Are you looking to update the flooring in your home? There are many different types of flooring available today, each with its own unique look and feel as well as pros and cons. From hardwood to tile, vinyl to laminate, there is something for everyone’s budget and design.
In this article, we will explore 10 types of flooring that can help transform your home into a beautiful and inviting space. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each type of flooring so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to choose the perfect option for your home.
Things to Consider When Purchasing Flooring
When it comes to selecting the perfect flooring for your home, there are many factors to consider. Engineered hardwood is a popular choice for those looking for the look and feel of natural wood with added durability and weather resistance. However, engineered hardwoods can scratch relatively easily in comparison with laminate or tile and require more care and attention.
Laminate flooring is another great option that provides the look of real wood at a lower price point. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is highly durable, scratch-resistant, and warm to the touch, making it ideal for households with pets. LVT also comes in an abundance of colors and designs so it can fit any home style or color scheme.
When choosing flooring for your home, be sure to consider factors such as moisture levels, durability, cost, and style. It’s important to explore all of the different types of flooring available to find the right fit for your home.
DIY Installation
If you’re considering installing the flooring yourself, make sure that you understand the flooring installation procedures of each type of flooring. For instance, if you’re attempting to install exotic hardwood floors you may need to acclimate the hardwoods in your home before installation or it will not turn out good. You may also need specialized tools for some types of flooring such as real wood floors or tile flooring just to cut the flooring. While most types of floors can be installed by homeowners some will be much more difficult.
Flooring Availability
Getting the flooring you want from your home can be difficult in today’s world. Supply chain shortages and more can make some flooring types months away from being available. Make sure the selection of flooring materials you choose is readily available. You’ll also want to make sure that if there is a problem and you need more of that flooring that it will be available. Avoid discontinued flooring and other choices which are not readily available.
Humidity and Other Factors
Humidity and other factors can have a major impact on the type of flooring especially if they are in areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, or basements. It’s always a good idea to get the type of flooring material that works well in the application you want to use it for. For instance, don’t put carpet in the bathroom, it just doesn’t work.
Types of Flooring
When it comes to selecting the right flooring for your home, there are many types of flooring to choose from. Here are 10 of the more popular types of flooring materials:
Stone Flooring
Natural stone flooring is a popular choice for residential spaces, but they come with a hefty price tag. Stone and cement flooring can be difficult to maintain as well, as minor damage often requires replacing the entire floor. To add comfort, color, and warmth to stone or cement flooring, an area rug is a great option especially if you live in a colder climate. Painted concrete is an inexpensive way to add flair to basement flooring. Stained concrete provides insulation and moisture protection while textured concrete can mimic any design and requires skill to install correctly.
No matter what type of stone or cement tile you choose for your home, it’s important to consider the cost of installation and maintenance before making a decision. If you’re looking for an affordable option that still looks great, painted concrete is a great choice. For more durability and insulation, stained concrete may be the better option. Textured concrete can provide a unique look but requires skillful installation in order to achieve the desired results.
Carpet
Carpet is a popular floor covering choice for many homeowners due to its warmth and comfort, sound absorption, and insulation. Wall-to-wall carpeting became popular in American homes after World War II, and it continues to be a popular choice today. There are many different types of carpet available rangiing from very short fibers to long shag carpet.
Carpet flooring requires routine maintenance such as immediate spill removal and regular vacuuming to keep it clean. Homeowners should also consider ongoing care and replacement costs when choosing carpeting as a floor covering. While this was once the most popular option for flooring it has since fell a few places to laminate flooring and luxury vinyl tile flooring.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a great option for those looking for an affordable and durable flooring solution. It is made from layers of high density fiberboard with a photographic image and a tough, wear-resistant coating. This makes it resistant to scratches and other damage, as well as being easy to install. Laminate also offers a wide range of colors and wood types that look and feel like authentic hardwood, making it ideal for spaces with active pets or young children.
There are literally thousands of design options when selecting laminate flooring for your home. From a real wood flooring look to a more traditional tile look, laminate flooring is one option that has all those styles and design and more available.
Vinyl Floors
Vinyl flooring is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly and durable flooring solution. It is waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to clean, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Vinyl can be installed easily and comes in a variety of styles, including wood and tile designs. Sheet vinyl is an even more affordable PVC flooring option than luxury vinyl. It is fully waterproof and generally durable, making it suitable for basement flooring. Plus, it offers a virtually limitless range of looks and styles, though few wood-look options are available.
When considering vinyl flooring as an option for your home or business, there are many benefits to consider. Not only is it cost effective but also highly durable and easy to maintain. The wide range of styles available means you can find something that will fit the look of any room in your home or office space. Additionally, sheet vinyl is an even more affordable PVC flooring option than luxury vinyl which makes it great for heavy foot traffic as well.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a timeless and elegant choice for any home. It can be refinished up to five times, making it a great long-term investment. Solid hardwood flooring consists of boards milled from a single piece of wood, while engineered hardwood flooring consists of a multi-layer base with real hardwood on the surface.
Hardwood is an excellent choice for flooring and is available in many different types of wood, such as red oak, white oak, cherry, walnut, hickory and maple. It also comes with waterproof, scratch and dent-resistant features that make it ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms as well as busy areas like hallways.
Hardwood flooring is perfect for families with children and pets due to its durability and versatility in look. It can increase the resale value of your home and can be painted or stained to upgrade the look over time. However, it is an expensive option and may not be suitable for areas with high moisture levels.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a great option for many areas of the home. It is resilient, warm and quiet underfoot, making it an ideal choice for bedrooms and living rooms. Cork is also a natural, renewable material that can be used in most dry areas of the home. Resilient flooring such as linoleum and luxury vinyl tile are great options for most areas of the home, except in a shower. Cork is especially well-suited to basements that don’t suffer from excess moisture.
Cork has several advantages over other types of flooring. It is durable and has a springy feel, making it versatile enough to use in any room of the house. Additionally, cork can expand and degrade with moisture if not re-stained regularly. This means that it requires some maintenance to keep it looking its best over time. However, with proper care and attention, cork flooring can last for years without needing to be replaced. Surprisingly, the ease of installation for this flooring is better than most people realize.
Rubber flooring
Rubber flooring is an affordable and practical choice for homes, available in a variety of bright colors. It is easy to install and provides soft, comfortable insulation. Foam flooring pieces fit together like a puzzle for a modular design, allowing you to switch out different sections for different uses such as workshops or home gyms. Natural and sustainable options are also available with easy DIY installation requiring a plywood sub-floor and regular polishing. However, rubber flooring should be avoided in areas likely to attract staining from oils and fats, such as the kitchen.
Overall, rubber flooring is an excellent option for homeowners looking for an inexpensive way to spruce up their home. Not only does it provide insulation and comfort, but it can also be easily switched out for different uses depending on your needs. Plus, natural and sustainable options are available if you’re looking for something more eco-friendly.
Luxury vinyl tiles or plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl tiles or planks (LVP) are a great option for homeowners looking to add the beauty of hardwoods without the upkeep. LVP is typically more cost effective than hardwood and can be used in wet areas as many brands are waterproof. It is available in planks, sheets or tiles and can be installed with adhesive, peel-and-stick or click-lock methods. It has a vinyl core which makes it better to walk on. Luxury vinyl plank flooring mimics hardwood while vinyl tile flooring looks like high-end stones such as marble.
To ensure your luxury vinyl flooring lasts longer, it’s important to keep it clean and free from debris. Regular sweeping and mopping will help keep dirt and dust at bay, while spot cleaning any spills immediately will help prevent staining. Additionally, you may want to consider using mats or rugs near entryways to reduce the amount of dirt that gets tracked into your home. With proper care and maintenance, luxury vinyl tiles or planks can last a long time and is one of the types of flooring can do well in residential and commercial applications.
Tile
Tile is a great choice for flooring in any home. It is durable, stylish and contemporary, with endless options in terms of patterns, finishes and colors. Ceramic tiles are resistant to scratches, dents and moisture making them easy to clean and maintain. Tile can be expensive but shopping around for last season’s designs can add an eclectic feature without the big cost.
When choosing tile for a particular room, it is important to consider the surface finish carefully as this will affect the look and feel of the room. For wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, smaller scale tiles should be used to reduce slipperiness. Underfloor heating can also be added in cold climates for extra warmth.
Ceramic tile is porous and generally waterproof making it suitable for outdoor use while porcelain tile is a more refined and glazed type of ceramic which is less porous and stronger. Natural stone tile such as slate or onyx are more expensive but also more durable than ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Concrete
Painted concrete is an inexpensive way to add flair to a basement floor. It’s also possible to stain concrete for insulation and moisture protection. For those looking for more intricate designs, textured concrete can be used to mimic any look and requires skill for installation. With the right care and maintenance, stone and cement floors can last for years while adding character to any home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable type of flooring?
The most durable type of flooring is tile, as it is resistant to scratches, dents and moisture. Natural stone tile such as slate or onyx are more expensive but also more durable than ceramic or porcelain tiles.
What is the best type of flooring for wet areas?
For wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, smaller scale tiles should be used to reduce slipperiness. Luxury vinyl tiles or planks (LVP) are also a great option for wet areas as many brands are waterproof.
How many different types of flooring should a house have?
It really depends on the size of the house and personal preference. Generally, it is recommended to have at least two different types of flooring in a house, such as tile for wet areas and hardwood or laminate for other living spaces. Carpet can also be used in bedrooms or living rooms for added comfort.