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Choosing the right flooring for your home can be a challenging task as you have so many options available nowadays.
Different flooring materials and styles can drastically change the look and feel of your rooms.
From hardwood to tile, laminate to vinyl, the decision involves weighing factors like durability, cost, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Here are the key considerations to help you choose the best flooring for your home.
Cost
Cost is an important decision factor when choosing flooring.
Hardwood and natural stone floors like marble and granite are the most expensive options costing $5 to $10 per square foot and up.
Laminate and vinyl floors cost $2 to $5 per square foot and are more affordable options. Ceramic tile is moderately priced at around $3 to $8 per square foot.
Consider your budget and the size of the area you need to floor to determine what types of flooring are feasible for you.
Durability
Durability depends both on the flooring material and the traffic level in the room.
For high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways, go with the most durable options.
Hardwood floors can last 30 to 50 years with proper care but are more prone to scratches and dents. Ceramic and porcelain tile and natural stone are the most durable for rooms with heavy use.
Laminate and vinyl floors have gotten more durable over the years but still don’t match the longevity of tile and hardwood.
Maintenance
Some flooring requires more upkeep and care than others. Hardwood floors need occasional coatings of wax or sealant.
Tile and grout must be periodically cleaned and re-sealed. Vinyl floors are the lowest maintenance option needing just occasional mopping.
Laminate floors provide a hardwood look with less effort – only vacuuming and occasional cleaning. Consider how much maintenance you want to invest when choosing flooring.
Aesthetic Appeal
Aesthetic appeal is an important factor for many homeowners. Laminate and vinyl floors offer the greatest variety of styles and colors to match any decor.
If you want to go for hardwood flooring installation, it also comes in many different species and stains providing natural beauty.
Tile comes in tons of patterns, colors, and textures for a unique customized look.
Stone floors like marble and travertine add elegance and sophistication.
Consider what aesthetic you are going for, then find flooring options that enhance that style.
Warmth And Comfort
Flooring drastically impacts the feel of a room.
Hardwood, laminate, and vinyl floors tend to be cooler underfoot and do not retain heat as well as tile and stone.
Ceramic and porcelain tile as well as stone floors absorb heat and feel warmer.
Choose flooring materials according to how warm and comfortable you want your rooms to be.
Noise Levels
Flooring impacts the amount of sound that travels from room to room.
Hard and dense materials like tile, stone, and wood absorb sound better and lower noise levels. Vinyl and laminate floors tend to resonate more so can be noisier.
For bedrooms and home offices that need a quieter environment, choose hard surface flooring instead of resilient vinyl or laminate.
Indoor Air Quality
Some flooring materials release more harmful gases and chemicals after installation than others.
Hardwood floors that use formaldehyde-based glues can off-gas for a time.
Vinyl floors contain PVC and phthalates that can emit volatile organic compounds.
Ceramic tile and natural stone have no known negative effects on indoor air quality.
Choose flooring made from natural materials or with low-VOC and no-VOC finishes for the healthiest option.
