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Top 10 Types Of Flooring – Choose The Best Option + FAQ

The floor is the home’s most prominent surface, and the ideal flooring for your space is determined by your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Each type has its own set of advantages, and the needs and location determine the appropriate flooring for each room.

Because KS Renovation is a design and construction company, flooring is one of our main specialties. Flooring will probably be a key design element in whatever type of remodeling you’re planning. Our blog covers everything from materials to installation methods for flooring in New York City house renovations.

Wood, engineered flooring, vinyl, tile, and carpet are popular flooring options. Learn about the most common flooring varieties, the most significant features of the materials and how to utilize them, and the overall cost of flooring.

Naturally, the more durable, gorgeous, and resilient the floor material is, the more expensive. Despite this, there are now less costly bathrooms, kitchen, living room, and other room choices. It’s all about making informed decisions.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 flooring types.

TOP 10 Flooring Types

Engineered wood flooring – Type 1 of Types of Flooring

Engineered wood floors have a natural wood veneer on top of a heat-formed central core and a base support layer (used where shrinkage might be a problem). If the standards are followed, engineered flooring is an excellent alternative to underfloor heating, and it’s also easier to install than solid wood flooring.

Engineered wood flooring – Type 1 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Engineered wood planks are usually more dimensionally stable and less likely to expand or contract with temperature variations or humidity fluctuations due to their construction.

Weaknesses:

Because of the thinner top layer, it will not take to refinishing as well as hardwood.

Hardwood Flooring – Type 2 of Types of Flooring

Wooden flooring, such as timber, is trendy in homes all over the world, not only because it is beautiful and complements a variety of interior design schemes – be it more polished and contemporary or rustic farmhouse – with varying grains, tones, and finishes, but also because hardwood is highly durable and resilient when adequately treated and cared for. Depending on the style you want, wood is usually lacquered or oiled.

Hardwood Flooring – Type 2 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Hardwood flooring has a diverse appearance and may be used in various settings. It has a long lifespan and can be refinished up to five times to erase surface scratches. Because hardwood flooring is such a desirable feature, it may boost the resale value of your property.

Weaknesses:

Hardwood flooring has a disadvantage in terms of expense and upkeep, as you will almost always need expert assistance to get a good finish. The thickness of the decorative wood veneer and the quality of the core determine the price. Hardwood flooring is not always possible to install, especially in a shower.
You should also be aware of how long your hardwood floors are exposed to UV rays during the day and aim to reduce this to prevent them from fading, as specific wood flooring is more susceptible to UV bleaching than others. Be sure it’s scratch-resistant before using a vacuum to pick up dust or dragging furniture across it.

Real Stone Flooring – Type 3 of Types of Flooring

Natural stone flooring varieties, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, provide an attractive and functional long-term flooring solution.

Limestone, slate, marble, and terracotta tiles are some of the stone flooring possibilities. Each adds character and warmth to a kitchen, bathroom, or hallway and can appear quite exquisite in a living room.

Real Stone Flooring – Type 3 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Stone flooring should last a lifetime if properly installed, and it is typically seen to add value to a home.
Because natural stone is porous, it must be adequately sealed when installed initially and re-sealed every six months. The stone’s porosity helps it absorb the room’s warmth, so it never feels as cold or hard underfoot as ceramic tiles.
Furthermore, stone flooring does not harbor dust mites or pet hair, making it an excellent choice for allergy sufferers.

Weaknesses:

Aside from the extra expenses and the risk of cracking/chipping if not correctly installed, stone flooring has a few drawbacks – it’s a sound investment.

Laminate Flooring – Type 4 of Types of Flooring

Laminate flooring comprises layers of high-density fiberboard with a photographic image (of wood, tile, or other materials) laminated to the surface beneath a durable, wear-resistant covering.

Laminate Flooring – Type 4 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Its benefits include its low cost, scratch resistance, and ease of installation. Laminate is an excellent alternative for an active family in any location that isn’t subjected to a lot of dampness (so avoid using it in a bathroom).

Weaknesses:

Underfoot, laminate flooring might feel chilly and complex, depending on the manufacturer. It can also be noisy and clumsy if installed incorrectly.

Tile – Type 5 of Types of Flooring

Tile is one of the most durable, attractive, and contemporary forms of flooring for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, and it’s one of our favorites. The variety of designs, finishes, and colors available in tile decor is infinite. It also takes a lot of thinking because the perfect design, shape, size, and even how you put tiles can transform a small area, adding warmth and character if done correctly.

Tile – Type 5 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Tile comes in so many different qualities, textures, patterns, and colors that choosing one can be difficult without the help of an interior designer or architect.
Tile can give a design a punch that is difficult to achieve in other ways.
It’s elementary to clean, can endure standing water without buckling like wood, and lasts a long time.
In high-traffic areas, such as a mudroom, use tiles that can withstand the grit that damage the finish.

Weaknesses:

The tile industry is vast, and it may be costly. Our advice is to look for previous season’s designs that will give an eclectic touch to your home without breaking the bank.
Some customers prefer the cool feel of tile beneath their feet. Unfortunately, tile is permanent, making it costly to change your mind or that of a future buyer.

Vinyl Flooring – Type 6 of Types of Flooring

Vinyl flooring comprises polyvinyl chloride, plasticizers, and color pigments. It’s an excellent option for a kitchen or bathroom floor since it’s non-porous but resilient, making it easy to walk on. This is a quick repair for a room if you’re on a budget. However, this is not the best flooring choice for a permanent house.

Vinyl Flooring – Type 6 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Vinyl is a versatile material that may simulate other materials such as wood, tiles, glass, and stone. Prices range from very low (as little as a few pounds per m2) to nearly as much as solid wood flooring.
It’s resistant to dampness and foot traffic. It’s comfortable to walk on and warmer bare feet than tile because of the material. Affordability is affordable and long-lasting. A high-quality vinyl floor can endure up to 20 years.

Weaknesses:

Although some fantastic wood imitations are available, vinyl will never be as durable or repairable as natural wood flooring. Many people are concerned about the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) it can produce, so if you prefer to live more organically, this isn’t the best solution, mainly because it isn’t easily recyclable. Vinyl has a short lifespan due to its lack of toughness, and it’s also not the easiest to remove.
It has a phony appearance, and there are few design and pattern options. It is also more prone to scratching and gouging than more challenging forms of flooring due to the substance. Unlike other forms of flooring, it cannot be refinished once it has worn out, necessitating a complete replacement.

Resin Or Concrete Flooring – Type 7 of Types of Flooring

Concrete flooring isn’t just for garages; it’s also a terrific complement to open-concept kitchens, patios, and even living spaces. Resin can be used in a bathroom, kitchen, conservatory, utility room, or contemporary living room and comes in any RAL hue, with some designs including stone or glitter. Anything you can think of can be encased in resin to add interest.

Resin Or Concrete Flooring – Type 7 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Poured resin or concrete flooring provides a smooth, seamless, noise-absorbing, hypoallergenic, waterproof, and hardwearing surface that is also easy to maintain.
They all add an extremely modern touch to any environment while also aging well. Combine with underfloor heating, apply from wall to wall, and choose a matt or glossy finish for a touch of glitz — the choice is entirely yours. It’s worth noting that resin is a more durable material.

Weaknesses:

There’s money. The total cost will vary depending on the situation. Poured resin can be applied to almost any sub-floor and takes two to five days to complete.

Carpet – Type 8 of Types of Flooring

Carpets are available in various colors and price points to suit any area (though they should be avoided in the kitchen and bathroom). We didn’t have to tell you that, though!

Carpet – Type 8 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Small areas can benefit from the wall-to-wall installation. Carpet maintenance is well-known, and carpet is typically replaced every five to 10 years.
It is often inexpensive, soft underfoot, and warm if made of nylon. Their lower pile height and stain-resistant treatments make newer commercial carpet squares suited for playrooms and home gyms.
Carpet is almost universally recyclable, but few carpet producers make it simple.
Wool offers the best qualities of all the materials since its natural lanolin resists stains, and it is naturally robust, which means it crushes less underfoot.
Carpet with a plush cut pile will crush more than carpet with a looped pile.

Weaknesses:

Some people dislike carpets because of their dirt and grime, but that’s nothing a good vacuum or steam cleaner can’t fix. It’s also a challenge for pet owners, as tiny nails can quickly ruin a loose weave. Just be careful when choosing density, especially in high-traffic regions.

Rubber Flooring – Type 9 of Types of Flooring

Rubber flooring is becoming a more popular alternative for houses because of its low cost and ability to make an excellent helpful addition to play areas and other areas.

Rubber Flooring – Type 9 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

It comes in various vibrant colors and provides a lively and welcome addition to play areas, wet rooms, and modern living spaces. Rubber sheets start at $15-$20 per square foot, making them more affordable than tile or stone flooring.

Weaknesses:

Rubber flooring should be used with caution in locations where oils and fats are liable to discolor. So stay away from the kitchen.

Cork – Type 10 of types of Flooring

Cork gives an exceptional finish in homes but works well in lofts or kids’ spaces. Cork was used extensively in mid-twentieth-century modern homes, so it’s an excellent choice for modern design.

Cork – Type 10 of types of Flooring

Strengths:

Cork flooring is durable and quiet underfoot, gives a lot of visual warmth to a room, and can be installed in almost any dry location. It necessitates regular maintenance, more so for the natural finish than the cork with a sealer topcoat.
Cork is a renewable, natural material. Although area rugs can be utilized on top, it is warm underfoot and can be swept or swiffered in the same way that carpet can.

Weaknesses:

Unfortunately, heavy materials, like carpet, will leave a mark on the cork floor.

Alternative Floring Materials

The materials described above aren’t the only options for flooring. There are numerous non-traditional flooring materials available. Consider the following materials as alternatives:

Bamboo is a natural wood alternative to hardwood floors that is also environmentally beneficial.

Terrazzo is a long-lasting mixture of natural stone fragments and resin.

Bamboo Floorig

Terrazzo Flooring

Alternative Floring Materials

What Is The Least Expensive Flooring?

Look into vinyl if you’re looking for the cheapest flooring for your home. Check the pricing of any luxury vinyl possibilities and consider mixing and matching to add extra style while staying on budget.

However, it’s always worth exploring last-season sections at stone or tile manufacturers to see if you can save money on a floor that will survive the test of time and be worth your money in the long run.

If you’re up for a challenge, consider picking up some reclaimed wood to lay your hardwood floor. Planks are frequently 50 percent less expensive than brand new hardwood flooring.

Rooms that Require Careful Flooring Considerations

Your demands may differ throughout your principal living spaces, whether you’re building a new house or adjusting to an existing one.

Your home has been separated into three primary parts: the kitchen, baths, and general living areas. As you conduct your study and make your final decision, several things to bear in mind for each.

Kitchens

The kitchen is considered by many to be the heart of the home. It’s not just where you’ll prepare meals, but it’s also a favorite gathering and entertaining spot, especially if you have a wide island or an open concept kitchen.
It’s critical to choose a floor type that is both durable and easy to clean and maintain in this high-traffic area.

Bathrooms

While moisture is a consideration in the kitchen, it is almost a given in the bathroom. It is critical to select a material that can withstand daily contact with water.
Vinyl tiles are a less expensive alternative, albeit not as durable as tile or stone. However, because vinyl can appear cheap at times, look for luxury vinyl tile to create a premium aesthetic – or forego the vinyl entirely and opt for an ultra-modern concrete floor!

Living Areas

You have many options in your home’s living areas, such as the family room, dining room, and bedrooms. Your personal preferences mainly determine the best option for you.

Determine your budget and look at swatches online to see what styles, colors, and materials appeal to you to begin narrowing down your possibilities.

Choose The Best Types Of Flooring With KS Renovation

Every apartment renovation is unique, but all of them will necessitate at least a discussion of types of flooring. We’re here to answer any of your inquiries, from the large ones (hardwood or engineered?) to the tiniest nuances (which stain color should I use?).

Schedule a Free Consultation