Flooring sets the foundation for a room’s style and function and impacts the perception of a space. The right flooring can positively transform the look of a room, whereas inadequate flooring can inhibit the use and design of the space. While there are many quality flooring choices, consider how each option will impact the room’s larger interior design goals. Moreover, keep in mind how the material’s expense, appearance, and durability will affect the space. Some of the most popular flooring materials include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, ceramic tile, natural stone, and carpet; here are some of the pros and cons of each.
Hardwood
Due to its classic yet simple appearance, hardwood flooring is found inside many homes. Although it comes with a heftier price tag, hardwood’s longevity and increased resale value can make the cost worth it for many. The flooring comes in strips or planks, including options like cherry, oak, maple, and walnut. Depending on the type of wood utilized, the panels will differ in size, color, and price. Hardwood is considered fairly difficult to install and often needs to be done professionally. While it can be bought finished or unfinished, finished wood is typically easier to install and more durable and scratch resistant than wood that is stained after installation. Hardwood is relatively easy to keep clean with sweeping or vacuuming. It may be helpful to use a hardwood floor cleaner for tough grime and scuff marks periodically. These products are sprayed or squirted directly on the floor and mopped up, leaving a shiny finish. Despite its quality and adaptability, hardwood flooring is not the appropriate choice for every part of the home. Avoid installing hardwood in high-traffic areas. The wood is prone to scratch marks and damage and will need to be refinished every 7-10 years depending on its wear and tear. Further, hardwood doesn’t react well to moisture and can shrink or swell in size due to temperature changes. To prevent expansion, indoor humidity shouldn’t rise above 65%. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to regulate moisture levels during the summer. Avoid placing hardwood in areas that are prone to excess moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms. However, hardwood works well for bedrooms and living areas. The wood’s natural tone can add warmth and comfort to a room. Install hardwood across multiple rooms to integrate design and create flow. Based on its grain and color, choose the type of wood that best reflects the style of the space. Darker woods can look more formal and add contrast while lighter woods can increase the brightness and openness of an area.
Laminate
Often sold as an alternative to hardwood, laminate flooring is frequently selected due to its low cost and durable surface. Composed of a fiber board core and an outer design layer, laminate can mimic the appearance of natural wood, stone, or tile. The material is easy to install and can be placed over existing flooring to reduce costs. Laminate cannot be refinished, so its longevity will depend on the material’s quality. This can make laminate less attractive as a long-term option. However, it requires little extra care and is easy to wipe clean. It is prone to water damage though, so be diligent about cleaning up spills. Laminate’s surface is scratch resistant, making it great for high-traffic areas, such as a hallway or living room. Due to its variation in design, laminate can enhance the style and purpose of many rooms. Implement wood-like laminate in a living area for a natural and classic appearance. Choose a darker or lighter shade based on the intended tone of the space. Install laminate tile as a less costly and softer alternative to ceramic, porcelain and slate tiles. While laminate is not recommended for areas with excessive moisture, it can be placed in the kitchen and bathroom if you are careful about avoiding standing water.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is made from a flexible and soft material. Like laminate, vinyl can be engineered to resemble the design of natural wood, stone, or tile. The ease of installation and low cost wins many homeowners over. The material can be bought in sheets, planks, or tiles and installed onto the existing layer of flooring. Vinyl sheets are cut down to the desired size and glued to the subfloor, while many vinyl planks or tiles have peel-and-stick adhesive backings. Vinyl planks can also be installed as “floating” where the material is locked together using a tongue and groove system and not glued to the floorboard. The material defies both moisture and heavy use, but it has a shorter lifespan compared to tile and hardwood. Due to its durability, vinyl can be used throughout the home. The material is soft and sound absorbent. Whether it be a kitchen or living area, vinyl can be designed to suit the specific style and needs of the space. However, vinyl does not give off the same stylish finish as greater quality materials. It can come across as a less attractive and cheaper material, and it does not positively impact home value. Nevertheless, luxury vinyl flooring can more easily simulate the look and feel of real wood or tile.
Ceramic Tile
Made from fired clay and shale, ceramic tile is made to be durable. The tile can have a shiny, glazed finish or a natural, rough texture. Due to the material’s flexibility in shape, color and texture, it can complement many home designs. Depending on the type of tile, it will vary in expense but usually costs less than hardwood. Ceramic tile, specifically glazed ceramic and porcelain tile, is great for heavy-use areas due to its moisture and scratch resistance. However, the grout will need annual or semiannual cleaning to remove dirt and possible mildew. Ceramic tile should be re-grouted every 10-15 years due to the appearance of chips and cracks. Similar to hardwood, ceramic tile is difficult to install yourself. If you’re willing to spend the extra dollars and time for the installation, ceramic tile is a great choice. Due to their durability and texture, porcelain and other types of ceramic tile are often used for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Coming in various sizes, the tile can complement both large and small spaces. For a natural look, choose a tile that resembles slate or travertine, or go with glazed ceramic tile for a smooth and elegant finish.
Natural Stone
Coming directly from the earth, natural stone flooring is a timeless and sophisticated choice. Examples of natural stone flooring include granite, marble, and slate. Depending on the stone, it has varying levels of durability. For example, marble is susceptible to scratching while granite is a sturdier stone. Avoid using abrasive cleaners for natural stone because they may strip away the sealant or damage the stone. Nonetheless, natural stone is a high-quality and luxurious flooring choice. Similar to ceramic tile, natural stone is often used for kitchens and bathrooms because of its durability and water resistance. Natural stone is also slip resistant while ceramic tile is not. Depending on the style you are going for, there are different stone options. Because of their natural colors and coarse textures, stones like limestone and slate give off a rustic finish while sleeker stones like granite and marble bring elegance and sophistication to a design. Overall, natural stone is a beautiful choice that will increase the value of your home.
Carpet
Made from wool, polyester, and nylon, carpet is available in a variety of colors, textures and thicknesses. It’s easy to install and inexpensive, making it a popular option for large areas. Because carpet can be easily stained or torn up, it requires more upkeep than wood or tile. The fabric also hides allergens, like dust, pollen, and dirt. Luckily, carpet cleaners, or a quality vacuum, can be a relatively inexpensive way to maintain the product’s quality and longevity. Carpet is commonly used in bedrooms and intimate areas due to the warm and relaxed feel it provides. Its noise-cancelling ability makes it great for spaces that require larger levels of privacy.
As a large design element, flooring impacts the design of a space. Consider whether the material will aid the area’s desired style and function. Likewise, keep in mind the flooring’s cost and durability. Based on these factors, select the flooring best suited for your home. 
Kate Bernicke
Home & Yard Magazine
