Floor Types and Their Pros and Cons

When it comes to your home, flooring is an essential part of your interior design and can completely transform the look of your space. Choosing the type of floor that’s right for your home depends on several factors including your budget, style, and function. There are a variety of floor types to choose from that depend on your vision for your dream home. Here are the different types of flooring, along with their pros and cons to help you make your decision.

A Few Things To Keep In Mind

Before jumping in and choosing your flooring, here are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to consider each of these as you go through the flooring types below.

Budget

Probably the first thing on most homeowners’ minds is “how much is this going to cost me”. Flooring types can range from cheap to expensive and everywhere in between. Make sure to come to the table with an idea of what you want to spend on this project. 

Location

Location is another important factor as some floor types don’t do well in certain places. Things like carpet in the bathroom just feel wrong and can end up leading to problems like mold. Keep the wear and tear in mind when purchasing your flooring as well as the likelihood of exposure to sunlight and moisture; both of which can ruin certain floor types.  

Your Home’s Style

Another consideration is your home’s style. While flooring is often meant to refresh a room you also want to make sure it flows with the rest of your home. Putting a hip, modern flooring into a rustic cabin is likely to clash and not look right. 

Your Goals

Lastly, consider your goals. Are you looking to refresh a room, build resale value, or something else? Your flooring should be chosen to help achieve those goals. 

You should also keep in mind the general value of your home and the features of those in your area. If you’re in an expensive home then many future buyers will likely expect more premium flooring like hardwood. While I can understand building the house you want to live in, you should also keep in mind future resale value. 

1. Hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is one of the most popular floor types that people choose when renovating and upgrading their homes. It provides a sleek look and is known for being durable and long-lasting if taken care of properly. 

While it is one of the more popular choices, it’s also one of the more expensive options and does require regular maintenance to keep in good shape. You will need to clean it with a hardwood floor cleaner once a month and apply a coat of finish every 3 to 5 years to keep it looking fresh. The average cost is between $5 to $10 per square foot.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting
• Increases the value of your home
• Variety of colors and wood types to choose from

Cons

• Requires regular upkeep and maintenance
• Expensive
• Susceptible to scratches and moisture damage
• Cannot be used in laundry rooms, bathrooms, and basements

2. Laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is a great option for those who don’t want carpet flooring, but are looking for something more budget-friendly than hardwood. Laminate is made of a particle board wood base that’s topped with wood or tile photo beneath a clear, plastic protective layer. Laminate flooring comes in a variety of colors. The average cost of laminate flooring is $3 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

• Available in many designs and colors
• Scratch-resistant
• Can be DIY’ed

Cons

• Cannot be freshened up with sanding
• Susceptible to moisture damage and chipping
• Doesn’t resemble wood

3. Tile flooring

If you’re looking for flooring that can be used in areas that are more prone to moisture like the bathroom and laundry room, tile flooring is a perfect choice. Most tile flooring is either porcelain or ceramic, is durable, and is also water-resistant which means it works well in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. There are a variety of types of tile flooring including ceramic, glazed ceramic, porcelain, and more. The cost ranges from $2.50 per square foot for ceramic, and between $3 to $10 for porcelain tile.

Pros

• Durable and long-lasting
• Water-resistant
• Available in a variety of styles and colors

Cons

• Difficult to install
• Expensive
• Does not retain heat

4. Vinyl flooring

Vinyl floors are another perfect option for moisture-prone areas like the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. It’s water-resistant and extremely durable, so you won’t have to worry about water damage with this flooring type. There are two popular kinds of vinyl flooring: luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile. The average price is $1.50 up to $6 or more per square foot.

Pros

• Water and fade-resistant
• Extremely durable
• DIY-friendly
• Dampens sound well
• Available in many unique designs and colors
• Low-maintenance

Cons

• More expensive option
• Can be difficult to install

5. Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is a sustainable type of flooring that is affordable and a great budget-friendly option. It’s durable and can last for many years if cared for and maintained properly. It comes in many different modern colors and styles, with the average price ranging from 4$ to $8 per square foot.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• DIY-friendly
• Low-maintenance
• Available in a variety of colors
• A sustainable and eco-friendly choice

Cons

• Prone to cutting, scratching, and denting
• Can turn yellow or darken over time from sun exposure
• Prone to water damage
• Will not increase the value of your home

6. Stone flooring

If you prefer a more natural look, stone flooring may be the best choice. Many people choose to use stone flooring in their backyards, but it can also be used to elevate the interior of your home as well. Stone flooring is elegant, durable, and brings an element of natural stone into your home. 

There is a variety of natural stones you can use for your flooring including sandstone, marble, travertine, and granite. It’s waterproof, durable, and beautiful when installed correctly by a professional. It typically costs anywhere from $5 to $10 per square foot and is on the more expensive end when it comes to flooring types.

One common use for stone flooring is to act as an accent for a small part of the home. Many will use stone at the entryway, then transition to another flooring type. This adds visual interest when done correctly, and also provides flooring that can handle moisture brought in from outdoors. 

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Durable and long-lasting
• Sophisticated, elegant, and natural

Cons

• Can be expensive
• Difficult to install (should be done by a professional)
• High maintenance
• Preparation is required before installing

7. Carpet flooring

Carpet flooring is by far the most popular flooring option that many choose to have in their bedrooms, living rooms, and guest rooms. Carpet comes in many different colors, materials, textures, and patterns – giving homeowners plenty of options to choose from. 

One thing many worry about before getting carpet flooring is their susceptibility to staining but fortunately,  over the years, carpets have developed and are much more stain-resistant than they once were. While installation varies depending on the thickness and material used, carpet flooring is the most budget-friendly option on the market. It typically costs anywhere from $2.50 to $10 per square foot.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Soft, warm, and comfortable
• Retains heat and works as great soundproofing
• Stain-resistant options are available 

Cons

• Not suitable for those with allergies
• Can collect dust
• Difficult to clean
• Can stain depending on type

There are many factors that come with choosing the type of flooring that’s ideal for you and your home. While it may be tempting to choose the flooring that you like the look of best, you’ll also want to consider other important factors including your lifestyle, budget, durability, and room type before making a final decision. Make sure to discuss your flooring type with a professional who can walk you through the installation process to ensure you get the best results possible for your home.