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Which Type of Flooring Is Best for Your Home?

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Whether you're remodeling or it's just time to replace the flooring in your home, you're now facing many unique options. Most of them look good, but are they functional for your space? The room you're adding flooring to, your budget, whether you have kids and pets, the amount of maintenance you're willing to put in and many other factors can and should play a role in your decision. Use this guide to understand the pros and cons of the main types of flooring.

Hardwood

When it comes to flooring, the word "hardwood" is one you hear a lot. It's one of the most coveted types of flooring, and it can really help increase the value of your home. It's beautiful too and easy to clean, but the truth is that it's not for every room or every household. First of all, it can be expensive, and you generally have to hire someone to install it for you, which increases the price. Any type of moisture that isn't wiped up right away can ruin hardwood flooring, so if you have young kids or pets, you may want to think twice about it. You'll also need to refinish it from time to time, especially in high-traffic areas. If you do choose hardwood, keep it in living spaces and hallways. Think twice about putting it in the bathroom, laundry room or kitchen.

Laminate

If you like the idea of a wood floor, but you can't afford the hardwood, consider going for laminate instead. It's much cheaper, and it doesn't scratch or dent as easily as hardwood does. That's a plus if you have dogs, cats and kids running around without any concern for your flooring. Like hardwood, it's pretty easy to clean. Also like hardwood, excess water or moisture can ruin it, and there's no way to refinish it. Avoid putting it in your kitchen, laundry room or bathrooms. Consider using laminate in your living spaces, play rooms, hallways, foyers and other high-traffic areas. When your kids are all grown up, you can replace it with hardwood.

Vinyl and Linoleum

Both vinyl and linoleum are tough and can withstand plenty of rough and tumble, so you may want to consider either of these options for pets, kids and areas where moisture tends to stick around. Though, keep in mind, it does scratch easily, and it can be hard to clean. As a general rule, vinyl is inexpensive compared to other types of flooring, though you can find some high-end options, and you have to pay for installation. Linoleum is versatile when it comes to styles and colors, and it tends to be a bit more expensive than vinyl. Some of the nicer vinyl and linoleum options look like hardwood or tile at first glance, but the truth is that you probably won't fool anyone if you do opt to use it. One more difference to consider is that vinyl is basically plastic, while linoleum is made from natural materials. Consider vinyl or linoleum for your bathroom, kitchen, basement, laundry room and any other room that sees a good bit of moisture on a daily basis.

Tile

Tile is definitely one of the most versatile options. It can be extremely expensive or extremely inexpensive, and it comes in a variety of styles and colors. It also comes in a variety of materials, including marble, slate, granite and porcelain. You can find a tile to match any room, though most people tend to use it in kitchens and bathrooms because it can withstand moisture better than any other type of flooring. Tile is durable and doesn't scratch easily. It's also usually simple to clean and maintain. That said, it can crack if major damage occurs, and the grout can stain and become difficult to clean. Another downside to tile is that it's cold and hard, so walking on it barefoot isn't alway ideal.

Carpet

Carpet can completely change the vibe of a room, making it look and feel softer. Like tile, carpet comes in all shapes, sizes, colors and materials, which means you can also find carpet to complement practically any budget. If you opt to hire someone to install it, the installation process is actually pretty easy, and you can typically find the services at your local hardware store. Carpet feels good on bare feet, and it doesn't make much noise when you walk. It can also hide lumps and bumps in uneven floors. That said, it does have its cons. Carpet stains easily, and you can clean it regularly, but it still tends to hold unseen dirt and dander. This is terrible news for people who have allergies or pets. Carpet may also require more cleaning and maintenance than the other types of flooring.