When it comes to selecting floors for your home, you have many options, including carpet, vinyl, engineered, hardwood, and more. Plan to weigh durability, cost, maintenance, and overall appearance when choosing the best floor for your home. Sustainability may also factor into your flooring decision. From classic hardwood to modern vinyl, this comprehensive guide explores the best flooring types for different rooms of the home.
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Best Types of Flooring
All types of flooring have advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most popular options:
Carpet
Carpet is a popular choice thanks to its comfort, versatility, insulation, and warmth. It’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable underfoot
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Provides insulation and noise reduction
Cons
- Susceptible to stains and wear
- Not suitable for high-moisture areas
- Requires regular cleaning and maintenance
Engineered Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers the look of hardwood with improved stability and moisture resistance. It’s suitable for most rooms, including basements and bathrooms.
Pros
- More stable than solid hardwood
- Less expensive than solid hardwood
- Refinishable (limited times)
Cons
- Not as durable as solid hardwood
- Not suitable for high-moisture areas
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that adds elegance and value to any home. It’s best for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Common hardwood species include oak, maple, cherry, and pine.
Pros
- Natural and eco-friendly
- Adds value to your home
- Can refinish it multiple times
Cons
- Expensive up-front cost
- Susceptible to dents and scratches
- Susceptible to moisture damage
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a synthetic option that mimics the appearance of hardwood or stone. It’s a solid option for living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Pros
- Affordable
- Resistant to scratches and dents
- Easy to install
Cons
- Not as durable as hardwood or engineered flooring
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Can’t refinish it
Tile Flooring
Tile is versatile and durable, making it ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Wide variety of styles and textures
- Durable and low-maintenance
Cons
- Can feel cold and hard underfoot
- Installation can be challenging
- Grout requires detailing and touch-ups
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring, including luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT), offers versatility and water resistance. It’s suitable for any room, including bathrooms and basements.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to install and maintain
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Not as durable as hardwood or engineered flooring
- Requires periodic replacement
- Can be damaged by heavy furniture or sharp objects
Eco-Friendly Flooring Options
Environmentally conscious homeowners should opt for these sustainable flooring options:
- Bamboo is fast-growing and renewable. The flooring has a sleek, modern look while offering strength comparable to traditional hardwood.
- Cork comes from tree bark but getting it doesn’t harm the tree. Cork flooring provides a soft and cushioned surface, perfect for playrooms.
- Reclaimed wood is repurposed from old wooden structures and can bring uniqueness into a space.
- Recycled glass tiles made from post-consumer glass, such as broken car windshields or beverage bottles, work well for shower floors.
What To Consider When Choosing Flooring
Selecting the right flooring involves more than just the appearance. Homeowners should also think about:
Durability is important, especially in high-traffic areas. Some materials, such as tile and hardwood, are ideal for longevity, while others may need frequent replacement.
Areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and basements, require flooring that can withstand water exposure and higher humidity levels. Tile, vinyl, and certain engineered woods are excellent choices for these spaces.
High-traffic areas may benefit from more durable options like tile or luxury vinyl, while lower-traffic areas can accommodate a wider range of choices, including carpet or hardwood.
Flooring can vary in cost. Some options may have a higher up-front cost, but their durability and potential to increase home value can make them worthwhile investments.
Different flooring types require different levels of care and maintenance. Some options, including vinyl and laminate, are relatively low-maintenance, while others, such as hardwood, require more care.
Best Flooring Options by Room
Different rooms have unique needs when it comes to flooring. Here’s a guide to help homeowners choose the best options for each space in their home.
Living Room and Dining Room
These areas often benefit from flooring that makes a statement. Hardwood or high-quality laminate can provide a classic, elegant look. For a more modern touch, large-format tiles can create a sleek appearance. Homeowners may also prefer engineered hardwood for its added stability and moisture resistance.
Bedrooms
Carpet is a popular choice for bedrooms thanks to its softness and warmth. However, hardwood or laminate with area rugs can offer a balance of comfort and style while lowering maintenance requirements. Engineered flooring can also be a suitable choice, providing the look of hardwood with better moisture resistance.
Kitchen
Tile, luxury vinyl, and certain hardwoods treated for moisture resistance are ideal options for the kitchen. These materials can withstand spills and heavy foot traffic. Additionally, cork flooring is gaining popularity in kitchens for its comfort underfoot and renewable nature.
Bathrooms
Water resistance is the top priority for bathroom flooring. Porcelain or ceramic tiles remain the go-to options, but luxury vinyl tiles are gaining popularity for their water resistance and comfort. Stone tiles offer a luxurious appearance, but they require regular sealing to maintain their water resistance.
Basement
Moisture-resistant options are best for basements. Engineered vinyl plank, tile, or epoxy-coated concrete can withstand potential moisture issues while providing an attractive finish. Rubber flooring is an optimal choice for basements, particularly in home gyms or play areas, due to its durability and cushioning properties.
Home Office
For home offices, consider flooring that’s both professional-looking and comfortable. Hardwood, high-quality laminate, or low-pile carpet can create a productive atmosphere. A combination of materials, such as using carpet tiles in key areas and hardwood elsewhere, can add versatility to the space.
Comparing Flooring Costs
Understanding the cost of different flooring options can help homeowners make budget-conscious decisions. Here’s a general overview of the average costs per square foot of each flooring material, according to Angi:
- Carpet: $3.50 to $11
- Engineered hardwood: $4.50 to $16
- Hardwood: $6 to $25
- Laminate: $3 to $13
- Tile: $15 to $20
- Vinyl Plank: $2 to $14
Note that these figures are estimates and can vary based on location, material quality, and installation complexity. Homeowners should also keep long-term costs, such as maintenance and potential replacement, in mind when evaluating these options.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
The decision to install flooring yourself or hire a professional depends on the type of flooring, the size of the project, and your personal skill level.
The best professional flooring installers bring expertise and experience to the job. They can handle unexpected issues, often provide warranties on their work, and have access to specialized tools and equipment to streamline the installation process. Thanks to their experience, professional floor installers can create intricate layouts, such as herringbone or diagonal designs, that may be challenging for DIY enthusiasts. This option is particularly beneficial for complex installations or when working with high-end materials.
DIY installation can be cost-effective, as labor often accounts for a significant portion of professional installation costs. It can also be a rewarding project for homeowners who are comfortable with home improvement tasks. However, it requires time, proper tools, and attention to detail.
How Flooring Impacts Your Home’s Value
The right flooring can significantly impact a home’s value. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), hardwood floors can deliver an estimated return on investment (ROI) of 147% and new wood flooring brought an estimated ROI of 118%.
Other options like high-quality tile or luxury vinyl can also positively affect home value, especially when they enhance the overall appearance and functionality of the space.
Potential buyers often look for well-maintained, high-quality flooring when considering a home purchase. Upgraded flooring can give the impression of a well-cared-for home, contributing to a more favorable evaluation. Even in smaller upgrades, new or well-maintained flooring options can provide an edge in competitive markets.
This site receives compensation from the companies featured in this listing, which may impact where and how products appear. This listing doesn’t feature all companies, products, or offers that may be available.
FAQs About Best Flooring
Vinyl flooring is typically the easiest type of flooring material to maintain because it is stain-resistant, water-resistant, and non-porous.
Natural stone, such as marble, is an elegant flooring option that exudes a sense of timeless elegance and sophistication.
Hardwood flooring adds value to a home due to its timeless appeal and durability.
Porcelain tile is a top choice for high-traffic areas due to its resistance to scratching and denting.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are generally more flooring affordable options compared to hardwood or engineered flooring.
