flooring Materials That Are Eco-Friendly Or Sustainable
Bamboo and cork are the greatest eco-friendly flooring options. The R-value of cork is roughly 1.125, making it the greatest of any indoor hard surface in terms of thermal resistance.
Optimal DIY Floor Coverings
DIYers should prioritise a floating vinyl or engineered wood floor.
Non-porous Flooring At Its Finest
The following are examples of waterproof, nonporous flooring materials:
- Tiles made of porcelain or ceramic
- vinyl
- concrete
Most Simple To Install And Maintain
Installing and maintaining vinyl flooring is a breeze. It only requires routine sweeping and the occasional use of a mop.
Lowest Price
Vinyl and carpet are the most cost-effective options, with material costs as little as $0.75 a square foot.
Beautiful Flooring
Hardwood, natural stone tile, and terrazzo are some of the most visually appealing flooring options.
Best Vintage Flooring Designs
Choose natural stone tile or solid hardwood if you need to replace flooring in an existing property. These looks have endured as classics for decades.
Flooring That Is Resistant To Fire
Stone and porcelain tile flooring is the most fireproof option. They are resistant to fire and melting temperatures.
Best Soundproofing Material
Soundproofing is best accomplished using cork or carpet. This is favoured by many families for use in designated “kids’ rooms” or “music rooms” in their homes.
Radiant Heat Flooring Options
The optimal thickness of flooring with radiant heating is between 0.375 and 0.5 inches and can be found in the following materials:
- stone mosaics
- porcelain or other ceramics
- laminate
- artificially-created wood
Most Resilient For Children
Carpet and vinyl are the hardest wearing options for a kid’s room. This is due to the fact that youngsters are more prone to scrape or spill on surfaces, making these items more appealing.
Best Flooring For The Aged Or Disabled
Rubber and low-pile carpet is the ideal flooring option for those with mobility issues. Both soft and nonslip, these materials are ideal.
Best In Terms Of Resale Value
Investing in hardwood or tile flooring is the best bet in terms of resale value. The return on investment for hardwood flooring, in instance, can be as high as 70-80%.
Best Industrial Or Commercial Non-slip Flooring
Commercial and industrial spaces should have flooring that is:
- low-loop carpet
- laminate
- coating epoxy concrete
The Greatest Floating Flooring
In a floating floor, the floorboards are not affixed to the subfloor in any way (neither by nails nor by glue).
Although laminate flooring is the most common type of floating floor, other types of planks can also be used. Materials used for floating floors are long-lasting and simple to set up.
- Laminate
- Modified wood floor
- Vinyl flooring
Flooring For Commercial Use
The most popular flooring options for businesses are:
Vinyl
It’s easier to maintain than tile floors because it doesn’t need grouting. It is frequently used in hospitals and nursing homes due to its effectiveness in preventing the spread of infection.
Due to its resilience, vinyl is a popular option for higher places in a wide variety of commercial settings.
Flooring Safety
Slip-resistant grains are embedded in a flexible, high-quality vinyl or rubber flooring. Important for many fields to ensure a risk-free workplace for their employees. This flooring requires little in the way of cleaning and upkeep.
As slips, trips, & falls are the leading cause of injury in the workplace, this flooring is a good choice for many settings.
Carpet Tiling And Commercial Carpets
Several companies prefer them because of the professional look they may provide.
Instead of installing a single large carpet roll, many smaller carpet tiles can be installed on the floor, allowing for greater flexibility, easier access to raised floors, and less waste.
Flooring Ideas For Every Room
Flooring For A Bathroom Or Kitchen
Tile or vinyl is the greatest option for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. The mudroom is another ideal location for these supplies.
Hardwood Or Carpet For The Living Room Flooring?
The living room benefits most from hardwood or carpeting. They are stylish and comfortable, without sacrificing longevity.
Flooring Options For Dens And Family Rooms
Carpets and vinyls are great options for the family room or den. The comfort and durability offered by these are superb.
Flooring For The Entrance Or Foyer
The best long-lasting material for foyer and entryway flooring is tile or vinyl. They can also withstand water and have a high resistance to scratches.
Flooring Options For Laundry Rooms
Vinyl or tile flooring is ideal for laundry rooms. They won’t warp or bleach in conditions of increased humidity and spillage.
The Finest Flooring For Stairs And Hallways
Stairs and hallways should have carpet or hardwood flooring because these materials may be trimmed to fit irregular shapes.
Bedroom Flooring Options: Carpet Or Cork
Bedroom flooring should be soft and warm, so carpet or cork are good options.
Offices
The use of laminate flooring or low-pile carpet in a home office is highly recommended. They can withstand heavy use and spills without showing signs of wear.
Flooring In Basements
Tile, laminate, or engineered hardwood are great options for basement flooring. These materials can be laid on the a concrete subfloor and are more resistant to moisture than hardwood.
Flooring In Garages
Concrete would work best in this space. Tiles or coatings specifically designed for garage floors can be installed to create a safe, easy-to-clean surface.
Flooring For Outbuildings: Barns And Sheds
Concrete and pressure-treated wood flooring is the most long-lasting alternative for sheds and garages. These materials are resistant to water and can withstand extreme temperatures.
Outdoor Flooring Options
The best option for outdoor flooring installation is situational.
- To save money and time, choose pressure-treated wood for your deck.
- Concrete is a long-lasting option for a patio or driveway.
- Indoor/outdoor carpeting for the covered porch
Factors For Flooring
When deciding what style and materials will work best in a certain area, there are a few more things to think about and questions to ask.
Durability
The durability requirements of your flooring selection can be improved upon with some thought towards the room’s intended function.
If you have kids or pets and plan to put it in a high-traffic area of your home like the living room and entryway, you should look for a material that is resistant to spills, scratches, and wear and tear.
If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals and hosting parties, it may be beneficial to find flooring that is soft on the feet and offers some support for standing for extended periods.
Consider your way of life when deciding on the most long-lasting option for the space.
Installation
We’ll go into the nitty-gritty of installation later, but it’s important to note now as a potential deciding factor.
It can be costly and time-consuming to install some kinds of flooring. A kitchen with detailed tiling and an inset stone mosaic, for instance, will be time- and money-consuming to complete. Hardwood floor installation is no exception to the laborious rule!
Carpet tiles may be the best choice if you need a quick and easy DIY project that can be finished in a single day.
If you do not even know how long the installation will take before you buy the components, your home improvement project is certain to become a source of stress.
Cleaning
Cleaning and upkeep requirements for various types vary. Depending on your routine, you should think about the best traction options and cleanable surfaces for the area.
Cost
The possible monetary outlay associated with most possibilities is relatively broad. Wood, carpet, tile, and stone materials can range from cheap to expensive, depending on their quality.
Set a price limit for yourself, and let that limit serve as a filter for your options. If you want the feel of hardwood yet can’t afford to real thing, laminate flooring may be the answer.
You can accomplish the desired effect in many different ways without going beyond financially.
Additional Considerations
Here are specifics on where to look for further information as you consider flooring options for your home.
Soundproofing
Options that assist to soundproof thier home may be worth considering if you are renting a house or condo, especially one with design characteristics such as elevated ceilings.
Wood & laminate floors will reverberate the sound of footsteps, and hard surfaces like tile and stone will reflect the sound.
Carpeting is great for helping to deaden the sounds of daily life, as there are carpets pads available that add extra soundproofing, which is especially useful in apartment settings.
Rubber flooring is a great option for those who like to go outside the box. This is a fantastic soundproofing choice, particularly for rooms like playrooms and home gyms, but it’s also useful in other parts of the house.
Carpet Cushioning
If carpet is the flooring material of your choice, then you must also decide on carpet padding. The padding will soften the floor and make your carpet last longer.
FAQS About Home Floors
What are some types of floors?
7 Different Kinds of Floors
- Concrete Floors.
- Vinyl Floors.
- Terrazzo Floors.
- Linoleum Floors.
- Ceramic Tile Floors.
- Marble Floors.
- Wood Floors.
What is flooring and its types?
Floor covering is a term to generically describe any finish material applied over a floor structure to provide a walking surface. Both terms are used interchangeably but floor covering refers more to loose-laid materials. Materials almost always classified as flooring include carpet, laminate, tile, and vinyl.
What are the 5 types of hard flooring?
There are five main types of hardwood floors. They are: vinyl, laminate, parquet, solid and engineered hardwood flooring.
What is the most common floor type?
Five Most Common Types of Flooring- Carpet.
- Hardwood.
- Laminate.
- Tile.
- Vinyl.
