Whether you recently became a homeowner or you’ve been one for a while, choosing new flooring for your home is always an option. BUT, if you do decide it’s time for a change, you’ll want to choose the right material to fit your needs.

Factors like the purpose of the room itself (bedroom, living room, bathroom, etc.) or if you have pets, kids or elderly residents can dictate what material is best. So, let’s dive into the types of flooring out there and some things you might want to consider.

Flooring options and their potential pros and cons

Hardwood

Pros: Hardwood offers timeless appeal and durability. If they get scratched, they can be resanded and refinished multiple times. They also have a long lifespan and can add value to your home.

Cons: Hardwood floors do tend to require regular maintenance and can warp if they get wet. Since they can be more prone to scratches, they may need to be refinished regularly.

Tile

Pros: Tile is extremely durable, so much so that it may even outlast your home. Plus, it’s easy to clean. You can also choose from a wide variety of styles, sizes and colors, even some that resemble wood flooring.

Cons: The tiles themselves may be easy to clean, but grout can sometimes be more challenging. This material can also be hard to stand on for long periods of time, so long hours on your feet might be uncomfortable.

Laminate

Pros: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, laminate flooring might be the right choice for you. It can even be installed over your existing floors. Plus, it can resemble hardwood flooring, so you can have that timeless look at a better price.

Cons: Although it may look like hardwood, it’s not quite as durable. You can't refinish laminate, so if it’s damaged by water, you will likely have to replace it instead.

Carpet

Pros: Carpet is a great option if you want more warmth and comfort when walking on your floors. It’s also usually budget-friendly and can even be noise-absorbing.

Cons: Because carpet is easily stained by spills and can wear out more quickly than other flooring, it requires regular cleaning. It may also not be a great choice if you have allergies.

Engineered Hardwood

Pros: Engineered hardwood is less expensive compared to regular hardwood flooring. It also comes prefinished, making it easier to install. Plus, if you want heated floors, they work well with that and are less susceptible to water damage.

Cons: Unlike regular hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood can only be refinished a few times, so it might have to be replaced more often.
 

 

Other factors to consider

• Climate Considerations: If you live in a tropical state like Florida or a snow-friendly state like New York, consider your climate when choosing your flooring. Tile flooring is usually more popular in warmer climates, whereas carpet is usually preferred in colder climates.
• Comfort and Safety: Consider how much time you spend in certain areas of your home. If you tend to spend 75% of your time in the kitchen or living room, you might want to make sure the flooring is comfortable to stand on for long periods of time. Plus, if you have young kids or even elderly residents, it might be important to pick a slip-resistant option.
• Longevity and Maintenance: Take some time to consider your thoughts on having to replace or repair your flooring. If you’re good with repairs then laminate or carpet might do the trick. But, if you want repairs off the table tile or hardwood (with proper care) might be a better choice.
• Room-Specific Flooring Choices: Just because you choose a certain flooring for your kitchen doesn’t mean it has to be the same for your bathroom! Don’t be afraid to pick different flooring to fit the purpose of each room. For example, choosing moisture-resistant flooring might be best for your kitchen and bathrooms, while hardwood might be great for your bedroom!
• Design and Aesthetics: Also, make sure the flooring you choose is something you’ll want to look at every day. Try finding options that compliment your home’s style. Play around with color, texture and patterns to see which you like best for each room.
• Budget and Cost Estimation: Of course, it’s always good to make sure the flooring you’re choosing is within your budget. We suggest laying out your budget BEFORE going shopping so you know what you can afford ahead of time. Take some time to research the different flooring costs and don’t forget to factor in the installation cost!
• Installation Process and DIY vs. Professional Installation: Once you actually pick your flooring, you’ll need to decide if you want to hire a professional to install it or roll up your own sleeves to tackle it. Whichever way you choose, make sure to do your research on either how to install your specific flooring or who the best people to hire are.

Ready to tackle your flooring?

Sometimes, your flooring just needs a little refresh. So, when you decide it’s that time, make sure you do your research before you jump in and replace them. Picking out the right material, style and budget for your new flooring ahead of time can help the process be a little less stressful.