What Are the Greatest Types of Flooring for Your House?
Stop what you’re doing and look down. Yes, look at your floor.
You might usually overlook the floor beneath your feet, but it makes a big impact, both aesthetically and in how it feels in your home. The wrong flooring can lower the value of your house, feel uncomfortable (or even be dangerous, if you have children or pets) to walk on, and can require a lot of time to maintain and repair if broken.
If you’re building or renovating your home, it’s essential to choose only the best flooring options.
Get inspired with these types of flooring, based on your unique needs.
For more information about polished concrete visit Policrete.
Table of Contents
For Durability and Timelessness: Hardwood
Of all the flooring materials, hardwood is often considered the most desirable.
When selling a home, a home with hardwood flooring can rake in up to 10% more than an identical home with different flooring. That’s because homeowners love the durability, timelessness, and high quality of hardwood.
But even though your return on investment may be higher, hardwood can be expensive to install. Other options like engineered wood can give the same look at a fraction of the price.
For Comfort: Carpet
Most people either love or hate carpet. It can be difficult to keep clean and can contain dust and allergens. But for warmth and comfort, it’s still the best option available.
And carpet can come in a variety of materials including nylon, polyester, acrylic, and even wool. Thick carpet can be highly durable, offering you and your family warmth and softness for years.
For the coziest flooring, try adding carpet to your bedroom, living room, and other comfy spaces in your home.
For Easy Repair: Tile
Tile is extremely practical in humid areas like bathrooms and high-traffic rooms like kitchens. And if you damage it, it’s easy to repair, only requiring repair or replacement of one tile at a time.
When other flooring materials get damaged, it can call for a renewal of the entire floor.
If you’re looking for one of the easiest flooring types to keep looking new, opt for tile. Try ceramic, porcelain, terra-cotta, or even wood-type tiles for a range of options and styles.
For Versatility: Laminate
Laminate flooring is extremely versatile, mimicking other flooring types like hardwood and stone. But unlike those materials, laminate is cheap, making it a popular choice for many homeowners.
While laminate isn’t the most durable of flooring options (though it is virtually stain proof), it’s still a go-to, particularly in kitchens, and can often be installed without a professional.
For Saving Money: Linoleum
Linoleum, made of cork powder and linoleum oil, is one of the most popular types of flooring.
For a no-fuss flooring material, linoleum is a great pick. It’s cheap, easy to install (even on your own), and lasts a long time, without intensive maintenance or cleaning.
At worst, your linoleum may suffer some dents or discoloration over time. But for the price, it’s a cost-effective material for those renovating on a budget.
For Soundproofing: Cork
Cork isn’t a common choice in homes, but if you want peace and quiet, it should be on your list.
Cork is relatively cheap and adds an earthy coziness to living spaces. It’s soft, absorbs sound, and adds warmth to a room.
If you want to minimize noise and echoes in your home, try cork. It’s perfect for bedrooms and play areas in particular, as long as you regularly keep it clean. You may also need to reseal the cork every few years to protect it against moisture and stains.
For Eco-Friendliness: Bamboo
Bamboo is similar to hardwood floor, but there are some benefits that set it apart.
First, bamboo comes from bamboo plants which are easy to grow and require no water or harsh chemicals to thrive in nature. Harvesting bamboo for flooring is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwood.
And as a bonus, bamboo is usually cheaper than most hardwood flooring too.
While bamboo is naturally light in color, it can be treated to look darker, depending on your personal preference. For the look of hardwood without hurting the environment, bamboo is your best bet.
For Trendiness: Concrete
Concrete may seem like a cold option for your home’s interior, both literally and aesthetically. But concrete has become a favorite among designers and architects in recent years, adding a cool industrial edge to a home.
If you want your space to look modern, try concrete. It’s a durable and easy-to-maintain option for home flooring.
And for extra strength and sleekness, opt for polished concrete, which is sealed with a polish finish on top.
For Outdoor Use: Stone
Stone flooring usually pieces large, asymmetrical slabs of stone together with grout to create a natural flooring option perfect for the outdoors. If you’re in need of flooring for your patio, deck, backyard walkway, or other outdoor living or entertainment space, stone is a durable and stylish choice.
If you find yourself falling deep in love with stone, you can also get creative with using it indoors too. Because stone is so classic, it can work well in kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms, lasting years without looking aged or outdated.
Choosing the Right Types of Flooring for Your Home
There are several different types of flooring, from the natural to the engineered, and each can transform and upgrade your space.
Consider your personal style, budget, and how much you can commit to maintaining the quality of your flooring. Then, choose the best options for you from this handy list.
Looking for more ideas to renovate and update your home? Check out our other home improvement articles for endless inspiration!