Best Flooring Buying Guide

On February 16, 2025 By newsroom Topic: Household Needs Buyers Guide

Choosing the right flooring can transform your space and suit your needs. Here's a detailed guide to help you select the best flooring type for your home.

Factors to Consider Before Buying Flooring

Room Function
- High-traffic areas: Durable options like porcelain tile or luxury vinyl.
- Low-traffic areas: Solid wood or laminate for style and comfort.
- Wet areas: Waterproof options like vinyl or tile.

Budget
- Costs range from $2 to $15 per square foot, depending on the material.
- Installation and additional features (underlayment, textures) can increase costs.

Durability
- Consider resistance to wear, scratches, dents, sunlight, and moisture.

Installation Method
- DIY-friendly options include laminate and floating floors.
- Complex installations (e.g., tile or solid wood) are better left to professionals.

Underlayment
- Materials like foam, cork, or rubber can provide moisture protection, soundproofing, and cushioning.

Main Flooring Types: Pros & Cons

1. Solid Wood Flooring

Pros: Natural warmth, durable, and refinished multiple times.
Cons: Expands with humidity; not ideal for basements or wet areas.
Installed Cost: $5–$10/sq. ft.

2. Engineered Wood Flooring

Pros: Resists humidity; cost-effective alternative to solid wood.
Cons: Limited refinishing depending on wear layer thickness.
Installed Cost: $4–$9/sq. ft.

3. Laminate Flooring

Pros: Affordable, mimics wood or stone, and resists scratches and sunlight.
Cons: Pattern repetition can appear fake; not repairable when worn.
Installed Cost: $3–$7/sq. ft.

4. Vinyl Flooring (Traditional & Luxury Vinyl)

Pros: Waterproof, durable, mimics wood or stone, and softer underfoot.
Cons: Looks like vinyl up close; high-end options can be costly.
Installed Cost: $2–$6/sq. ft.

5. Linoleum Flooring

Pros: Natural, resilient, and available in vibrant colors.
Cons: Resistance to wear varies; may show dents and scratches.
Installed Cost: $4–$8/sq. ft.

6. Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Pros: Resistant to wear, moisture, and stains; ideal for wet areas.
Cons: Difficult installation; hard surface can break dropped items.
Installed Cost: $8–$15/sq. ft.

What to Consider When Choosing Flooring

Location - Wet spaces (bathrooms, kitchens): Choose waterproof options like tile or vinyl.
- Basements: Avoid solid wood; consider engineered wood or vinyl.

Foot Traffic
- High-traffic areas: Opt for resilient options like tile or laminate.
- Low-traffic areas: Solid wood or bamboo for a luxurious feel.

Thickness
- Thicker materials are more durable and often easier to install.

Wear Layer
- In vinyl flooring, a thicker wear layer doesn't always guarantee durability—consult reviews.

Style
- Textures and edge styles can affect cleaning and aesthetics.

Money-Saving Tips

Shop Around
- Compare estimates from multiple providers.
- Check overstock and clearance sales for discounts.

DIY Installation
- Floating floors (laminate or vinyl) are ideal for DIY projects.

Do Prep Work
- Remove old flooring and clean the subfloor yourself to save on labor costs.

Buy Extra Material
- Purchase 7–10% more flooring to account for mistakes and repairs.

How to Choose the Best Flooring

Compare Samples: View your top choices in the actual space and lighting.

Measure Accurately: Calculate square footage and add extra for waste.

Certifications: Look for eco-friendly certifications like FloorScore or FSC.

Traffic Patterns: Select durable flooring for entryways and busy areas.

Install Slowly: Let wood or laminate acclimate before installation to avoid buckling.

Popular Flooring Brands

Armstrong: Offers laminate, linoleum, and tile flooring with innovative floating options.
LL Flooring (Lumber Liquidators): Specializes in engineered wood, cork, and bamboo.
Mannington: Known for high-quality vinyl, wood, and tile products.
Pergo: Pioneer of laminate flooring, now offering vinyl and hardwood.
Mohawk: Diverse offerings in wood, laminate, and tile.
Shaw: Renowned for carpets and durable hard-surface options.
Tarkett: Eco-friendly vinyl, laminate, and wood options.

Choose flooring that complements your lifestyle, budget, and style preferences for a home upgrade that lasts!