Your choice in flooring is one of the most crucial decisions you have to make when it comes to home improvement. Different flooring can add texture, warmth, and functionality throughout your home. The material is an essential part of your interior design, and because it lasts for years, you want to make sure the flooring you choose fits your needs. Before you make your decision, learn more about the most common flooring options.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring continues to be the top choice for homeowners and homebuyers due to its clean look and long term return on investment. Hardwood floors are often the most expensive option as well, with an average installation price of $4,750. These floors are a durable option for main floor plans and easy to clean.
Carpet
Carpet allows you to create soft, comfortable rooms while limiting noise pollution. Often found in bedrooms, carpet is one of the cheapest options averaging $7.25 per square foot for instillations. Although carpet may require more upkeep, it is a great economical solution and very kid-friendly.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are a popular and affordable option for almost anywhere in the home. Durable, affordable, and easy to install, laminate flooring comes in countless designs and textures to match a natural wood feel. The only disadvantages for laminate floorings are that they are prone to moisture and buckling, requiring a moisture barrier during installation.
Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring
Vinyl or linoleum flooring is multi-dimensional in regard to its durability and many different designs. These synthetic floors efficiently mimic wood, tile, and stone, therefore making it the perfect material to put almost anywhere in a home. This option is also affordable and easy to install.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Natural Stone tiling is a classic look that includes granite, marble, sandstone, limestone, and travertine. Of course these looks are a bit more expensive, however they bring a real solid feel to the bathroom, laundry room, and mud room. These natural stone tiles also may require different care depending on what finish is added to the floor, such as polished marble scratching easier than a granite slate.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic or porcelain tile flooring is a durable and non-porous option that accents bathrooms, kitchens, and entrances beautifully. Due to its water resistance, these floors are easy to maintain and secure for your home. Unlike wood or carpet floorings, tiled floors are able to be repaired without having to redo the entire floor.
Different floors provide different designs to bring into your home. Many homebuyers or home renovators look to preserve as much hard wood as they can due to how expensive it is to replace. Depending on the condition, vinyl and linoleum floors should be replaced in older homes, mainly because newer synthetic floors are much more appealing and affordable as well. The decision is all up to the homeowner, just make sure to educate yourself on these types of floors before purchasing the material!