Whether you’re designing your home for the first time or updating it with remodels, the types of flooring you choose are crucial.
Your floors take up a lot of surface area, so, first and foremost, the flooring has to look great.
But because the flooring in your home takes quite a beating, it has to meet your specific needs in terms of durability as well. Last but not least, you have your budget to take into account.
You have a lot of factors to consider, and a long list of flooring types to choose from.
So how do you pick the perfect type for you?
Well, by answering a few questions about your wants and needs for each room, you can narrow your options down and find the flooring that will work best. Keep reading to learn more!
What is Your Budget?
When choosing the flooring for your home, one of the largest factors in your decision will be your budget.
You need to consider both the cost of materials and the square footage you want to cover.
Because, for example, you might have your heart set on some gorgeous Spanish tile for your bathroom, but installing the same flooring in your kitchen would be well outside your budget.
If you’re working with a tight budget, there are a few great options that can be installed for $2.00 or less per square foot.
Certain types of laminate floors, vinyl, and ceramic and porcelain tiles all fit within this price range.
Those who are able to spend a little more (between $2-5.00 per square foot) will have more options available to them.
Most types of flooring fall within this range.
Domestic hardwood floors and engineered wood flooring, for instance, can be found for as little as $3.00 per square foot. Higher quality laminates and luxury vinyl fall within this price range as well.
If you’re looking for top-shelf flooring, you can expect your flooring cost to be $5.00 or more per square foot.
You’ll have the option to explore imported hardwoods, luxury engineered wood, and premium laminate and vinyl flooring.
Where Will Your Floors Be Installed?
Another major deciding factor in your flooring options will be the area in which you’re going to install them.
If your flooring will be installed in a basement, screened-in porch, or another high-moisture area, you’ll need to choose a type of floor that can withstand this environment.
Your options are somewhat limited if this is the case.
The main types of flooring suited for a high-moisture environment are concrete, vinyl tile, and ceramic or porcelain tile.
The new Mohawk Solidtech waterproof vinyl, for example, is attractive and impervious to moisture damage.
The lack of choices might be slightly discouraging, but choosing something other than waterproof flooring can have devastating results.
Your floors won’t hold up against the moisture and you run the risk of mold growth inside your home.
Do You Have Pets or Small Children?
Nothing is rougher on floors than pets and children.
From mud to juice spills to extreme wear and tear from running and playing, your floors need to have superior wear resistance.
Hardwood floors might seem like the best option here, but solid hardwood is actually quite delicate and you’ll end up with scratched, damaged floors quicker than you think.
Instead, take a look at ceramic and porcelain tiles, plank vinyl flooring that mimics hardwood, or laminate.
If you’re looking for softer flooring suitable for small children, carpet is a fantastic option. Believe it or not, certain types of carpeting are both comfortable to sit and walk on and highly durable.
Who Will Install Your Flooring?
Both building and remodeling a house are expensive endeavors, and you’re no doubt looking for ways to save money along the way.
Tackling some of the projects yourself is an excellent way to do so, but you have to be careful not to get in over your head.
Installing your floors yourself can cut your costs in half if you know what you’re doing.
Keep in mind that certain types of flooring are simple to install, while others should be handled by professionals only.
If you’re planning to handle flooring installation yourself, laminate and plank vinyl flooring are the easiest options.
You won’t have to worry about grout, glue, or staples. Simply snap the pieces together in the right pattern and you’re done.
Tile installation is a bit more work, but still possible, even for a novice DIYer. Start in an inconspicuous area until you get comfortable with the technique, then move on to the main rooms of your home.
Those who want to install carpet, solid hardwood, or engineered wood flooring should seriously consider hiring a professional.
Carpet installation is much tougher than it looks, and trying to install hardwood options that require being nailed down yourself can produce mixed results.
How Much Work Are You Willing to Do?
The work your flooring requires doesn’t end when installation is finished.
The type of flooring you install will determine whether you just have to vacuum and mop now and then or perform additional maintenance.
Vinyl flooring requires the least maintenance, followed closely by laminate floors.
The only thing you have to worry about with these options is water damage. Stick to a damp mop or mopping system rather than a wet mop for cleaning.
Solid hardwood is on the opposite end of the spectrum. As beautiful as it is, it requires a great deal of maintenance.
You’ll need to use wood floor cleaner once a month in addition to regular cleaning, and refinish the floors every 3-5 years.
Choose the Perfect Types of Flooring for You With This Guide
The types of flooring you install in each room can alter the look and feel of your home entirely.
Not to mention, choosing the wrong one can result in a major headache down the line if it’s unable to meet the demands of your family’s day-to-day life.
Using this guide, you can choose a type of flooring that not only accentuates the design of your home but stands the test of time.
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