Choosing between different types of flooring involves much more than aesthetics. Different types of flooring have different price points, different lifespans, and may even present different environmental hazards than others.
Before deciding on a type of flooring, consider all the factors this choice will impact. These factors include budget, the lifespan of the flooring, the interior aesthetic, potential environmental hazards, and the improvement of your property value. All types of flooring come with pros and cons in each of these factors, so take time to break it down.
To read more about these pros and cons, check out the information below.
What Are the Different Types of Flooring?
These options are among the most common for residential flooring. However, there are some other, less common options like brick or cork that you can choose from if you want a more specialized look.
- Hardwood
- Stone
- Tile
- Concrete
- Terrazzo
- Carpet
- Laminate
- Linoleum
- Vinyl
Best for the Budget
On the higher end of the price spectrum are rare hardwoods, natural stone, concrete, terrazzo, and mosaic tile. More budget-friendly options include vinyl, linoleum, and laminate. However, as they say, you get what you pay for.
Carpet is somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, as the material is cheap, but the installation is laborious. If trying to choose between hardwood flooring vs tiles, tile can be a more budget-friendly option if there is no intricate design.
Best Lifespan
Lifespan plays a factor in the budget as well. Even though vinyl, laminate, and carpet are inexpensive, their lifespan is much shorter than hardwood, tile, or stone.
Best for the Environment
Engineered flooring like vinyl provide cheaper flooring options for homeowners. However, these savings come at a price. They often require hazardous chemicals to glue them in place. These chemicals are known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and they can evaporate into the air and be inhaled.
Not only is this detrimental to the environment, but it can be detrimental to the health of those in the home. This is especially true for children. Consider saving up for more expensive, natural materials like hardwood or stone.
Best for Property Value
One of the best perks of new flooring is the boost if provides future resale value. Of course, this perk is exclusively for more expensive flooring, like concrete, hardwood, and natural stone.
Additionally, some types of flooring are not ideal for some buyers. For example, families with children may not be keen on hard, slick concrete flooring where children can easily slip and fall.
Making the Decision
Breaking down each of these factors will help you make the best decision between the different types of flooring available. Ultimately, homeowners must make the decision for themselves as these factors vary from person to person. Choosing flooring is a big commitment, so make sure to take your time. For some flooring inspiration, check out the articles on our page.
