When it comes to flooring, there are many options. It can get overwhelming along with all the other decisions to make when remodeling or building a new home.
The most important thing is to be informed. The more you know about each type of flooring option, the easier it will be to make a decision when the time comes to select your flooring.
And it’s important to choose your flooring wisely.
Each room in your house has its own purpose, therefore also has its own needs. You’d be more inclined to put tile in a bathroom than carpet, right? It’s crucial to select a flooring option that will make sense for the room it’ll be in.
You also want your flooring to go well with the aesthetic of your home. Your flooring options throughout the house should flow well. And, floors aren’t necessarily a “quick-fix.” You want to be sure to select something you know you’ll be happy with long-term.
Here is a buying-guide when it comes to flooring:
- Hardwoods
Hardwood flooring looks beautiful in any home. Due to its natural beauty and durability, it has a great resale value. It provides continuity between the rooms of your home. You’ll pay around $3-$10 per square food, depending on the type of wood. Some exotic kinds of wood will be a higher price per square foot. One of the many pros of hardwood floors is that they are able to be refinished several times during the lifespan of the flooring.
- Tile
This type of flooring is made from a mixture of clay and shale, which is then baked. It’s easy to let your personality and taste shine using tile flooring. With tile, you can make your own patterns with the many choices available. There are four basic types of tile: glazed ceramic, porcelain, terra-cotta and quarry. When it comes to the cost of tile, there’s a wide variety: $1-$100 per square foot. It really depends on the type of tile chosen and the amount needed to fulfill your desired outcome. For example, a kitchen would require a stronger tile due to its high traffic.
- Laminate
Laminate is a popular, low-maintenance flooring option. There are many colors and patterns to choose from. Depending on the type, you’ll pay about $1-$7 per square foot. This is known as a floating floor system, meaning it can be installed without using nails or glue. Many people compare laminate flooring to hardwood because of the resemblance. However, laminate uses a photograph of real wood (or stone, ceramic, etc.) with a hard, plastic coating over it to give it a hardwood look. It’s very stable and a great flooring option.
- Linoleum
Linoleum is made from renewable, biodegradable materials making it the most environmentally-friendly choice. It has rich, vibrant color options and requires a glue-down installation. Linoleum costs about $2-$5 per square foot. Without a protective coating, it should be refinished every two years. One great quality about linoleum is that it improves your air quality by not trapping bacteria or dust. It is also mildew-resistant!
- Vinyl
Vinyl is very resilient and has a modest cost, about $1 per square foot. The wide variety of styles and colors are available in tiles or sheets. It is very flexible and maintenance-free. It is more vulnerable to scratches, stains and tears, therefore, it is wise to purchase a wear-layer, which should prevent those things.
- Stone
If you’re looking for a luxurious flooring option, stone is a great choice. Costing anywhere from $2 to $200 per square foot, stone flooring stands out in any room. There are many different types of stone: granite, marble, slate, limestone, etc. If you’re selecting stone flooring for a bathroom or kitchen, make sure that it is a skid-resistant, more textured surface. This will prevent the stone from being slippery. Harder stones can be sealed every 4-5 years, while softer stone flooring needs to be finished every couple years.
- Carpet
Carpet is the most versatile option when it comes to choosing your flooring. There are more colors and textures available for carpet than any other type of flooring. An important fact to know is that the more fibers per inch that a carpet has, the more durable it will be. Therefore, the type of carpet you choose really depends on the purpose of the room it will be going in. You can pay anywhere from $2 to $12 per square foot for carpet flooring, depending on the type (wool, nylon, polyester, acrylic, etc.) If you choose to add carpet pads, you will prolong the life of your carpet.
Whether you are on the flooring hunt now, or you will be in the future, I hope you found this blog post both informative and helpful. If you have any flooring questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below, email or call (225-751-8898).
Andy Harrison says
Of the types you listed here, I would probably have to go with tile. I would of chose the laminate but to me, tile looks a bit better. Also, it’s pretty easy to clean and is practically maintenance free.
Jay Jorgenson says
I really like what was said about hardwood flooring! I grew up with hardwood floors in almost every home that I lived in, and they were always super durable. I remember one time I dropped a solid metal chair on them and it barely even left a dent. It was amazing!