The floor is the greatest surface area in the home, and the ideal type of flooring for your space is determined by your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Each type has distinct advantages, and selecting which flooring is ideal depends on the needs and location of each area.
Wood, flooring materials, vinyl, tile, and carpet are all popular flooring choices. Learn more about the most prevalent flooring varieties, the best qualities of each material, and the ideal applications for each, as well as total flooring costs.
Hardwood Flooring
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Hardwood flooring is made from a solid piece of milled wood and is made entirely of solid wood. Maple, oak, walnut, and cherry are among popular hardwood species. Its adaptability and high quality make it a popular choice for many house buyers.
However, it is one of the more expensive flooring materials on the market and requires regular upkeep to keep them looking fantastic; such as using a professional hardwood floor cleaning once a month and putting a fresh coat of finish every three to five years. Therefore, The average cost of hardwood flooring installation is $5 to $12 per square foot.
Pros
- Increase home value
- Can refinished multiple times
- Ddurable and Strong
Cons
- Expensive
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Not suitable for bathrooms and basements
Engineered Wood Flooring
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Engineered wood flooring has the look of real wood but is less expensive than solid wood. A layer of hardwood is bonded over a high-quality plywood substrate to create the floor. It is as strong as real hardwood flooring and can last as long if properly cared for.
Engineered wood flooring is a wonderful alternative for DIYers because it saves money on installation fees. The average cost of engineered wood flooring installation is $5 to $10 per square foot.
Pros
- DIY-friendly
- Real hardwood top layer
- Greater resistance than real wood
- Less likely to warp
- Multiple installation methods
Cons
- Can’t be refinished more than once
- Not fade-resistant
- Wide variation in quality
- Can sound hollow underfoot
- Emits VOCs
Laminate Flooring
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Laminate is a low-cost flooring choice for homeowners who prefer an alternative to carpet but do not want to pay the high prices of hardwood or tiles.
The flooring are made up of a particleboard wood base that is overlaid with a wood or tile photo that is protected by a clear plastic covering. This flooring is incredibly easy to install, and it comes in a variety of textures and colors. The average cost of laminate flooring installation is $3 to $7 per square foot.
Pros
- Inexpensive compared to wood
- Easy to clean
- Scratch-resistant
- DIY-friendly
- Many styles and colors are available
Cons
- Susceptible to moisture damage
- Chips easily
- Does not look and feel like wood
- Has a hollow sound underfoot
Vinyl Flooring
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Vinyl flooring is exceptionally water-resistant and will not be damaged even if water is left on the surface for lengthy period of time. However, It is made of plastic and is available in plank and sheet form.
Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile are two types that have recently acquired popularity due to their durability and wide range of styles. The average cost of installation varies depending on the form, ranging from $1.50 (sheet vinyl) to $6 or more.
Pros
- Good for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
- Durable
- Water-resistant
- DIY-friendly
- Easy to maintain
Cons
- More expensive than laminate
- Lower ROI than wood
Tile
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Tile flooring is a common choice for high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. Ceramic is the most used tile materials. However, It is water-resistant, long-lasting, and available in a range of shapes and colors.
The cost of installation varies according to the material; for example, glazed ceramic is less expensive than porcelain tile. Ceramic tile costs about $2.50 per square foot, whereas porcelain tile costs between $3 to $10.
Pros
- It is Waterproof
- Durable and Long-lasting
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to install
- Cold and slippery
Stone Flooring
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Natural stone flooring options for both indoor and outdoor environments include granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone. Stone, like pottery and porcelain; is highly long-lasting and waterproof.
The care required to preserve the floor is determined by the stone’s finish. Stone, on the other hand, provides natural beauty and quality that is unrivaled by most other types of flooring. The average cost per square foot is $5 to $10.
Pros
- Bold, elegant, and Stylish
- Long-lasting and Durable
- It is Waterproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Hard to install
- Cold and slippery
- Difficult to maintain
Linoleum Flooring
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Linoleum is a long-lasting, environmentally friendly flooring material manufactured from linseed oil and cork. Linoleum flooring is inexpensive and simple to install. The flooring is available in a range of colors and styles in sheet form. However, It is resilient (made of elastic materials) and can survive for decades if properly cared for.
Linoleum is becoming increasingly popular as flooring makers introduce new hues and styles. Linoleum flooring installation costs between $4 and $8 per square foot on average.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Eco-friendly
- DIY-friendly
- Requires little maintenance
Cons
- Does not increase home value
- Easily dented or cut
- May darken or turn yellowish when exposed to sunlight
- Not suitable for moisture prone-areas
Carpet
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Carpet is a popular flooring choice among homeowners, particularly in bedrooms. However, It is available in a range of colors, materials, and textures. Carpet technology has advanced throughout time, and current carpets are stain-resistant. It is also the most affordable flooring option on the market.
The cost of carpet installation varies depending on the type of material used and the thickness of the carpet padding. Carpet installation costs between $2.50 to $10 per square foot on average.
Pros
- Soft and warm on feet
- Visually warms up the space
- Multiple colors, materials and designs available
- Great for soundproofing
- Stain-resistant varieties exist
Cons
- Hard to clean
- Can stain
- Shows wear pattern
- Not suitable for allergy sufferers