Discover the best flooring types for your home
Jan/03/2020 645One of the most important decisions you can make when remodeling or improving your home is what type of flooring you will use. Flooring material will impact your interior design. It will also determine how much your flooring will cost to install and maintain. Learn more about flooring materials and the benefits and drawbacks of each type.
Here are the top types of flooring you can choose from when remodeling or building your home.
1. Hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring remains the top type of flooring, because it looks great and delivers a long-term return on your investment. Installing hard wood floors costs between $2,500 and $7,000, making it one of the most expensive flooring options. Maintaining hard wood flooring costs between $1,100 and $2,400 and can be done every three to five years.
2. Laminate Flooring
Laminate has lower pricing, is easy to install, durable and comes in a variety of colors and styles. Unfortunately, laminate is prone to moisture damage and can be difficult to repair. Laminate works well in high-traffic areas, and not in kitchens or bathrooms.
3. Vinyl or Linoleum
Vinyl used to be a cheap alternative, but today synthetic flooring is durable. It also effectively mimics wood, ceramic and stone. Vinyl flooring is versatile and can be used in high-traffic areas. Installation and maintenance of vinyl is easy.
4. Ceramic or Porcelain tile flooring
Ceramic or porcelain tile can be challenging to install. It can also chip and scratch if heavily used. Luckily, you can replace parts of your tile flooring instead of the entire surface if needed. Ceramic tile is also durable, non-porous and beautiful. It’s also waterproof, so it’s a great option for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.
5. Carpet
Many homeowners still prefer carpet, because it’s soft and warm. It’s a great option for bedrooms and helps to reduce noise. Installing carpet can cost between $3.50 and $11 per square foot. This makes it one of the cheapest flooring materials you can install. Carpet can require more maintenance, but stain-resistant options can reduce the need for professional cleanings. To keep your carpet clean, you should get a professional cleaning at least once a year.
6. Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone tile flooring includes granite, marble, travertine and sandstone. Travertine is one of the most durable natural stone options you could choose. You can see scratches and scuffs easier on polished marble floors than on tumbled ones.
