Last Updated on March 5, 2023 by
Are you among the 15% of US homeowners who intend to install new flooring before the year winds down?
A new floor adds enormous comfort and appeal to any home. It can also increase your chances of a quick sale if you’re considering moving on to greener pastures.
Yet, it’s with so many excellent choices available, it’s difficult to know how to choose flooring that’s both attractive and hard-wearing enough to maintain its appeal in the long run.
Keep reading to discover the types of flooring homeowners are choosing today, and why.
Table of Contents
Hard-wearing Hardwood
Hardwood floors are a favorite, popularized by reality DIY and house-flipping shows. They comprise solid hardwood planks made from
These highly attractive floors can last for many decades, and you can refinish them many times over during their lifespan.
You’ll need a team of experts to install these floors, and they need ongoing maintenance to stay at their best.
These floors are an expensive choice though, so unless you have a huge budget and time to install and maintain these floors, you should consider more affordable options.
Engineered Hardwood
Instead of thick planks, engineered hardwood floors comprise a thin layer of hardwood topped by a protective layer. This makes them easier to install and maintain than the real thing.
Engineered hardwood offers some water resistance and comfort underfoot, and you can refinish it once or twice before it runs its course.
Vinyl Types of Flooring
Modern technology offers a wide range of more affordable, durable, low maintenance vinyl home flooring choices. These vinyl flooring options include sheets, planks, and tile designs.
They’re made to imitate most other types of flooring materials at a more affordable cost. You can get vinyl flooring that looks like hardwood, marble, and tile.
It’s easy to clean and care for vinyl flooring, and it’s water-resistant, making it a good choice for bathrooms and kitchens. If you sweep and mop your vinyl floors regularly, they can last for up to 25 years.
Vinyl flooring comprises a PVC base topped with layers of cushioning and protective materials that make it comfortable underfoot and resistant to spills, scratches, and scrapes.
The laser printed design layer accurately mimics any pattern you desire, and you can choose vinyl flooring across a wide range of price points.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one of the most popular DIY flooring options thanks to its simple click-lock design. It shares many characteristics with vinyl flooring but the plywood base offers less durability and comfort.
This type of flooring is a popular alternative to hardwood flooring, for those who want a good-looking floor at a fraction of the price.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring offers supreme durability and low maintenance, but it comes at an exceedingly high price. This attractive type of flooring is hard and cold underfoot, so it’s not a good fit for cold climates, either.
You can use stone flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, but its cold, hard surface isn’t a good match for living areas and bedrooms.
Concrete Residential Flooring
Although concrete flooring is most often associated with industrial or commercial settings, it’s an attractive option for homes too. These floors offer supreme durability, and you can stain in a range of colors to suit your style.
Polished concrete looks gorgeous in any home with its high gloss sheen. It’s highly resistant to stains and impacts too, ensuring your floor looks as good as new for many years.
Concrete flooring consists of a layer of concrete poured and smoothed onsite. The installer then polishes it to a smooth, sleek finish and tops it off with a durable protective layer.
Concrete floors are slip-resistant but can seem cold and hard underfoot.
You can refinish these floors numerous times, and they’ll last for 20 years or more with very little maintenance. This type of flooring suits modern or industrial-style homes with a sophisticated look.
Classic Carpet
Carpet remains one of the best-selling flooring options across the country. It’s a top choice for bedrooms and other areas where comfort is key.
Like most floors, carpet prices vary widely according to the brand and quality levels you choose, so it’s easy to find a design that suits your budget.
You can buy carpet tiles or sheets according to your preference. It’s best to hire a professional carpet fitter if you want wall-to-wall carpets, but you can install carpet tiles yourself.
You’ll need expert help to install carpet if you want it to last as long as possible, and it’s a high-maintenance choice that attracts a lot of dirt. If you have pets, you’ll spend a lot of time cleaning your carpet, and it can wear out quickly in high traffic areas.
Traditional Tile
Another stalwart of the flooring industry, tile is easy to maintain, waterproof, and hard-wearing. It can get slippery, though, so it’s unsuited for elderly folk and children.
You can install tile flooring yourself, but it’s best to hire an installer if you want a professional finish. Tile is a popular option for kitchens since it’s impervious to spills and easy to clean.
Upgrading In Style
Now that you have some clarity on the types of flooring available right now, it’s easy to choose one for every room in your house.
There’s no reason to install the same floors throughout our home. Rather, take time considering the best option for each room in line with your style and budget.
Are you keen to revamp your lifestyle even more? Browse our blog for more information on a wide range of general topics including the latest news and all the best tips.
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