When moving into a new house, many modify the space according to their preferences. This often includes changing the flooring. Flooring services let people choose from different types of floors, such as hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, stone, and carpet. Since there are endless options, picking the best one can sometimes be overwhelming. With that in mind, we listed the popular types of flooring to help homeowners make an informed decision.

Hardwood flooring
This type of flooring is made from solid milled wood pieces. The choice of wood can vary, but the most common options are cherry, walnut, oak, and maple. The quality and versatility of hardwood flooring make it a lucrative alternative for home buyers. However, it is relatively expensive.

Homeowners must spend more when hiring flooring services to maintain hardwood flooring. These floors demand special cleaning once every 30 days to retain their appeal. In addition, a fresh coat of revitalizer must be applied every three to five years to maintain their shine. The installation costs between $5 and $10 per square foot.

Pros

• Boosts home value
• Easy to refinish
• Several alternatives available
• Durable

Cons

• Costly
• Prone to dents, scratches, and scrapes in high-traffic regions
• Not recommended for basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms
• Vulnerable to moisture damage

Laminate flooring
These floors comprise four synthetic layers infused together through the lamination process. They employ a photo applique to mimic tile or wood flooring. Laminate floors had an artificial look in the past, but with the advent of technology, they now look more realistic. These days, laminate floors have a similar aesthetic quality to ceramic tile or hardwood floors. Flooring services charge between $3 and $7 per square foot for this flooring.

Pros

• Cheaper than wood
• Easy to clean
• Several color and style options
• Scratch-resistant

Cons

• Prone to moisture damage
• Demands routine maintenance
• Chips easily
• Has a hollow sound underfoot

Engineered wood flooring
This flooring looks like real wood. Engineered wood floors comprise a thin hardwood layer and a top-quality plywood substrate. They are as durable as hardwood and last several years with proper care. The installation costs range between $4 and $9 per square foot.

Pros

• Easy to install for DIYers
• Inexpensive
• Has a real hardwood layer on the top
• Several installation methods
• Better resistance to water and moisture than real wood
• Does not warp

Cons

• Emits VOCs
• Tends to sound hollow underfoot
• Variation noted in quality
• Hard to refine more than once

Vinyl flooring
Vinyl flooring was invented in the 1930s and became popular in bathrooms and kitchens by the 1950s. Unlike laminate flooring (which has wood content), vinyl is plastic. It comes in sheet, tile, and plank form. Luxury vinyl tile and plank are the most used varieties. Installation costs between $1.5 and $6 (sometimes more) per square foot.

Pros

• Affordable
• Durable
• Low-maintenance
• Ideal for basements, laundry rooms, bathrooms, and kitchens
• Fade- and water-resistant
• DIY-friendly
• Several options available

Cons

• Bad for the environment
• Hard to repair
• Lower ROI than wood

Tile flooring
This is the best choice for moisture-prone areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Porcelain and ceramic are the most prevalent tile materials. They are durable, water-resistant, and available in several styles and colors. The installation cost for tile flooring depends on the material. For instance, the prices for porcelain tiles are higher than those for glazed ceramic. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $10 for a porcelain tile and $2.5 per square foot for ceramic tiles.

Pros

• Lasts long
• Waterproof

Cons

• Hard to install
• Costly
• Demands preparation before installation
• Installation is tricky
• Slippery and cold

Stone flooring
Natural stones like travertine, marble, granite, and sandstone are great for outdoor and indoor spaces. Like porcelain and ceramic, stone is waterproof and durable. The stone’s finish determines the degree of care necessary for maintenance. Its quality and natural beauty make it a top contender among different flooring types. Installing stone floors costs between $5 to $10 per square foot.

Pros

• Elegant and beautiful
• Lasts long
• Waterproof

Cons

• Installation is challenging and demands immense preparation
• Expensive
• Slippery and cold
• Maintenance is tricky

Carpet flooring
This is a top selection for homeowners, primarily in bedrooms. One can carpet floors in several textures, materials, and colors. Modern carpets are stain-resistant and also cost-effective. The installation price varies depending on the carpet’s padding thickness and material but usually ranges between $2.5 and $10 per square foot.

Pros

• Warm and soft on the feet
• Stain-resistant varieties available
• Visually warms the space
• Ideal for soundproofing
• Multiple designs, materials, and colors are available

Cons

• Shows wear pattern
• Tend to stain
• Not ideal for people with allergies
• Tricky to clean

Before choosing a floor type, homeowners must contact multiple flooring services and get quotes. One must also consult an expert to understand the type best for their house.