We’ve all heard the old saying “you can’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to flooring for a home, the type can greatly determine the look and feel of an interior. It’s no wonder that homeowners often have strong opinions when it comes to flooring – after all, it’s a major investment that could last for over a decade. That’s why we took to the streets to ask people about their favorite type of home flooring – and the results might surprise you.
Our pollers cited a variety of reasons for why they preferred one type of flooring over another. Many said they were drawn to the look and feel of hardwood floors, citing the warmth and organic beauty of the grain as their primary motivations. Those who went for a lower budget option favored the versatility of laminate, and praised its ability to mimic the look of hardwood. One respondent commented that “for getting the same luxurious look that hardwood offers, without the hefty price tag, laminate has my vote.”
Carpet was another popular choice among the polling group, with many citing its plush feel and warmth during the colder months as its primary charm. Those who went for carpeting were quick to point to its softer texture and its range of colors and styles for easily adapting to any design scheme. One respondent praised carpet for its “kiddo-friendly softness, plus the wide array of options which allow me to customize different rooms depending on my needs.”
For those who preferred a unique look, tiles and alternative flooring techniques such as terrazzo and heated flooring were cited as rising trends. Homeowners especially liked the durability of tile compared to other options, citing its waterproof and fireproof quality as a great way to reduce disaster risks. One respondent enthused, “there’s something so luxurious and modern about tiled floors – and they make for a great conversation starter at my dinner parties!”
Interestingly, the poll didn’t uncover a single consensus – rather, it revealed that everyone had a personal preference depending on their lifestyle needs and budget. What was clear, however, was that when homeowners think about flooring for their homes,
Polling continued by further subdividing the respondents into three groups: those who prefer hardwood, laminate, or carpet. Of those who opted for hardwood, some responded that they liked hardwood for its natural and inviting warmth. They also liked its timeless look and its ability to last for decades that could come with small care and maintenance. Those who preferred laminate for flooring enjoyed the competitive price of the flooring, as well as the look and feel of hardwood without the commitment to regular maintenance. And lastly, carpet lovers found the softness and durability of carpet floors to be appealing.
Moving away from the traditional hardwood, laminate, and carpet flooring, several respondents revealed that they opt for tiles or alternative flooring options such as terrazzo and heated flooring. For tile fanatics, the waterproof, fireproof, and virtually indestructible characteristics of tiles were the major factors behind this choice. In addition, homeowners also saw the range of different designs, colors, and styles offered by tiles to be an attractive proposition. As for those who favored terrazzo and heated flooring, it was the uniqueness of these options that drove their decision.
What this poll revealed is that homeowners tend to have a personal preference for their flooring, and that varies depending on the individual’s lifestyle needs and budget. Now, let’s move away from the traditional flooring options and look at some of the designs and trends that are making waves in the home improvement industry.
Just like with hardwood, laminate, and carpet flooring, those choosing tile flooring are also driven by various needs. The waterproof, fireproof, and virtually indestructible characteristics of tiles, paired with its plethora of different designs, styles, and its wide color range make it an attractive option for many. Not only do darker-hued tiles offer a more classic look, they are also less prone to dirt and dust. On the other hand, light colors like white visually open up a room, making it look bigger and more inviting.
Alternative flooring options such as terrazzo are also becoming increasingly popular. What makes terrazzo attractive is the fact that it’s a combinations of pieces of marble, granite, quartz, and recycled glass chips, making it a unique and customizable option. Those opting for heated flooring, meanwhile, also have several attractive features to consider, such as energy efficiency and motion detection.
Finally, with all the options available, eco-friendly options are also increasing in popularity among homeowners. From hardwood floors made from sustainably harvested wood to eco-friendly materials like cork, bamboo, and linoleum, today’s homeowners have even more choices when it comes to introducing an eco-friendly floor into their home.
No matter what option each homeowner settles on, one thing is for sure – floors are an integral part of any home. That being said, it’s no wonder why so many people took our poll. After all, the type of flooring you choose can greatly determine the look and feel of your home, and it’s a major investment that could last for years to come.
So, what about you? What type of flooring do you prefer for your home?