How to Compare Flooring Options

The careful process in picking flooring options for you home can be challenging and confusing. This guide helps you make sure you decide on the right flooring options by looking at the features and tips of seven different flooring types.

Tile

Pros: Durable surface that is hygienic and easy to clean. Tile is sturdy and extremely low maintenance. There are a wide variety of colors and patterns. Easy to upgrade and replace if a section breaks. Cost is on the cheaper end of flooring range.

Tips: Use area rugs to help keep the area more insulated and comfortable.

Carpet

Pros: Comes in many patterns, colors, and styles. Carpet creates a comfortable environment and acts as insulation to retain warmth.

Tips: Since carpet can be tricky to maintain, vacuuming frequently helps keep dust and dirt from staining the material. Placing mats and rugs at entrances to rooms helps to keep dragged dirt into the home.

Hardwood

Pros: Extremely durable and can be refinished many times over their lifetime. Hardwood is extremely easy to clean, strong, and wear resistant. Hardwood in a home gives a very welcoming and homey feel.

Tips: When spills occur, be sure to clean immediately to avoid any damage to the finish. To avoid scuffs or scratches on hardwood, use furniture sliders and carefully move furniture.

Bamboo

Pros: Eco-friendly and hypoallergenic. It is extremely durable and easy to clean. There are a wide variety of styles and color options.

Tips: Don’t apply bamboo flooring in areas where spills, seepage and flooring can occur frequently, like in the bathroom. Bamboo can be susceptible to water damage, so wipe up spills as soon as possible. Sunlight may cause fading on bamboo over time. To avoid this, occasional shifting and relocation of furniture helps to even out fading.

Cork

Pros: Highly sustainable and environmentally friendly. Cork is a long-term renewable resource.

Tips: Wipe spills away immediately and sweep or vacuum your cork floors regularly.

Vinyl

Pros: Extremely inexpensive. Durable and flexible, easy to clean and water resistant.

Tips: Since the soft quality of vinyl means sharp objects can damage it, carefully move furniture and use furniture sliders.

Laminate

Pros: Durable and easy to clean. Laminate mimics wood and has a wide variety of colors and styles.

Tips: Water can seep in between the laminate boards and cause swelling, damaging the laminate. So avoid using a ton of water or liquid to clean the floors. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid further damage.