Choosing the best flooring material can be a challenge. There are numerous choices available, each with its pros and cons. If you’re uncertain about what types of flooring materials are suitable for your home, here are some excellent options you may want to consider.
Different Types of Flooring Materials for Your Home
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option when it comes to flooring materials. Each type is unique. No matter your style or budget, here are four excellent materials to consider if you’re installing new floors in your home.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is available in a variety of options such as oak, cherry, walnut, and maple. Generally, all hardwood flooring is durable and tough, but they have varying hardness levels. Hardwood flooring is available either pre-finished or unfinished. If you choose unfinished flooring, you’ll need to sand and finish it after installation.
Advantages
Hardwood flooring is elegant and complements any décor. It’s durable and can be refinished multiple times to remove scratches and scuffs, extending its lifespan. If you’re looking to sell your home, hardwood flooring will increase your home’s resale value significantly, making it an excellent flooring option.
Disadvantages
Hardwood floors aren’t water-resistant, making them unsuitable for damp areas like bathrooms and laundry rooms. They are also prone to scratches and scuffs, so they require maintenance. Hardwood flooring isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a low-budget option since it’s more expensive than other flooring materials.
Engineered Wood Flooring Materials
Engineered wood flooring is an inexpensive alternative to traditional hardwood flooring. It consists of a thin layer of natural hardwood on top of multiple layers of plywood beneath, giving it a hardwood-like appearance.
Advantages
Engineered hardwood flooring offers the look of traditional hardwood flooring at a lower price. It will also save you money on installation costs because it’s relatively easy to install. Finally, this material offers better water resistance than hardwood, making it more suitable for moisture-prone areas.
Disadvantages of These Types of Flooring Materials
Like traditional hardwood, engineered hardwood is not scratch or scuff-resistant. It’s also less durable than hardwood in the long term because it can’t be refinished.
Types of Flooring Materials: Tile
Ceramic tile is a mixture of clay and shale. The mixture is then heated in a kiln to harden it. Pigments are added to produce various ceramic tile colors. There are four main types of tile – glazed ceramic, quarry tile, porcelain, and terracotta.
Advantages of Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is a versatile flooring material available in various colors, textures, shapes, and patterns, so it coordinates well with almost any décor. It’s also relatively easy to clean. Porcelain tile is quite durable and resistant to scratches and moisture, making it suitable for moisture-prone areas.
Disadvantages
Ceramic tile is cold and hard underfoot. Durability varies from one type of tile to another. While porcelain tile is fairly durable, terracotta isn’t. It can be difficult to find replacement tiles in the event one breaks, cracks, or chips.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is an excellent option if you want hardwood-like floors minus the hefty price tag. Like engineered wood floors, laminate consists of layers of plywood or compressed fibers. However, the top layer isn’t wood, but a photographic image of wood, tile, stone, or other material.
Advantages
Laminate floors mimic the look of wood, tile, or stone at a fraction of the cost. Laminate is also a cost-effective option because it’s easy to maintain and simple to install. It’s also durable and scratch-resistant, making it an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Disadvantages
Laminate is unsuitable for moisture-prone areas because it’s susceptible to water damage and can be slippery when wet. It also can be expensive in the long term because it can’t be refinished and may need to be replaced earlier than other options.
Replacing worn-out flooring will elevate your home’s appearance. No matter your style or budget, the flooring materials listed here are excellent options you should consider.
Robertson Home Inspection provides home inspection services to customers in the Piedmont Triad area of North Carolina. Contact us to request an inspection.