When renovating your home, few options offer as much character and impact as flooring. While trends change, the right floor covering provides foundation and insulation that can last a lifetime. A variety of wood, synthetic, and natural materials offer great options for your new flooring. This guide will help you consider the pros and cons of some of the most popular home flooring solutions.
Hardwood is a classic choice for home flooring. Rich in color and texture, hardwood flooring can bring warmth and character to any space. Aside from aesthetics, hardwood is durable and easy to maintain, making it a great option for busy households. However, hardwood flooring is expensive, and can be susceptible to scratches, dents and fading over time.
Tile is a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and other high-moisture areas. Easy to clean and maintain, tile is not as vulnerable to damage as other types of flooring. Its water resistance, along with its chic aesthetic, make it a popular option for many. However, tile can be quite cold underfoot and can be slippery when wet, making it a less desirable choice for areas with high foot traffic.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is one of the fastest growing categories in the flooring industry. Its affordability and durability make it a great choice for busy homes. LVT is available in a range of designs and finishes, allowing for great versatility. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a great choice for high-traffic periods. On the downside, LVT may not hold up as long as more expensive flooring options and it can be susceptible to buckling.
Carpet is timeless and inviting. Soft to the touch and luxurious underfoot, it can really add a touch of homeliness to any space. The best carpets are easy to maintain, provide excellent insulation, and come in a variety of colors and styles. The downside is that carpets can harbor dust mites and dirt, making frequent cleaning and vacuuming a must. Carpet can also take a serious toll on the wallet.
Engineered flooring offers the look of wood without the hefty price tag. Made from several layers of hardwood layers bonded together, engineered flooring is highly durable and perfect for busy family life. The downside is that engineered flooring is prone to moisture damage and cannot be refinished, so it won’t last as long as hardwood.
If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly option, cork flooring may be a good choice. Cork is easy to install, comfortable to walk on, and contains natural properties that resist dust mites and allergens. Its color range is limited, and care needs to be taken to ensure it can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Linoleum is a popular, eco-friendly option. Highly durable, it’s often used in commercial settings due to its adjustable temperature and scratch resistance. Its wide range of colors and patterns can instantly transform a space. While linoleum is fairly easy to maintain, it is prone to scratching and it easily fades over time.
Green floors are becoming increasingly popular for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly option. Reclaimed wood is a great sustainable option, but can vary in quality and price. Bamboo is a great renewable resource, but it requires more maintenance than other flooring options. Cork and linoleum are also highly sustainable flooring solutions. Laminate and LVT both emulate the look of hardwood, but with less environmental impact.
Area rugs are a less permanent way to give a room an instant facelift. While they don’t provide the insulation of a solid floor, area rugs can be used to achieve the desired look and feel of a space. They can also cushion foot falls to reduce noise across multiple levels of a home. Area rugs will need to be changed over time, though, as sunlight and foot traffic can wear them out quickly.
Stone flooring is a great way to inject timeless sophistication into any space. It adds warmth and texture to any room, and comes in multiple forms including granite, marble, limestone, and travertine. Stone typically lasts for many years and is incredibly easy to maintain. However, it can be quite expensive for some homeowners and its porous nature may require periodic sealing.
Hardwood floors are the perfect way to add unique character to spaces. Popular for many years, hardwood floors bring a touch of warmth to a home’s interior. From solid oak to cherry and maple, spruce up any room with a variety of hardwood options. Though they require frequent maintenance, the reward of having a beautiful, natural looking floor is worth the effort.
Vinyl flooring, both sheet and tile, provides a fantastic solution for busy homes. It’s water-resistant, durable, and easy to install and clean. Vinyl floors are available in a range of designs, colors, and styles, making them especially desirable in bathrooms, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. That being said, it’s prone to scratches and it won’t last as long as other flooring materials.
It’s always best to consider all options when selecting the right floor for your home. In combination with quality workmanship, understanding the pros and cons of popular home flooring solutions will ensure that your decision is the perfect one for you and your family.