The Best Flooring Options for Your Home

Flooring is the foundation—literally and stylistically—of every room in your home. But choosing the right flooring isn't just about appearance; it's also about durability, comfort, upkeep and costs.
In this article, we'll walk you through popular flooring options so you have the tools you need to create a home that's beautiful, practical and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

What To Consider Before Picking Your Flooring

There are as many different types of flooring options on the market as there are styles of homes, and each comes with its own pros and cons. Some work well in one space while being problematic in another. Before you settle on a flooring type, consider factors such as:

• Will children or pets use this surface?
• Will the surface be exposed to moisture?
• Does the floor need to be easy to clean due to lots of spills, pet accidents or foot traffic?
• Are you willing to pay more for flooring that lasts longer and is more durable?
• Will you need to finance your flooring?

Below is a look at eight popular flooring options.

1. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is a classic, timeless choice. It comes in a wide range of grains, finishes and patterns, so you can choose the aesthetic to match your home. And with the right care, it can last 20 to 30 years.
On the downside, hardwood is one of the most expensive flooring options. But it's also an investment that can ultimately add value to your home if you decide to sell.
If you choose this option, you'll need to be ready for the upkeep involved, including using special hardwood floor cleaners and refinishing damaged flooring.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Because water can warp the wood, it's not a great choice for bathrooms or kitchens.
Pros: Extensive durability, aesthetic appeal
Cons: Cost, maintenance

2. Laminate Flooring

If hardwood flooring is too expensive, laminate flooring offers a budget-friendly alternative. It's essentially particleboard with a photographic image on top, layered with laminate for protection. You can even install it yourself if you need to save money.
Laminate provides more variety and color options than vinyl flooring. You can achieve a higher-end look if you choose a wood, tile, stone or marble option.
On the downside, laminate isn't very durable, and scratches or dents can be tough to fix. Also, it's only water-resistant, not waterproof, so it can't be cleaned with a wet mop.
Best for: Rooms not prone to moisture or spills. Avoid bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Pros: Easy installation, high-end appearance, very inexpensive
Cons: Can't refinish, less prestige, not waterproof, less durable

3. Vinyl Flooring (Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile)

Vinyl flooring is an affordable and versatile option. You have a wide variety of material and pigment options and can choose from luxury vinyl planks or tile. This practical flooring is easy to install, durable (lasting 10 to 20 years), waterproof and practically maintenance-free.
On the downside, vinyl can be easily damaged by sharp objects and is harder to repair.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements and other areas needing waterproof flooring.
Pros: Realistic wood/stone looks, one of the more durable options, waterproof, easy to install
Cons: Less resale value, easily damaged by sharp objects, tough to repair

4. Tile Flooring (Ceramic & Porcelain)

Tile flooring is an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture. Not only is it stain-resistant and easy to clean, but if installed correctly, it also provides a waterproof barrier between spills and your subfloor.
Tile flooring comes in many styles, patterns and colors, so you can pick just the right aesthetic to fit the vibe you're seeking. It's also durable and can last 50 years or more. Tile is ideal for rooms that are prone to moisture or likely to experience spills, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Its significant downside is that maintaining a pristine look requires regular upkeep, such as cleaning the grout and resealing it from time to time. It also costs more than many other flooring options and is more expensive to install.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens and other moisture-prone rooms.
Pros: One of the most durable flooring types, easy to clean, waterproof, stain-resistant
Cons: Cold underfoot, grout upkeep, higher cost, more expensive installation

5. Carpet

Carpet flooring is a popular choice that can provide comfort and warmth to your home. It comes in many styles, colors, materials and thicknesses. It can make a room feel cozier, providing a soft cushion for every step you take.
You can choose between synthetic and natural fibers, depending on your budget.
Carpet flooring provides great sound absorption, so it works well in spaces that need to be quieter. And if you hate the idea of waking up in the mornings and stepping onto a cold floor, carpet is an added bonus.
But carpeting does have downsides. It has a shorter lifespan—only about 5 to 10 years—and can start showing wear after just a few years. Even stain-resistant carpet requires maintenance. Since carpet can easily pick up dirt and debris, you'll need to regularly steam clean and vacuum it.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
Pros: Cozy, affordable, soft underfoot, sound absorption
Cons: Stains, allergens, shorter lifespan, maintenance, can be damaged by pets

6. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring offers a middle ground between hardwood and laminate. It's made of a thin layer of real wood veneer bonded over a lower-cost, stable layer, such as a plywood substrate.
On the plus side, engineered wood is easier to install than hardwood and is just as durable, especially if the surface treatment is a high-quality coating designed to preserve engineered wood. On the downside, because it's thinner, engineered wood doesn't allow for as much refinishing as hardwood.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms (anywhere you'd use hardwood).
Pros: Looks like hardwood, less expensive, easier to install
Cons: Limited refinishing

7. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring offers an eco-friendly, modern option for homeowners who want the look of hardwood without the price. Not only is it stylish and strong, but it's also sustainable and low-maintenance.
On the downside, its quality can be inconsistent and highly dependent on the type of bamboo used and the manufacturer. Depending on the type, bamboo flooring may warp easily or discolor from moisture.
Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms. Avoid moisture-prone rooms like bathrooms, kitchens and basements.
Pros: Renewable, durable, lower cost, low-maintenance
Cons: Moisture sensitivity, inconsistent quality

8. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is comfortable and cushiony underfoot, giving your room a soft, warm feel. This sound-insulating flooring can work well in areas that require quiet. Cork flooring is also eco-friendly and naturally pest-resistant.
It does have some disadvantages, including being more prone to dents and scratches, such as from high heels or heavy furniture. It can fade when exposed to prolonged sunlight. Although it's moisture-resistant to some extent, it can warp from longer water exposure.
Best for: Bedrooms, offices. Avoid bathrooms or areas exposed to direct sunlight.
Pros: Eco-friendly, cushioned, sound-insulating, pest-resistant
Cons: Fades in sunlight, prone to dents and scratches, warps from excess water

Feeling Confident About Your Flooring

Flooring isn't just a finishing touch—it's an investment in your home's comfort, functionality and long-term value. At the end of the day, choosing the best flooring for your home comes down to your lifestyle, budget and aesthetic preference. Whether you prioritize easy maintenance, durability or a specific look, there's a flooring option to fit your needs.
Use our handy Home Improvement Locator to find the right contractor for you and enjoy special financing to pay for the project over time, including new flooring for your home. Bring your dream to life today!