Choosing the right type of flooring for your home means considering a balance between durability, ease of cleaning, comfort, and value, so it’s important to think about more than just the initial cost. The right flooring for your home will not only enhance the appearance of your interior spaces, but will also provide value for decades to come.
“Flooring is one of the most permanent decisions you make in your home, and it should quietly support real life as it ages,” said Lori Evans, co-owner of Evans Construction and Design, a Florida architecture and interior design firm. “How you think about kids, pets, entertainment, and even maintenance is more important than what’s trending online.”
There is no single flooring option that is best for all cases. So when planning your renovation, understanding flooring materials and their differences is a good place to start.
Differences in flooring types
The flooring you choose takes more wear and tear than any other material in your home, so it’s best to prioritize durability and longevity. Consider the following to guide your decision:
- Durability: For areas with a lot of foot traffic, such as kitchens and entryways, consider durability first. Durable materials stand up to foot traffic and provide higher value over time.
- lifespan: Some flooring materials may only last for a few years, while more expensive options may last for decades. Paying extra for a floor that lasts longer can potentially save you money over time.
- Moisture resistance: For kitchens and bathrooms, it is important to choose water-resistant materials that will not warp or rot even in the presence of water and moisture.
- Ease of cleaning: Consider your cleaning needs and prioritize low-maintenance flooring, especially in areas prone to dirt, food particles, and spills.
- Upfront costs: Budget is usually a big factor in determining the best flooring option, but try to get the most bang for your buck.
- Installation complexity: If you plan to DIY your floor, choose materials that don’t require special equipment and are relatively easy to install.
What you need to know about hardwood floors
Fee: Installed, $6 to $22 per square foot
Wood flooring is a traditional option that can add warmth and luxury to your space. You can choose between solid wood and engineered wood, commonly referred to as hardwood flooring.
Both types of wood flooring are best suited for living areas where moisture and water are not an issue, so they are usually not suitable for kitchens or bathrooms. Hardwood is a better option in high-traffic areas because it can be sanded and refinished many times before being replaced. Engineered wood is not very durable and can only be refinished a few times.
laminate flooring
Fee: Installed, $4 to $10 per square foot.
Laminate flooring has the lowest initial cost, making it one of the best options if you’re on a budget. However, they are relatively less durable and scratch resistant, so they will need to be replaced more often, especially if there is a lot of foot traffic. For the best value, choose laminate flooring with a high abrasion resistance class (AC) rating. AC1 is the least durable and AC3 is the most durable available for most residential applications.
Although laminate flooring has some degree of water resistance, the core layer can quickly fail if water gets to it. It’s not the most durable or attractive flooring material, so it’s perfect for laundry rooms and utility rooms where the risk of leaks and spills is low.
Vinyl flooring (LVP, LVT, sheet)
Fee: Installed, $4 to $12 per square foot.
Vinyl flooring is one of the most popular options on the market because it combines durability and ease of maintenance with style and beauty. It’s made up of multiple layers, including a wear layer for durability, a design layer to look like real wood or other materials, a core layer for softness and comfort underfoot, and a base layer for water resistance.
Vinyl sheets are the least expensive, but they have a shorter lifespan and are sometimes less visually appealing. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) flooring are durable and similar to luxury materials, but they are more expensive. Vinyl flooring is a great choice for all areas of your home, including high-traffic areas like the kitchen and living room, and areas where moisture can be an issue like bathrooms.
tiled floor
Fee: Installed, $10-20 per square foot.
Tiles are one of the most popular flooring options for kitchens and bathrooms because they are waterproof and have excellent resistance to foot traffic. However, when using tiles in these areas, consider choosing textured tiles for improved slip resistance.
Ceramic tiles are more affordable, but are more susceptible to cracking on impact, while porcelain is more expensive, but has a longer lifespan and increased durability.
Although the tiles themselves are easy to clean, dirt can accumulate in the joints between the tiles and mold can grow. You have to be diligent about cleaning the grout, and you may need to replace it in the future.
carpet
Fee: Installed, $2.25 to $16 per square foot.
Carpet is one of the most affordable flooring materials and is quick to install by a professional. It adds warmth and comfort to your feet, especially if you choose thicker padding underneath.
Carpet’s low abrasion resistance makes it ideal for rooms with low foot traffic, especially bedrooms where warm floors are comfortable. Carpets are prone to dirt, dust, and other allergens, so they require regular cleaning.
natural stone flooring
Fee: Installed, $15 to $32 per square foot.
Although stone flooring is expensive, it has a luxurious feel and is extremely hard-wearing, meaning it can last for decades, even in high-traffic areas. Common stone choices for flooring include marble, which is usually the most expensive, as well as slate, travertine, and granite. Because stone is a natural material, color options are limited.
Stone is easy to clean and holds up well to water and moisture, but the material should be sealed every few years to prevent staining. Still, stone floors are a popular option for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, especially because they’re durable.
Other flooring types you should know about
You may also want to consider other types of flooring depending on your needs. If you’re not satisfied with traditional options, talk to your flooring professional about these alternatives.
- bamboo: One of the more sustainable options, bamboo floors are more hard-wearing and water-resistant than hardwood floors with a similar natural look.
- cork: Cork floors are easy to walk on and sustainable, but they swell and warp with moisture and moisture, and are prone to staining.
- concrete: Concrete floors provide a modern, industrial look. They are affordable if you just want to finish the top of a slab foundation, but they require ongoing sealing to prevent staining. Very resistant to abrasion.
How to choose the right flooring material for your home
There is no one-size-fits-all flooring option, so there are several things to consider to make the right decision for your needs.
room function
“Smart homeowners recognize the value of using the right materials in the right places,” Evans says.
Low-maintenance floors that can withstand water and moisture are great for kitchens and bathrooms, but may feel too cold for bedrooms.
household needs
Choose flooring that can withstand the stressors in your home.
“If you have pets, it’s important to choose surfaces that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Also, if your family has allergies, hard-surface flooring is often a better choice than carpet,” says Brian Mussner, president of Mr. Handyman, a handyman and home improvement company.
humidity and water
Choose floors for your kitchen, bathroom, entryway, and laundry room that won’t warp or rot when wet. Usually this means tile, stone, or luxury vinyl.
comfortable
Hard materials are uncomfortable to walk on and can cause joint pain, especially for older people. Especially in the bedroom, consider not only the comfort under your feet, but also the warmth the floor provides.
budget
Budget is an important factor in determining what options are available for your flooring project. Be sure to consider long-term value as well.
“Inexpensive flooring may look the same at first glance, but its thin planks and low-wear layers can wear quickly and cause peeling, fading, or damage,” says Augustine Wadian, co-founder and CEO of Premier Home Pros, an Ohio-based bathroom remodeling and flooring contractor. “I think homeowners end up replacing it much sooner and it can end up costing them more in the long run.”
maintenance
Speaking of maintenance, think carefully about low-maintenance floors in high-traffic areas. If you follow that path, your life will become easier in the future.
install
Finally, consider how difficult the installation will be, especially if you’re planning a DIY flooring project. When doing your research, factor installation costs into your budget. If you install it yourself, it will be cheaper, but you may not get the same quality as what a contractor provides.
conclusion
The best flooring for your home will withstand the demands of you and your family, minimize maintenance and cleaning, and maximize durability and comfort. If you’re still not sure what that means for your home, talk to a local flooring expert who can guide you to the best options for your space.
FAQ
What type of flooring is the most durable?
The most durable types of flooring include natural stone and tile. They resist foot wear and tear better than any other option, won’t warp or rot when exposed to water or moisture, and have a long lifespan that can last for decades. Additionally, both are relatively easy to clean.
Which flooring is best for kitchens and bathrooms?
Tile and stone floors are ideal for kitchens and bathrooms because they won’t rot or warp when exposed to moisture or water. However, both can be slippery when wet, so consider textured tile or stone for added slip resistance. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring are also good cheaper options, but they are not as durable.
Is vinyl flooring better than laminate?
In general, vinyl flooring is superior to laminate, being more hard-wearing, water-resistant, more durable, and looks better. However, vinyl flooring is expensive, so if you’re on a budget, you may want to use laminate instead, especially in low-traffic rooms.
What kind of flooring will add the most value to your home?
Experts agree that high-quality materials like hardwood and natural stone tend to add the most value to your home. However, the added value depends on where the flooring is actually installed. Tile is more resistant to moisture and water, making it a better choice than hardwood in kitchens and bathrooms, increasing the value of these areas of your home.
