Flooring can make a huge impact on the look of any room and is an important investment. From resale value to cost and practicalities, there are many different types of flooring to consider.
Wood floors are a popular choice as they offer natural beauty and warmth. They also work well with underfloor heating. Whether solid or engineered, this type of floor is durable and easy to maintain.
Laminate
One of the most popular flooring types, laminate is prized for its resistance to common types of damage like stains, scratches and moisture. Spills, dirt, pet fur and dust easily wipe up without penetrating the moisture-resistant surface layer of laminate. It is a great choice for areas of the home that must withstand heavy foot traffic, as well as spaces with children where spills are inevitable and rough play is frequent.
Laminate can mimic the look of everything from exotic hardwoods to concrete and natural stone, thanks to advances in technology. The visual layer of laminate, known as the image layer, is now digitally enhanced to add texture and appearance like grain, knotting, stains and more.
The core of laminate is usually a high-density fiberboard (HDF) panel bonded with a balancing melamine backer that aids moisture resistance. Most laminate flooring planks click or slot together for ease of installation. However, installing this type of flooring without proper knowledge can be challenging. Be sure to follow manufacturers’ recommendations for installing this type of flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a versatile flooring material used for generations in high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. It can be made to mimic the look of wood or ceramic tile, as well as many other styles and colors. It is waterproof, durable and affordable – and can be cut with a standard circular saw or table saw equipped with a fine-tooth blade.
It has a flexible PVC composite base layer and then features a digital graphic film layer that can create just about any pattern or image desired, which is then covered with an outer wear layer. Sheet vinyl can be installed with full glue-down application, or as a floating floor without any adhesive.
The wear layer is typically the thickest portion of vinyl, and it can be printed or inlaid. Look for a thickness of 12 mil or more, as thicker layers offer greater durability and resistance to scratching. Also, be sure to choose a product with a cushioned backing. This will make it quieter underfoot, warmer on your feet and more insulating. This type of backing can also help to prevent vinyl from sliding around on the subfloor.
Bamboo
Bamboo floors have gained popularity for their sturdiness and sustainability. Not wood, but a tropical grass, bamboo stalks mature in a fraction of the time it takes for hardwood trees to grow, and are a renewable resource.
Like solid wood, bamboo floors can be nailed down or used as floating floor planks. Solid bamboo can be stained or carbonized for color, and is available in strand-woven or horizontal grain, where the long stalk fibers are visible, creating a classic bamboo look.
As with hardwood, bamboo has a strong, durable finish. Manufacturers apply a multilayer aluminum oxide coating, backed with a clear coat for added durability. Look for a GREENGUARD or FloorScore certification to ensure that your flooring is low in off-gassing volatile organic compounds. As with any hardwood, bamboo can suffer from moisture problems unless properly conditioned before installation. Moisture can cause swelling, warping, buckling and mold. Make sure your flooring dries out quickly by following the manufacturer’s instructions and using a moisture meter. Drying times vary by type of bamboo flooring, with strand-woven taking longer than horizontal or vertical grain.
Natural stone
Natural stone flooring offers a warm, inviting look that complements any room. It’s also durable and easy to clean. Stone floors don’t harbor dust or allergens, so they’re ideal for homes with children or pets.
Stone flooring comes in a wide range of colors and styles, from elegant marble to rugged slate. The style of your home will help dictate which type of stone tile works best for the space. For example, highly polished marble tiles give a contemporary feel, while rough-hewn slate tiles create a rustic feel.
Some types of stone are naturally porous, and must be sealed after installation to prevent staining. A quality sealer will make the stone less susceptible to stains and easier to clean. However, it’s important to note that even with a good sealer, stone floors should be mopped regularly with neutral cleaners to minimize streaking and damage. It’s also helpful to know whether a stone floor is siliceous or calcareous. Siliceous stones, like granite and sandstone, are durable and can tolerate mild acidic cleaning solutions. Calcareous stones, such as limestone and travertine, are more delicate and require different care.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors add beauty and value to any home. They also hold their luster longer than most carpets and can be refinished to change their color. Solid wood floors are sourced from trees harvested from sustainable forests. Government regulations protect the amount of time and the type of tree that may be harvested to make hardwood floors. Hardwood flooring can be found in a variety of species, each with unique coloring and grain patterns. It’s also possible to find local mills that sell directly to homeowners. This can cut out the middleman and potentially lead to lower prices.
Choosing the best wood for your home depends on your design style and lifestyle. For example, oak is popular in the United States and has a high level of durability. Hickory is even harder than oak and has a rugged, rustic look that can stand up to heavy wear and tear. Domestic ash is another common choice due to its toughness (it’s what baseball bats and axe handles are made from).