Selecting new flooring can be an overwhelming process with so many options to consider. By evaluating your lifestyle, home style, budget, and the rooms being renovated, you can zero in on the optimal flooring solutions. Understanding the pros and cons of each type is key to finding durable, beautiful floors tailored to your needs.
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When choosing a new floor covering for any room of the house, there are so many options available that it can get overwhelming. By looking at all the choices and considering three factors — style, function, and cost – the job of getting a beautiful new floor is much simpler.
When embarking on a flooring project, some of the most common options include:
Classic and elegant hardwood floors never go out of style. Solid hardwood with planks milled from a single piece of wood offers supreme quality. While beautiful, it requires careful maintenance. Engineered hardwood with layers of plywood or HDF cores topped by a hardwood veneer layer is more budget-friendly.
Laminate flooring utilizes a photographic layer under a clear melamine resin to mimic wood or stone looks. Affordable and DIY-friendly, laminate is durable but prone to moisture damage.
Vinyl flooring comes in both sheets and plank tiles. Modern luxury vinyl plank (LVP) replicating wood or stone is popular thanks to its durability and waterproof properties. Other options like sheet vinyl and linoleum are budget-friendly.
Ceramic and porcelain tile offer style and endurance. Glazed ceramic with a protective top coating resists moisture and stains. Porcelain tile is denser and even more impervious to water. Tile requires significant subfloor prep.
Carpet provides softness underfoot and sound absorption. Numerous fiber types like nylon and polyester are available in a range of cut or loop pile textures. Carpet necessitates frequent vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning.
Choosing new floors for your home requires weighing a variety of factors:
Consider where it will be installed and your lifestyle needs. For high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways, hard-wearing choices like tile or vinyl are best. Carpet suits bedrooms, while hardwood elevates living spaces.
For baths, basements, and laundry rooms, opt for water-resistant flooring like tile, vinyl or linoleum. Hardwood and laminate are susceptible to moisture damage.
Carpet, cork, and rubber floors absorb sound the best. Laminate, hardwood, and tile tend to reverberate noise more. This is important in upstairs rooms or apartments.
Less expensive options include carpet, vinyl, and laminate, while hardwood and natural stone cost more initially. Remember that lower-quality floors may need replacement sooner.
Vinyl, laminate, and some carpeting can be installed as DIY-friendly “floating” floors without glue or nails. Hardwood and tile take more skill to install well.
Consider the overall decor you want. Hardwood offers traditional appeal. Colorful patterned vinyl or mosaic tile provides a modern flair. Concrete flooring creates an industrial vibe.
To select the optimal flooring, compare the pros and cons of each type:
lightbulb-on Highlight: Hardwood is best suited for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms but is not ideal for kitchens or baths because is it not waterproof.
Average Cost: $7 to $12 per square foot installed
Beautiful and classic look
Increases a home's value
Easy to clean and is available in wide plank sizes
Initially expensive
Scratches and dents easily
Can be damaged by moisture and requires refinishing periodically
Whenever you shop for a home, one feature you will always see advertised (if available) is “beautiful hardwood floors.” The look of brand-new hardwood floors, or even newly refinished hardwood floors, adds an unmistakable quality and value to your home.
Where choices in wood used to be pretty limited, new wood floors — and even “engineered wood” floors — are now becoming more popular. Check out the different wood flooring types available.
Solid hardwood flooring can last for generations with proper care. Refinishing restores its beauty — but hardwood is very susceptible to moisture damage and scratches. Consider the long-term costs for maintenance and repairs with your initial investment.
lightbulb-on Ceramic and porcelain tile are best for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, laundry rooms and patios because of thier durability and waterproof nature.
Average Cost: $6 to $10 per square foot installed
Extremely durable and water-resistant
Provides great design flexibility with myriad colors, shapes, and textures
Can be cold and hard under bare feet
Dropped items can crack tiles
Professional installation is recommended
Ceramic tile can give you that “designer look.” The tiles that many people use today are large in size and available in more choices and evolving designs that can create an incredible floor.
However, ceramic tile comes in various styles, colors, shapes, and textures to fit any design aesthetic. Smaller mosaic tiles can create a classic look, while large-format tiles are modern and sleek. The durability and water resistance of ceramic make it an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. Advanced digital printing technology has also opened up possibilities for replicating the look of natural stone, wood, and other materials with ceramic and porcelain tiles.
When properly installed and cared for, a tile floor can last 50 years or longer — but ceramic can crack or chip if you drop heavy objects on it. The grout also needs periodic sealing to prevent stains and damage to the tiles.
lightbulb-on Luxury vinyl tile and plank are best for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and rental properties due to their durability and cost-effectiveness.
Average Cost: $18 to $30 per yard installed
Affordable and easy DIY installation
Replicates the appearance of real wood or stone
Waterproof and scratch-resistant
Not as valuable as real wood
Heavy foot traffic can dent floors over time
Requires underlayment for softness
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) mimics the look of real wood or stone while being waterproof and dent-resistant. Vinyl planks hold up well in kitchens, baths, and basements where moisture is a concern. Sheet vinyl is seamless for an uninterrupted look. Vinyl comes in a wide range of patterns, textures, and colors, with advanced printing creating realistic variations.
Previously thought of as just an inexpensive choice in flooring, the new generation of vinyl floors is not only very durable but can add a real designer’s touch to your home. Easy DIY installation options also make vinyl a budget-friendly choice.
lightbulb-on Carpet is best for bedrooms, family rooms, and playrooms because of its softness and low price point.
Average Cost: $18 to $30 per yard installed
Soft and warm underfoot
Budget-friendly and available in endless colors/textures
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Easily conceals subfloor flaws
Accumulates allergens and stains easily
Requires frequent vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning
Not recommended for baths or basements
Carpet provides comfort underfoot and helps absorb sound. It comes in a spectrum of color options from either natural or synthetic fibers like nylon, polyester, and olefin. Quality padding will extend the life of the carpet, but this material shows foot traffic faster than hard-surface flooring. It also requires regular steam cleaning to look its best and prevent embedded dirt. Moisture can damage carpets, limiting their use in basements and bathrooms.
There are a wide variety of carpet styles available. In recent years, “Berber” has been very popular due to its durability and affordability. Now there is a resurgence in the popularity of various shag carpets, deep piles, and combinations of both.
lightbulb-on Best for active households, such as those with kids, pets, or lots of foot traffic.
Average Cost: $6 to $12 per square foot installed
Scratch and moisture-resistant
DIY-friendly installation
Near-endless color and style options
Lacks the longevity of natural wood
Doesn't offer the rich natural appeal of wood
Shorter life span than other options
Laminate flooring is made of synthetic materials to mimic wood, tile, and stone designs while being scratch and moisture-resistant. This makes laminate a good option for active households. The floating installation method used for this flooring type is DIY-friendly, but it lacks the richness and longevity of real wood.
Many have heard laminate floors referred to as “Pergo.” However, Pergo is just one of many companies — such as Armstrong, Wilson Art, and Formica — that make this virtually indestructible type of flooring. The range of laminate styles and colors is near endless — and affordable pricing makes laminate quite popular. Still, it needs replacement after 25 to 30 years versus solid wood's 100+ year life span.
For each room in your home, there are ideal flooring solutions based on their needs:
Durable and moisture-resistant choices like ceramic tile, porcelain tile, vinyl plank, linoleum, or engineered hardwood work best in the kitchen.
Waterproof tile, vinyl, linoleum, and rubber floors are ideal for humid bathroom spaces.
Plush or frieze carpeting helps provide a quiet, cozy bedroom environment.
Hardwood elevates living spaces and complements home furnishings stylishly. Carpet also creates a comfortable living room feel.
Concrete flooring, tile, vinyl, and linoleum all resist moisture well. Uneven concrete can be leveled before flooring installation.
Hard-wearing flooring like tile, vinyl, or low-pile carpeting can withstand heavy foot traffic from high-traffic areas.
Read more about flooring through our other in-depth articles. Use the dropdown sections below to find our top flooring comparisons, pros and cons guides, product reviews, and more.
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Choosing flooring suited to your lifestyle needs and design aesthetic results in a home you'll love for years. Comparing options in terms of durability, maintenance, moisture resistance, and cost allows you to make an optimal flooring decision. Prioritizing quality materials and proper installation ensures long-lasting floors throughout your home.
For homes with dogs, look for scratch-resistant floors in spaces they access. Good options include tile, vinyl, and treated hardwoods. Limit access to carpeted rooms, which show wear and stains. Place runners over high-traffic areas.
Professional installation averages $3 to $6 per square foot, depending on the complexity. DIY installation saves on labor but has a learning curve. Some handy homeowners can install floating vinyl plank or laminate — but leave intricate tile or hardwood jobs to the pros.
Floating click-lock vinyl and laminate flooring are the most DIY-friendly. Peel-and-stick tile is another easy DIY option.
Quality hardwood flooring in good condition provides the biggest resale value boost. Ceramic tile and high-end carpeting also add value.
Removing old floors is advised for best results. However, you can sometimes install floating vinyl and laminate over existing floors. The subfloor must be flat and clean with no loose tiles or grout. Check if the floor manufacturer allows this.
It depends on the material. Properly maintained hardwood can last over 100 years. Laminate and vinyl last 25 to 30 years. Carpet lasts 8 to 15 years before needing replacement. Tile can last 50+ years with proper subfloor prep and installation.
Underlayment helps smooth out minor subfloor imperfections. It’s required for floating floors and helps reduce noise. Use moisture barrier underlayment for wood, laminate, or vinyl floors. Pick one with good compression to cushion floors.
Flooring sets the foundation for the aesthetic of your home. It has a significant impact on the look and feel of each room, so deciding on the type of flooring to install is important. Here, we’ll break down some of the most popular flooring options available, and the pros and cons of each, to help with your decision-making.
The short answer is: there isn’t one. The best flooring material for your home depends on your preference, lifestyle, and the look you’re going for. Before deciding on a type of home flooring, you’ll want to ensure that you’ve thought in detail about your day-to-day lifestyle and how that could impact your decision-making. Let us explain.
If you have kids or pets, you’ll want to think about durability and ease of cleaning. You’ll want to choose a flooring material that is resistant to staining, scratching, and overall wear and tear. If you entertain often, you’ll have similar considerations. If you have a pool or hot tub, you’ll want to think about slip resistance on any floors near the access to those features and choosing a flooring that is entirely waterproof. If you prefer low maintenance, flooring that doesn’t require refinishing or resurfacing is ideal. Perhaps you find carpet in the bedrooms to be cozier, or you want to choose a material with eco-friendly qualities. All of these considerations will factor into your flooring choice.
Below are the most popular flooring material for home interiors:
Read on for some helpful information to help you decide which flooring material is right for you.
Wood flooring is a timeless option that has rightly taken its place as one of the most popular flooring choices for any home. Wood adds warmth and character to your home and comes in a variety of colors and types to give you exactly what you’re looking for.
Hardwood Floors
While most manufacturers call their flooring hardwood, true hardwood flooring is a solid plank with no fillers or integrated layers. These floors are long-lasting, even for decades with proper care. Because it’s solid wood from top to bottom, you can sand and re-stain it for a fresh look, usually up to ten times. This means pure hardwood can last up to 100 years!
Hardwood is also versatile. You can change the look of your floors later by choosing a lighter or darker stain. Some hardwood come pre-finished, and others will need to be installed, stained and sealed by a professional. We always recommend a water-based sealant for healthy indoor air quality.
Examples of common hardwood species include: oak, maple, birch, hickory, cherry, pine, douglas fir and walnut. Different species of hardwood have different hardiness. Softer woods will scratch more easily, so it’s important to know the rating for each type of hardwood you’re considering. The industry standard for hardness ratings is the Janka Hardness Scale, which measures the ability of a wood to withstand denting.
The downside of hardwood is often the cost, which varies depending on the species. Hardwood floors can also be prone to scratches and dents, but reclaimed wood floors (like a few of those pictured below) have more grain and markings that help hide any imperfections. Hardwood is water resistant, but not waterproof, so keep this in mind for areas near the kitchen or entryway. The maintenance of sanding and refinishing hardwood floors can also be a turn-off for some homeowners, but others enjoy the versatility, natural beauty and sustainability of hardwood.
Engineered Wood Floors
Engineered wood is a modern advancement in flooring. It’s generally comprised of a plywood core and a thin layer of hardwood that is bonded to the top. Engineered wood floors are more water-resistant than hardwood, though not waterproof. For this reason, they are common flooring choice in high-moisture environments such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
The biggest benefit to engineered wood floors is the dimensional stability—they’ll shift and warp less over time and be resistant to changes in temperature. They also are typically more resistant to daily wear and tear.
It’s important to know that engineered hardwood floors can only be refinished 1-3 times before needing replacement, so they are not necessarily as sustainable as pure hardwood floors. They may last up to 30 years.
Bamboo Flooring
If sustainability is important to you, bamboo flooring is one of the most eco-friendly flooring choices you can make for your home. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on Earth, and therefore highly renewable. Bamboo is also harder and more durable that some hardwoods like oak or ash, and can be less expensive than hardwood.
Despite all the advantages, hardwood is generally expected to last longer than bamboo. The longevity difference may be negligible though. Both flooring types withstand dents and scratches in similarly.
More and more bamboo options are available every year, with stains to match any interior. The natural grain of bamboo, however, is a single look. Bamboo tends to have long, linear grain lines and does not have heartwood or growth ring, so the appearance is a more uniform look than traditional wood flooring.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a great option for active homes in just about any part of the home and is certainly one of the most popular flooring choices. Its durability and water resistance make it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. The variety of colors, patterns, and natural stone imitation looks it comes in means there are options for every aesthetic. A tile floor is also very easy to clean and maintain, especially if you use epoxy grout with it.
With these advantages, it’s important to keep in mind that tile can be cold underfoot, which may not make it appropriate for all spaces. We often recommend adding in-floor heating to your bathroom or basement remodel. While tile is great for spaces that have moisture and water, some tile can become slippery when wet. Review the slip resistance when selecting your tile.
Porcelain Floor Tile
Porcelain tile is comprised of a fine and pure kaolin clay mixture. This mixture makes porcelain tile denser and more impervious to water than ceramic tile. Porcelain tile is almost always rated to use in wet environments like bathroom floors or kitchen backsplashes. With a never-ending selection of colors, glazes, sizes and styles, it’s easy to find a porcelain floor tile to fit your space. Porcelain tiles are even made to mimic other materials, like wood or concrete, but with much better water resistance.
While all tile is typically a durable material, tile can be prone to cracking and chipping if something heavy is dropped on it; an important consideration when choosing between porcelain and ceramic. Porcelain tile has what is called a ‘through body color’ so if it chips, the underlayer that shows will look fairly close to the rest of the tile (without the printed pattern or texture). Ceramic tiles are essentially a topcoat on a clay base, so if you have a white ceramic tile that chips you’ll see a grey or orange spot in that location. For these reasons, we recommend porcelain for most flooring projects.
Ceramic tile is also made with clay but is generally a coarser clay that is less resistant to water and slightly less durable. We do not recommend ceramic tile for flooring purposes. Unglazed ceramic tile is not recommended for flooring, especially in high-traffic or high-moisture areas like entryways or bathrooms. Glazed ceramic is more protected from scratching, but can become slippery when wet. We typically recommend ceramic tile for walls and backsplashes instead of floors. Many people enjoy ceramic tile for its natural or handmade characteristics. Tile edge irregularity is becoming increasing popular for homeowners seeking an organic look. Ceramic tiles are also available in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, but tend to be glazed with a solid color.
Natural Stone Floors
There are many different natural stone types to consider for flooring, including slate, granite, marble, limestone and travertine to name a few. Natural stone is durable, strong and common in luxury homes. Stone floors are considered an investment, and often add significant value to a home, but can be costly and are not easily changed.
Natural stone flooring is common in contemporary Pacific Northwest interior design, mimicking the natural environment that surrounds us. When shopping for natural stone flooring, it’s important to consider the grade, absorption rating, and finish of each option.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is made from highly regenerative bark of the cork oak tree, and is one of he most sustainable flooring options there is. Just like the cork of a wine bottle, cork flooring is soft and insulating. Cork flooring is made as either glue-down tiles or click-together planks and is typically easy to replace if needed. Cork flooring options are extremely versatile, made in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes and hues. Some colored cork doesn’t even resemble cork, but rather a tile or painted floor—with plenty of added comfort.
Cork is exceptionally quiet underfoot, environmentally friendly, comfortable and serves as a natural thermal insulator. It’s especially suited for basements, home gyms or playrooms. Though cork may wear or dent faster than other flooring materials, the environmental benefits outweigh these potential issues in most scenarios. Due to the natural pattern of cork, any dents or scratches will be far less noticeable than other flooring materials. Plus, when your cork floors have reached the end of their useful product life, cork is a natural and biodegradable material.
Cork flooring can be sealed to prevent moisture absorption and staining, and some cork flooring is even 100% waterproof. Sometimes cork floors, depending on the manufacturer, can even be refinished like hardwood can.
Linoleum Flooring
Often mistaken with vinyl flooring, linoleum is a different flooring material altogether. Linoleum flooring is a highly durable and flexible mix of renewable natural materials that may include linseed oil, jute, cork powder, limestone, tree resin, and wood flours. The resulting material is strong and soft at the same time, requires little care, has natural water resistance, and is easy to clean.
For homeowners that want the absolute most sustainable option in linoleum, we recommend Forbo’s Marmoleum. This worldwide brand is known for its eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. While linoleum flooring is more expensive than vinyl flooring and must be professionally installed, it’s a healthier option overall.
Concrete Flooring
Poured concrete is an economical and durable flooring option for the lower level of any home. Concrete is extremely low-maintenance, durable, and resistant to stains or scratching. Over time, even expertly poured concrete is susceptible to cracking, but sometimes patching can be done. A concrete floor is especially suited towards industrial or farmhouse décor but can be the foundation of many different styles. Like with tile, electric or hydronic heating can be installed to warm up the naturally cold feel of concrete.
If you want to install concrete over a subfloor supported by joists, you’ll need to consult a structural engineer to determine if your floor can bear the weight. If concrete is not an option on a higher floor, a similar look can be achieved with concrete-look tile.
Concrete Overlays
A concrete overlay is an attractive and popular way to update your basement’s concrete floor. A concrete overlay is essentially a top layer of concrete that is poured over your existing foundation. This overlay can help level your basement, repair any imperfections that were there, and create a more uniform look. It offers a more smooth, sophisticated surface that works much better with a wide variety of design styles.
In addition to looking great, the benefits of a concrete overlay include minimal maintenance, strength, and durability. Like wood stains, you can also customize a concrete overlay in various colors and patterns. You can even have the overlay stamped or stenciled, as well as choose from different finishes in varying degrees of shine or texture. The most popular overlay color in Seattle remodeling right now if a light gray. It’s a beautiful neutral that can blend with almost any design style.
While carpet may have seen its heyday as the primary flooring choice throughout a home, it’s still a popular choice for areas like bedrooms, nurseries and living rooms. It adds a softness, warmth, and acoustic privacy aspect that other floors strive for. Carpet comes in a variety of textures, colors, and styles, giving you ultimate flexibility.
As wonderful as carpet is, it can be a high-maintenance flooring material. Because it is absorbent, carpet can be prone to staining and may require professional cleaning to keep it looking nice. This is particularly true in high-traffic areas, for those who entertain, or have kids and/or pets. Avoid carpet anywhere that is high moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. We always recommend enlisting the help of the carpet salesperson or an interior designer to guide you towards the best carpet for your lifestyle needs.
For an eco-friendly and healthy carpet option, we always steer clients towards wool. It’s a renewable resource, biodegradable, low or no-VOC, and very durable. Wool carpet also has natural insulting properties that synthetic carpet can’t match, which makes sense given that wool needs to keep sheep warm throughout the year. While wool carpet is more expensive than synthetic carpet, we truly believe it’s worth the upgrade and will last many times longer.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a great choice for those who love the look of hardwood floors without the cost and maintenance that comes along with it. Laminate is traditionally made up of four different layers, including a foam backer, fiberboard core, printed image layer and a clear sealant overtop. The layers are combined in a process called lamination—hence the name.
The majority of laminate flooring is synthetic materials, making it durable and resistant to scratches, dents or staining, but not necessarily an environmentally friendly choice. Before committing to laminate it’s essential to know that quality makes a difference. Low-quality, and often low-cost, options can look cheap or fake if you’re not careful. These floors are also not as long-lasting as other options. While they’re durable, the edges can be prone to chipping and damage, especially during installation.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is another economical flooring option with a lot of versatility. Available in numerous colors and styles, a high-quality luxury vinyl plank in a natural hue will wear very well—providing you with years of low-maintenance enjoyment. Most of today’s luxury vinyl is almost indecipherable from hardwood and at a much lower price point. Vinyl is also available in tile or sheet form.
If your home gets a lot of foot traffic (kids, pets, etc.), a luxury vinyl plank (LVP) floor is a great choice. LVP is referred to interchangeably as Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF). Luxury vinyl is softer and warmer on the foot than concrete. It withstands spills and moisture very well. It’s not completely waterproof like sheets of vinyl, but still works well in basements and bathrooms. Keep in mind that vinyl is a synthetic plastic. It is one of the least eco-friendly materials on this list and may have high levels of VOCs that can pollute indoor air quality. For this reason, we typically recommend that our clients explore other flooring options first.
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