Flooring is an important design component that affects the look and feel of a space. Learn about the different types of flooring, so you can make an informed choice that’s right for your home.
For high-traffic areas, consider durable materials like tile and concrete. These options are easy to clean and resist stains.
Hardwood
Hardwood is a classic flooring option that increases a home’s value and can be refinished. It is also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. It requires less water and energy to produce than carpet, which uses a lot of chemicals.
Solid wood is made from one piece of timber that is kiln or air dried before sawing. It can be nailed or installed with tongue and groove boards that fit together, creating a long-lasting floor. It is vulnerable to humidity and can warp, which can be mitigated by regular sanding and proper maintenance.
Engineered wood, on the other hand, is comprised of layers, called plies, of hardwood and plywood bonded together via heating and pressing. The plies are oriented at opposing angles to create stability, making it able to withstand more moisture and contraction than solid hardwood. It can be nailed or stapled, glued down or floated over any secured subfloor including concrete.
Different types of wood flooring are available, each with its own unique grain pattern and color. Harder species like oak and hickory can better withstand wear and tear in high-traffic areas, but pine may show more scratches. The hardness of wood is determined by its Janka rating. A lower rating means a softer wood that will ding and scratch more easily. A distressed finish or a darker stain can help hide scratches and other marks, as well.
Tile
Tile is one of the most versatile decorative elements in your home. It can add a splash of color to your kitchen, create an art-deco accent wall in the living room or offer a durable, water-resistant floor in the bathroom. Unlike wall tiles, flooring tile must be thicker and tested for impact- and stress-strength, and it should have a texture to make walking on the surface less slippery.
Fortunately, modern manufacturing techniques make tile materials more durable than ever before. Tile is highly resistant to moisture, stands up well against stains and resists bacteria and odors, making it a great choice for high-traffic areas that get damp or humid frequently.
While tile can be glazed to look glossy, it also comes in matte finishes for a more textural and earthy appearance. Tile is also available in a wide range of sizes and shapes, with varying installation patterns to choose from. For example, you can use herringbone, straight-stacked or offset tile to create a unique pattern on your floor.
For a quick and simple installation, consider interlocking tiles. These tiles snap together in a click-and-lock system and can be grouted with acrylic-based sealants to provide a waterproof finish. This type of installation is best for lower-story floors or spaces with sturdy floor framing. However, it’s important to note that not all click-lock tiles are created equal. Be sure to research manufacturers like Armstrong, Shaw Floors, Mohawk and Daltile before making your final purchase.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a popular choice for kitchens and baths because it resists mold, mildew and moisture, and it’s easy to clean. It’s also durable, and it comes in a wide array of colors and designs. You can find this flooring at many local stores, which tend to offer better prices than big box stores and provide a higher level of service.
Rigid vinyl is a thicker form of the material, and it is designed to be more scratch-resistant and resistant to gouges. It comes in sheets and tiles that can be assembled to form a floor. It’s also available in planks that imitate the look of wood or concrete. These products have a strong core and can hold up to heavy traffic, abrasions and sunlight.
Some types of vinyl come with a soft, cushiony underlayment that makes it feel like carpet underfoot. The floor can even be glued down to the subfloor for added stability. It’s one of the most affordable options out there, and it’s DIY-friendly, although it’s best if you let a professional handle installation.
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is a new type of vinyl that has become very popular. It imitates the appearance and texture of real hardwood, but it requires less maintenance. It’s available in different plank sizes and can be installed as a floating floor or glued down for permanence. It has a waterproof core and can be made with foam gel or urethane to enhance the durability of the product.
Natural stone
Natural stone floors bring the beauty of nature into the home. Their durability and elegance make them a high-end flooring choice for any room. Because they come directly from the earth, each tile is unique and offers a wide array of textures, colors, and patterns. They are also very easy to maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping with a mild cleaner. However, natural stone is not ideal for areas that are exposed to water because it absorbs it easily and can become very slippery.
The type of finish that is used on a stone floor will also impact its look and maintenance requirements. For example, polished stone floors have a shiny surface that highlights the color and design of the tile. However, it will show dust and smudges more quickly than other types of finishes. It is also prone to scratches and chips.
Other types of natural stone floor tiles have a brushed or honed finish that gives them a smooth-to-the-touch texture. These types of finishes can hide dirt and smudges more effectively, but they will still show marks and scratches over time.
Another type of stone floor is epoxy stone flooring, which is typically made from small rocks and pebbles that are bound together with epoxy. These floors are visually striking, but they can be quite costly and require extensive preparation of the subfloor to install them. In addition, many people have reported that the resins used to make this type of flooring are toxic and may cause health problems if inhaled.