Flooring materials play a big role in your home. But picking the right one involves balancing function, budget, design preferences and lifestyle.
Consider how you use each room. For example, if you spend long stretches of time standing in the kitchen or laundry room, choose a material that’s comfortable underfoot. Also consider how much time you’re willing to invest in cleaning and maintenance.
Budget
The type of flooring you select will have a major impact on your budget. Hardwood, for example, exudes classic elegance but typically has a higher price tag than synthetic materials such as laminate or vinyl plank flooring. Natural-looking materials like tile and stone also tend to have higher prices.
The best way to find out how much a particular flooring material will cost is to calculate the square footage of the room in which it will be installed. This can be done manually with a tape measure or a laser measuring tool, or by using an online flooring calculator. The number resulting from this calculation will help you determine how much of each material you need to purchase. To ensure you don’t overbuy, it’s generally a good idea to add 5 or 10 percent extra material to your order.
In addition to the overall floor price, you should consider additional costs, such as installation and labor. Some types of flooring, such as tiles, require special tools for installation and can increase the project’s labor costs. Similarly, certain natural-looking floors are prone to defects, which can add up to significant extra expenses. For example, solid hardwood is more prone to scratches and other imperfections than engineered wood. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of these additional costs when choosing your flooring.
Lifestyle
Whether you’re practicing yoga in the den, hosting friends for dinner or cooking in the kitchen, the flooring in your home has an impact on how you use the space. It’s important to balance your needs with your style and budget when choosing the right floor.
If your lifestyle includes kids, pets or frequent entertaining, you may want to consider a durable material that’s easy to clean and resists stains. Tile is an excellent option because it outperforms all other types in our tests for resistance to scratches and dents. It’s also available in a range of hues and textures, including faux finishes that mimic wood or stone.
For a more traditional look, you can’t go wrong with real wood floors. Whether you choose solid pieces of hardwood or engineered wood, such as plywood with a layer of wood bonded to it, this classic flooring material adds warmth and beauty to any room. If environmental concerns are important to you, look for a product that’s certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or contains little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Environment
The floor is one of the largest surfaces in any room and it lays the foundation for color, texture and design. It also impacts how the space is used. Whether you’re hosting yoga sessions in the den or having dinner parties in the kitchen, you need a flooring surface that is comfortable and durable enough for your needs.
If you have children, pets or plan to entertain, you need a flooring material that is resistant to wear and tear. You’ll also need to decide how much time you want to spend cleaning and maintaining the floors. You can find low maintenance flooring materials that still look great, such as vinyl tile and cork. For areas where comfort is a priority, consider soft options like carpet, which comes in many colors, patterns and textures and can be vacuumed or shampooed.
Those concerned with the environment may want to choose flooring materials that are eco-friendly. For example, linoleum is made from natural materials including rosins, wood flour and linseed oil that are grown without pesticides, so they have no negative effects on the environment or your health. It’s also a good choice for homes with kids because it is durable and has bactericidal properties that stop the growth of microorganisms. It’s available in a wide range of colors and can be laid in a variety of ways, including floating planks and adhesive tiles.
Maintenance
A flooring material must be able to stand up to the wear and tear of daily life. This is especially important in rooms that are used for activities that require prolonged standing, like the kitchen or laundry room.
Wood floors are a classic choice for homeowners and are available in a wide variety of colors, textures and grains. In rooms where a relaxed atmosphere is desired, such as bedrooms or studies, dark-grained woods are a good choice to create a feeling of stability and warmth. Lighter, fine-grained woods are better suited for rooms with more activity and movement.
If you choose wood as your flooring material, consider installing a buffer to keep scratches to a minimum. Also, be sure to place protective floor protectors (with a non-pigmented surface) under furniture to prevent stains and discoloration. Finally, be sure to mop hardwood floors with a sponge or string mop and cleansers specifically formulated for your flooring type to avoid damage.
Composite or engineered wood is another option to consider, if you love the look of hardwood but are not ready to invest in this expensive material. This product consists of a compressed plywood base with a veneer of hardwood on top. It is prone to warping, and requires the same maintenance routine as hardwood floors. Be sure to use only a damp sponge and select cleaning products specific for this material.