Best Flooring Types: Compare Top Materials & Options for Each Room

Flooring Companies in Houston

Your choice of flooring is one of the most important decisions you have to make when it comes to improving your home. The material is an integral part of your interior design. It also determines use, difficulty of installation and maintenance. Before you select, it’s wise to educate yourself on what’s available as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each.

How to Choose Flooring

To choose flooring, it’s best to start by determining what you need. Consider these factors:

  • Room: Some types, like carpet or hardwood, aren’t ideal for every space
  • Family Situation: Young children or pets need spill-proof and scratch-resistant flooring
  • Budget: Price varies widely, so you need to know what you can afford
  • Installation Requirements: Some materials need an underlayment or pad, which may cost extra
  • Style: Certain types work better than others to create the right aesthetic
  • Return on Investment (ROI): Higher cost or quality often means a better long-term investment

Types of Flooring Materials

1. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood continues to be the top choice for its great appearance and long-term ROI. The cost to install wood flooring ranges from $2,500 to $7,000, making it one of the most expensive options. It’s best for the shared living spaces of the main floor.

It will develop crapes, scratches and dents over time. Refinishing hardwood flooring costs $1,100 to $2,400, and you can do it every 3 to 5 years.

2. Laminate Flooring

The pros and cons of laminate flooring include these benefits:

  • lower price
  • ease of installation
  • durability
  • variety of colors and styles, like natural wood

As a disadvantage, this material can be prone to moisture damage and difficult to repair. Homeowners prefer to install it in high-traffic areas that aren’t the kitchen or bathroom.

3. Vinyl or Linoleum

Vinyl flooring isn’t the cheap alternative it used to be. These days, this synthetic flooring for the home is durable and effectively mimic wood, ceramic and stone.

Since it is so versatile and meant for high-traffic, you can put it almost anywhere. Installation and maintenance are a breeze.

4. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring

Ceramic or porcelain tile is a durable, non-porous and beautiful flooring choice. Since it’s waterproof, it’s great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways.

It is more difficult to install, and it can chip and scratch under heavy use. Unlike hardwood or carpet, you can replace individual parts instead of the entire surface if necessary.

5. Natural Stone Tile Flooring

Natural stone tile is a classic flooring that includes granite, marble, travertine and sandstone. Some materials, like travertine, are more durable than others. Keep in mind that finishes require different amounts of care. A polished marble surface will show scratches and scuffs more easily than a tumbled one, for example.

6. Carpet

Carpet remains a favorite for many homeowners, especially for bedrooms. It’s soft, warm and helps cut down on noise. Carpet installation costs $3.50 to $11 per square foot, making it one of the cheapest materials. The expense to install a carpet pad averages $3.75 per square foot.

It does require more upkeep, though newer stain-resistant varieties make it easier. To maintain an attractive and sanitary surface, you should hire a pro to clean it at least once a year.

New or Alternative Flooring Ideas

If you’re looking for unique flooring materials that look great or have extra benefits like sustainability, consider these other types:

  • Rubber: Poured material ideal for a non-slip surface
    • Cost of rubber flooring: $800 to $2,300
    • Ideal for the kitchen, indoor gym or play area.
  • Parquet: Wood pieces arranged in a mosaic pattern
    • Parquet flooring usually costs more other wood styles.
    • Great for formal spaces.
  • Terrazzo: Composite made of natural stone chips and resin for a dazzling design
    • Price of terrazzo flooring: $5,000 to $18,000
    • Works well indoors and outdoors, depending on the style.
  • Marmoleum: Sustainable vinyl alternative with custom construction
    • Marmoleum flooring costs $500 to $2,000.
    • Like vinyl, it’s wonderful for bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Bamboo: Eco-friendly wood-like flooring that regenerates in 3 to 5 years
    • Price to install bamboo flooring: $650 to $850
    • Moisture resistance means it’s better for kitchens and decks than most woods.
  • Cork: Fire-resistant, sound-blocking material with low VOCs
    • Cost of cork floors: $500 to $1,400
    • Best for quiet areas.

Best Flooring Options for Every Room

  • Bathroom or Kitchen Flooring - The best flooring for bathrooms or kitchens is tile or vinyl. These materials also go well in the mudroom.
  • Living Room Flooring: Hardwood or Carpet - Hardwood or carpet are the best flooring choices for the living room. They offer comfort and style without compromising durability.
  • Dens or Family Room Flooring Ideas - When you choose flooring for the den or family room, consider vinyl or carpet. These provide an ideal balance of comfort and durability.
  • Durable Entryway or Foyer Flooring - Tile or vinyl are the most durable flooring options for entryways and foyers. They are waterproof and scratch-resistant.
  • Best Kinds of Flooring for Laundry Rooms - The best flooring for laundry rooms are vinyl or tile. These types can handle higher humidity and spills without warping or bleaching.
  • Best Floor for Stairs or Hallways - Carpet or hardwood are the most appropriate choices for stairs and hallways because they are easier to cut to unusual sizes.
  • Good Flooring for Bedrooms: Carpet or Cork - Good flooring for bedrooms is a soft and warm material like carpet or cork.
  • Offices - Laminate and low-pile carpet make great options for home offices. They are durable, stain-resistant and ideal for high-traffic.
  • Basement Floors - The best basement flooring types are tile, laminate or engineered hardwood. These materials handle higher moisture better than hardwood and can be installed on a concrete subfloor.
  • Garage Floors - The best option for this room is concrete. Installing garage floor coatings or garage tiles helps provide a non-slip surface that is easy to clean.
  • Outbuildings: Barn and Shed Flooring - The most durable flooring options for outbuildings are concrete or pressure-treated wood. These materials are moisture-resistant and hardy in hot or cold weather.
  • Outdoor Flooring Types - If you need to install outdoor flooring, your best bet depends on location:
    • Deck: Pressure-treated wood for price and selection
    • Patio or Driveway: Concrete for durability
    • Covered Porch: Indoor/outdoor carpet for comfort

Source: homeadvisor

About Fantastic Floors, Inc. We are a successful company with more than 25 years of experience in the market, we have the infrastructure, high quality equipment, materials and supplies to achieve and exceed the expectations of our customers, allowing us to gain the confidence and loyalty for our services.

We have more than 500 residential, 300 properties and 25 commercial customers totally satisfied with our services.

14 Flooring Companies in Houston

Flooring Companies in Houston.

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