Flooring Material Guide

JUNE, 2021

Countertop material guide

Flooring materials have the potential to totally change the look and feel of your space.

There are so many different types of flooring materials available that it can be hard to pinpoint which would work best for your space. We are going to walk you through pros and cons of the most common residential flooring materials to help make that decision a little easier. Those materials are: solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank or luxury vinyl tile, laminate, tile, and carpet.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood is our typical recommendation for anyone looking for a durable, low maintenance, high end product. It is an especially good choice for anyone concerned about non-toxic living and environmental sustainability. Solid wood flooring is made of solid wood throughout its entire thickness. Hardwood tends to be the option with the best warmth and character.

PROS:

– long term investment (can last a lifetime if maintained properly)

– large variety of wood species and wood grains

– easy maintenance

– can be sanded and refinished many times over the product lifespan

– non-toxic and environmentally friendly

– organic material

– increases value of home

CONS:

– expensive

– can expand and contract through the seasons in our climate

– not recommend to be installed in basements where floods can happen

– refinishing process can be a burden when the time comes

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is another very popular flooring material choice. Engineered wood flooring looks very similar on the surface to solid hardwood, but is made from a relatively thin layer of hardwood bonded over a substrate of high-quality plywood. Engineered flooring is somewhat less expensive than solid hardwood, but most types cannot be sanded and refinished since the surface hardwood layer is relatively thin. Engineered wood can be more stable of a structure in our climate.

PROS:

– long lasting if maintained properly

– some options can be less expensive than solid hardwood

– wider plank options

– variety of installation methods

CONS:

– most cannot be sanded and refinished

– tends to be one of the more expensive flooring options

– tends to have less color varieties than solid hardwood

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are composite products comprised of several layers. Both are a very resilient and low-maintenance flooring option. The bottom layer is a flexible base backer board made of PVC for stability. The central core is what makes most LVP products water resistant. Even though the core layer is not waterproof, it does provide the strength for the flooring product. On top of the core is the vinyl layer, which is printed with the pattern and color – traditionally mimicking wood or stone, followed by the wear layer.

The wear layer is a thin, clear protective coating that makes the flooring scratch and stain-resistant. The wear layer thickness typically determines the usage – thinner are residential and thicker wear layer planks are used for commercial floors.

PROS:

– tends to be more affordable than solid and engineered hardwood

– many different styles and colors to choose from

– can be used in a variety of applications

– water resistant (great option for basements)

– can replace individual pieces if needed (though can be labor intensive)

CONS:

– the material can scratch

– can sometimes look inexpensive

– some styles have visible bevels between planks that catch crumbs and dirt

Tile

Tile floors are most often used in kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, mudrooms, and laundry rooms. One of the major selling features of tiel flooring is that it is completely waterproof. Tile can be used in just about any room of the home and serves as a timeless option that will hold up to pets and kids.

PROS:

– the color and style options are endless

– you can install the tiles in a variety of unique patterns

– extremely durable

– easy to clean and maintain

– option for in-floor heat

CONS:

– installation labor is expensive

– must have proper underlayment or the tiles will crack and move overtime

– tiles have the potential to break if you drop heavy options on them

– grout lines can be difficult to clean and stain overtime

– can be hard on the feet

Laminate

Laminate flooring imitates wood flooring at a very low cost. It was developed decades ago as an inexpensive alternative to real wood. Today, laminate flooring options are much improved from what they used to be showcasing better quality overall and many wood species and tile looks to choose from.

A photographic process is used to create the design layer of laminate flooring — such as a high-resolution image of actual wood that’s extremely realistic. The image is printed and glued to a fiberboard core, backed by a bottom layer that’s treated to prevent moisture damage, and covered by a tough, clear top wear layer that resists scratches and dings.

PROS:

– extremely durable (highly recommended for homes with pets and kids)

– plank or tile option

– lightweight and easy to install

– inexpensive

CONS:

– susceptible to moisture damage

– can’t be refinished

– not an organic material

– may release VOCs due to chemicals in the material

Carpet

Carpet is a great, inexpensive option for a variety of spaces. It is most commonly used in bedrooms, living rooms, basements, and on stairs. Carpet and hardwood are the most commonly used flooring materials in homes.

PROS:

– soft on the feet and warm to the touch

– a quiet material that helps absorb sound

– many color and style options

– variety of textures and patterns available

– easy to install

CONS:

– can stain

– shows signs of wear overtime

– requires seams in large spaces

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