When you’re planning to remodel your entire home, choosing your flooring is one of the most critical decisions you’ll have to make. The floors are the foundation of your home’s design, and many types of flooring will give you both a great look and durability. Hardwood, vinyl, laminate, porcelain or ceramic tile, carpet, and natural stone tile are among the most popular choices in contemporary flooring design, and you can mix and match them to suit your unique tastes and your family’s needs. Here’s a guide to choosing different types of flooring as well as some of the benefits and drawbacks of each one.
Initial Considerations
When you’re deciding on which flooring will work best in your home, start by figuring out what you need based on several important factors, including:
- Room type – some types of flooring, such as hardwood and carpet, may not be the ideal choice for every space
- Family needs – if you have small kids or pets, you’ll probably want flooring that’s scratch-resistant and spill-proof
- Cost – flooring prices vary widely, so know ahead of time what your budget can handle
- Aesthetics – if you’re going for a specific look, certain types of flooring will work better than others
Flooring Types
The most popular types of flooring materials used in homes today fall into six general categories, from eco-friendly laminate to budget-friendly vinyl to classic hardwood. Use the guide below to analyze the key areas in your home and choose which type of flooring meets the challenges in each room as you plan your home remodel.
Hardwood
Hardwood has been the most popular choice among homeowners for years because of its classic look that adds warmth to any space. It’s ideal for shared living spaces, such as dining rooms, living rooms, and family rooms, and there are a variety of styles and colors to choose from. In addition, hardwood provides a high return on investment, so keep this in mind if you plan to sell your home in the future.
Wood is more expensive than some other top flooring materials, and it can suffer moisture damage as well as scratches, scrapes, and dents with time. Hardwood floors can be resurfaced every 3–5 years, which typically costs $3 to $8 per square foot. Installation costs for wood flooring average between $6 and $12 per square foot for labor and materials, but these numbers can go quite a bit higher depending on the type of wood and design you choose.
Laminate
Laminate flooring has several benefits to consider. It’s cheaper than hardwood, easier to install, and durable (which makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas), and it comes in a variety of styles, including ones that look like natural wood.
On the other hand, laminate can be prone to moisture damage, so it’s not well suited as bathroom or kitchen flooring. San Diego homeowners should be aware laminate can also be hard to repair if it’s damaged. Installation costs for laminate floors average between $3 and $10 per square foot.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is an extremely versatile material that can allow you to create both formal and informal looks. While it isn’t quite as popular as more high-end materials, this synthetic flooring is a budget-friendly choice that’s extremely durable, and there are varieties that mimic the appearance of stone, wood, and ceramic tile. Luxury vinyl tiles usually imitate stone, and luxury vinyl planks typically imitate wood, and both deliver a realistic look. Vinyl is perfect for high-traffic areas, it’s super easy to maintain, and it holds up well against moisture and ultraviolet rays. Vinyl can be a great choice for basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and enclosed porches or sunrooms.
You can even install vinyl yourself, but if you choose not to go the DIY route, the cost to have it professionally installed can range from $3.50 to $15 per square foot.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
For moisture-prone or high-traffic areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways, consider durable ceramic or porcelain tile flooring. This beautiful option is waterproof or nonporous, and tiles are available in a variety of designs and finishes.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are among the most expensive options, and they can get scratched and chipped if they undergo heavy use. They’re also difficult to install, so you’ll definitely need to hire a pro. Installation costs for ceramic or porcelain tile floors depend on the type of tile you choose, and they can average anywhere from $13.50 to $83 per square foot.
Natural Stone Tile
This classic flooring option includes marble, granite, sandstone, and travertine. Natural stone is eco-friendly, extremely durable, and fantastic for radiant heating because it’s insulated for warmth. You can find natural stone tile in many shapes, colors, and styles.
This is one of the most expensive options, and it can scratch or chip easily. Repairs can be pricey, and because of the weight of the tile and the difficulty of the installation process, you need to hire a professional to install it for you. The costs of installing a natural stone floor average between $800 and $3,000 for labor and materials.
Carpet
For many homeowners, carpet is still a favorite, especially when it comes to bedrooms. It’s warm and soft for bare feet to walk on, and it’s a great way to muffle sound coming from other parts of the house. Carpet is one of the cheapest materials you can use, and it comes in a huge variety of colors and designs. You can also get stain-resistant varieties that make cleaning spills and spots a lot easier.
Carpet can be difficult to maintain and may need to be professionally cleaned every year or so. It can absorb smells, so it’s not the best choice for homes with pets, and it’s not a good option for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Costs for carpet installation average $3.50 to $11 per square foot, along with approximately $3.75 per square foot to install a carpet pad.
Finding the floors you love is one of the best ways to ensure you’ll be happy with your home remodel when it’s done. The design team from Forever Builders, one of the top remodeling and flooring companies San Diego homeowners rely on for honesty and impeccable service, will help you choose exactly the right flooring for your needs, and we’ll install it quickly, correctly, and efficiently. From design choices to installation, we’ll help you create the home of your dreams while keeping your costs within budget. To find out more about our exceptional flooring and remodeling services, give one of our friendly team members a call today at (833) 243-5624.