The Ultimate Guide to Flooring Options
All you need to know about one of the most essential surfaces in your home.
Whether it's foot traffic, spills, sliding furniture, or muddy paws, your floor has to weather it all. Depending on your lifestyle and room design needs, the best flooring materials for you might be the most durable rather than the softest. Use our guide to learn all about the flooring materials and options that will suit you.
Flooring Options
Hardwood: Hardwood is one of the longest-lasting flooring options. Though hardwood is susceptible to scratching and denting, it can be restored from almost any condition back to its former glory with a little elbow grease. Hardwood is one of the most expensive flooring materials, but its lifespan makes it a worthwhile investment. Natural hardwood is susceptible to warping or molding when exposed to moisture, but engineered hardwood – made of layers of hardwood and plywood bound together – is not.
Tip!
Read more about solid and engineered hardwood flooring (including hardwood flooring installation types) in our hardwood flooring buying guide. If you want a rundown of more budget-friendly hardwood flooring alternatives, we've got a guide on that too.
Bamboo: Made from tough, natural bamboo fibers, bamboo flooring is hard to scratch or dent. It is one of the most durable flooring materials available. Bamboo flooring is excellent if you have active pets. Like hardwood, bamboo flooring's natural fibers don't hold up well against moisture. Though less expensive than hardwood, high-quality bamboo flooring can cost more than synthetic flooring options, but it is much more eco-friendly.
Vinyl: Cost-effective and easy to install, vinyl flooring resists damage and holds up well against heavy foot traffic. Unlike bamboo and hardwood, vinyl is synthetic. Many vinyl flooring types, including sheets, planks, and tiles, interlock to keep water from penetrating the floor. Its smooth, mostly seamless surface is easy to wipe clean. Sheet vinyl flooring is inexpensive given its durability and water-resistance. Luxury vinyl flooring is more expensive than standard vinyl flooring, but it can offer a realistic wood look and texture for less than real hardwood.
Tip!
Our vinyl flooring buying guide goes into depth about all things vinyl flooring, from the pros and cons to the designs and installation types.
Tile: Scratch- and scuff-resistant, flooring tile is an excellent choice for areas that may face a lot of wear and tear, like bathrooms and kitchens. The most durable floor tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain, though stone tile is also an option. Be careful – tile may crack if heavy objects are dropped on it, and cracked tiles must be replaced. The best type of flooring for a bathroom, ceramic or porcelain tile is impervious to water if grouted correctly. Though it can be hard and cold underfoot, tile resists stains and is easy to clean.
Cork: Spongy and somewhat bouncy underfoot, cork is a natural flooring material that absorbs sound and is bacteria- and allergen-resistant, which makes it an excellent choice for households with pets. It does require a little upkeep – it can scratch easily and moisture can cause it to swell and warp. Because cork flooring can be difficult to install, we recommend hiring a professional.
Laminate: Available in a wide variety of colors and styles, laminate flooring is inexpensive and easy to install. Laminate is very susceptible to dents, scratches, and water damage, so it's a good idea to consider laminate flooring types that have a waterproof coating on them to help them last longer.
Tip!
If you're interested in laminate flooring but want to learn more, check out our laminate flooring buying guide.
Flooring Qualities
If you still aren't sure what the best type of flooring for your home is, consider your lifestyle needs and use the chart below to help you decide.
Tip!
If you're shopping with a specific room in mind, we have guides on how to choose the best flooring for your bathroom and how to choose the best flooring for your kitchen. Plus, learn how to try before you buy by checking out our flooring samples buying guide.
