If you’ve started shopping for new flooring, then you know there are plenty of options available. From carpet to hardwood, vinyl to premium tile, you can get creative, even on a budget. This guide to different types of flooring materials will help you find the best options for your living spaces.
Hardwood Types of Flooring Materials
Hardwood is a timeless option that is always popular. Wood floors are beautiful, durable, and can stand the test of time when properly maintained.
Pros of hardwood flooring include:
- Increases property value
- Wide range of colors and types to choose from
- Proper maintenance and resurfacing can make it last decades
- Ideal for shared living spaces because it’s easy to clean
Some of the downsides of hardwood floors:
- Hardwood flooring is expensive
- Prone to scrapes and scratches that will require resurfacing and refinishing
- Susceptible to moisture damage
Hardwood floors can be more difficult to install than some other types of flooring. Hiring a professional for the job is a good idea.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is another popular material with a variety of options. You can find unique prints or styles that mimic wood, tile, and stone. This is a cheaper material if budget is a major concern.
Reasons to choose laminate flooring:
- Cost-efficient, though you can find more expensive laminate options
- Durable
- Wide selection of styles and colors
- Ideal for high traffic areas of a home
Cons of laminate materials:
- Prone to moisture damage, not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms
- Difficult to repair damaged areas
Installing laminate flooring is a simple project for an experienced DIYer.
Carpet
Carpet is a material that has remained popular for decades. While it is not currently as popular as in years past, many homeowners enjoy the comfort of carpeting, especially in bedrooms.
Benefits of carpeting:
- Budget-friendly options available
- Many colors and patterns to choose from
- Provides a soft, warm surface for feet
- Good at absorbing sound
- Stain-resistant options
Downsides of carpet as flooring include:
- Difficult to maintain and clean
- Absorbs stains and odors
- Traps pet hair, dander, and other allergens
- Not recommended for moisture-prone areas like the kitchen or bathrooms
Carpet can be difficult to install. Some people choose to do it themselves, but most prefer to hire a professional.
Vinyl and Linoleum Floors
Vinyl and linoleum flooring materials offer a variety of styles and colors. Because of the ease of installation and low maintenance requirements, these materials are gaining in popularity.
Some pros of vinyl and linoleum include:
- Plenty of affordable options
- Versatile for any room or space, especially good for high traffic areas
- Easy to clean and maintain
Some cons of linoleum and vinyl flooring include:
- Lower return-on-investment than other flooring materials
- Not as appealing as some other options
Laminate and vinyl are easy to install. These flooring upgrades are frequently done by DIYers.
Types of Flooring Materials: Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
Porcelain and ceramic tiles are a stunning option for any space in a home. Even in living spaces, a rug can be added over tiles for an attractive and comfortable layered look.
Benefits of tile flooring include:
- Wide variety of design, color, and style options
- Durable
- Waterproof and nonporous; perfect for bathrooms and kitchens
- Easy to clean
Some cons of ceramic and porcelain tile include:
- Tile is costly
- Can chip and scratch
- Difficult to find replacement tiles
This type of flooring can be extremely difficult to cut and install and it is recommended to hire a professional for this job.
There are many flooring materials available for your home. To better understand which materials are the best options, consider your budget and needs. For the best results installing any type of flooring, hire a professional contractor.
Premier Home & Building Inspections offers inspection services to customers in Eastern Connecticut, Massachusetts, and all of Rhode Island. Contact us to schedule an appointment.