wood
Hardwood flooring is a popular option as it is both durable and visually appealing. Oak and cherry create a natural feel in any home. Hardwood floors often come as planks, parquet, or prefinished boards and can be expensive and difficult to install. They are susceptible to moisture damage, so it's best to install them in a part of your home that doesn't get wet frequently from the shower or kitchen sink.
Although they can develop scratches and dents over time and can be expensive to repair, these floors can be renovated every few years and last for decades.
laminate
Laminate flooring is an inexpensive alternative to achieving the look of wood floors. This material consists of wood materials glued together and overlapping engravings that mimic the grain of the wood.
In addition to wood grains, laminate floors come in a variety of colors and styles. It is durable and easier to install than hardwood. While laminate is useful in high-traffic areas, it is susceptible to moisture damage in kitchens and bathrooms where floors are frequently wet.
engineered wood floor
Engineered wood floors are constructed from plywood planks that are overlaid with a real, very thin hardwood veneer. A great option for those who want something in between laminate and hardwood. Because it's overlaid with real hardwood, it closely resembles real hardwood flooring at a fraction of the cost. Unlike hardwood, renovating these floors typically requires surface replacement.
tile
Tile is a popular option for many homeowners, with materials such as porcelain, terracotta, marble, granite, and slate. Glazed porcelain is the most cost effective. It's non-porous and waterproof (great for kitchens and bathrooms), and strong enough for high-traffic areas of your home.
Tiles come in a wide range of textures, shapes, and finishes, allowing homeowners to be creative with their tile choices. Overall, tile floors are durable, but they can be expensive and difficult to install. Chips and scratches can damage tiles and are difficult to repair.
vinyl
Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and is softer underfoot than tile or stone. Vinyl is often used in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens where moisture is an issue. Generally affordable and available in sheets or self-adhesive tiles, vinyl is a great choice for his DIY projects. Vinyl flooring is sold in a variety of widths and thicknesses. Choose thicker vinyl for high-traffic areas.
concrete
Concrete floors are becoming more popular because they are more durable and require less maintenance than other common floor types. Gray concrete can be stamped or stained like other expensive materials such as marble, granite, stone, and brick.
carpet
Carpet is a common flooring type in cold climates, especially in bedrooms. Carpets are cost-effective and are soft and warm underfoot. Carpets come in a variety of colors and styles, and some are stain resistant, making them suitable for homes with small children and pets. Carpet can be difficult to maintain. It's best to have your carpet professionally cleaned at least once a year.
bamboo
Bamboo is an extremely durable flooring type made from a lightweight woody grass. It can withstand the expansion and contraction that often occurs with hardwood floors in warm, humid climates. Bamboo is resistant to moisture, making it suitable for humid areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
cork
Cork flooring is an environmentally friendly alternative. Lightweight and cushioned, absorbs vibration and sound. Even if a cork floor becomes dented, it will often recover in a short period of time. The natural non-slip surface is perfect for wet areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
linoleum
Linoleum is also an environmentally friendly flooring alternative. Linoleum is made from all-natural materials and is antistatic and resistant to water, dents, and scratches. Linoleum floors are often found in commercial buildings such as hospitals because they are easy to clean, comfortable underfoot, and come in a variety of colors.
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