Flooring is a huge expense for any homeowner, but it isn’t something you want to cheap out on. Just looking at a beautiful wood grain is linked to lower stress levels.
Although flooring needs to be resilient to constant wear and tear, that doesn’t mean it can’t be aesthetically pleasing. For anyone building a home or renovating, flooring is usually one of the biggest expenses. Not only is there a cost for the material, but installation costs can be even higher.
To find out which types of flooring meet your needs, suit your taste, and fit into your budget, check out the options below.
Hardwood Types of Flooring
Hardwood is a versatile natural material that can look rustic or modern. Common types of hardwood include cherry, walnut, and oak, but there are more exotic options for those with a big budget. Hardwood planks are usually between 3 to 5 inches, but wide planks can add a unique touch to any home flooring.
Hardwood flooring is sold either pre-finished or unfinished. Unfinished hardwood requires extra labor during installation as professionals have to sand and treat the hardwood by hand.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood combines real hardwood with ply plank. It is more cost-effective and resistant to moisture than genuine hardwood. It’s not only a good option for those with a tight budget, but also for homeowners who live in regions with high humidity.
You can see here some excellent examples of engineered hardwood flooring options.
Artificial Flooring
Some types of artificial flooring include laminate flooring, linoleum flooring, and vinyl flooring. These are among the most affordable options on this list.
Laminate flooring is one step down from engineered wood in terms of cost. Instead of a genuine wood layer, the top layer is an image of wood. The technology is good enough nowadays to make the image indistinguishable from real wood.
Linoleum flooring may not be as natural as wood, but it can be made from biodegradable materials like cork. It can be an environmentally friendly and budget-friendly option.
Vinyl flooring is the cheapest on this list, but it can be the most durable. Look for high-quality vinyl with a slightly higher cost to avoid it looking cheap.
Types of Tile
Tile can be an expensive option, depending on the material and artistry involved in its installation. Some tile flooring materials include:
- Stone
- Quarry
- Porcelain
- Terracotta
- Glazed ceramic
Tile material and installation can be cheaper than hardwood, depending on the type of tile material. Stone tiles are among the most expensive options. However, well-laid tile is also more durable than hardwood.
Types of Concrete
Concrete flooring isn’t just for the garage – it can be a sleek, modern option for inside the home as well. It’s not exactly child-friendly, however, so consider your needs and the resale value of the home before choosing this option.
Investing in Flooring
The various types of flooring are not a shortlist, let alone the variations within each type. To make a smart investment, carefully consider the room for the flooring. Places like the kitchen or bathroom have completely different needs than living areas.
If you found this home guide helpful, take a moment to browse the other real estate and home articles on our site.
