New flooring is a popular and reasonably quick way to enhance the look and style of your home. Whether you need to get rid of that old, stained carpet or are tired of looking at scratched and scuffed floors, getting some new flooring will definitely give your home a new look. Now the major decision is which of the new flooring options is the right fit for your style and budget. Here are some tips to get you started…
Related: 2023 Los Angeles Home Remodel Cost Guide
Here at GreatBuildz, we speak with clients every about the right flooring for their home remodel in Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura & San Diego Counties.
GreatBuildz is a free service that connects homeowners with reliable, pre-screened flooring contractors, then provides ongoing project support to ensure a stress-free experience.
How to Select the Right Residential Flooring for Your Home?
Choosing the proper flooring options for your house can be a difficult endeavor, but you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and tastes by considering the following things:
- The function of the room: Consider the room’s function and anticipated foot traffic. For instance, high-traffic rooms like the living room and kitchen will require a more durable flooring option than the bedroom. Carpets and luxury vinyl demand less upkeep than hardwood and tile flooring.
- Consider your lifestyle and how the flooring will be used. If you have children or pets, for instance, you may want to pick a more durable and stain-resistant flooring option. Decide on your budget and how much you are willing to spend on the project. Some flooring options, such as hardwood and tile, are more expensive than others, including laminate, carpet, and vinyl.
- Consider your home’s design and style, as well as how the flooring will complement the overall look and aesthetic. Pick colors and patterns that will complement your interior design. If sustainability is important to you, there are additional eco-friendly solutions, such as bamboo, cork, and repurposed wood.
Related: Essential Guide to Find a Quality Flooring Company For Your Home
Engineered Hardwood Flooring Options
Engineered hardwood flooring consists of layers of wood and other substances. The top layer consists of a thin veneer of genuine hardwood, while the below layers are comprised of plywood or other materials. The following alternatives are available in engineered hardwood flooring:
- Oak is a popular option for engineered hardwood flooring due to its durability and distinct grain pattern. Red Oak is also a popular hardwood that is known for its strength and tolerance to wear and strain. It is also reasonably inexpensive and may be stained to complement a range of interior design trends.
- Another popular option for engineered hardwood flooring is maple. It has a pale hue and a consistent grain pattern. Hickory is resilient and has a nice grain pattern. The Brazilian cherry style has a rich reddish color. It is suitable for high-traffic locations.
- Acacia is a hardwood style with a nice golden-brown hue and a distinctive grain pattern. Finally, Bamboo is an eco-friendly option for engineered hardwood flooring, and it is known for resilience and moisture resistance.
Styles of Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood flooring is available in a range of styles that replicate the appearance of solid hardwood flooring. There are many beautiful options available at a wide range of prices. Some of the most popular styles this year include:
- Wide-plank: This style is characterized by wider boards, commonly 6 inches or wider, and has a natural and rustic appearance. Considered a timeless style, its design is ideal for traditional and/or farmhouse-style homes.
- Hand-scraped and distressed hardwood: this flooring design has a rough surface that simulates the look of salvaged wood, and has a rustic and worn appearance. This style creates a nice look and character, making it a good fit for homes that want to accomplish an antique or rustic feel.
- The rough surface of wire-brushed engineered hardwood flooring resembles the look of salvaged or old hardwood, similar to a distressed look.
- Smooth-engineered hardwood flooring has a clean, contemporary appearance. The surface is smooth and devoid of roughness or blemishes. Similarly, high-gloss Engineered hardwood flooring has a high-gloss finish that looks modern and that could look right in a more modern or contemporary style home.
- Grey-toned hardwood has a grey look or undertones or looks ‘grey-washed’ which gives it a more trendy and contemporary appearance. This design trend is ideal for minimalist or contemporary homes.
- Mixed-width hardwood incorporates boards of varying widths, installed either randomly or in a predetermined pattern, and it gives the floor an interesting look, one with movement and visual appeal. This design style is ideal for homes with an eclectic or bohemian feel.
Vinyl Flooring Types
Vinyl is a popular residential flooring alternative constructed from multiple layers, including a plastic top layer with a printed image and several layers of MDF. There are numerous vinyl flooring options available, including:
- Sheet vinyl: these are large sheets of vinyl flooring that can be cut to size. It can be utilized in a range of environments, including kitchens and baths, and is very water resistant.
- Vinyl tiles are small vinyl flooring squares that can be put in a number of patterns. They are utilized frequently in kitchens, baths, and other high-traffic locations.
- Vinyl plank flooring is a newer product that resembles the appearance of hardwood flooring. It consists of long plank boards designed to resemble real wood while having some strength and water resistance.
- Luxury vinyl tile (LVT): An imitation of natural stone or ceramic tile, LVT is also a newer form of vinyl flooring. It consists of separate tiles that can be assembled in numerous designs.
Tile Flooring Options
Tile is a popular flooring option that is available in a wide range of materials, dimensions, and designs. Tile prices range from very cheap to extremely expensive, so there is a much greater price range among tile than other materials. Tile is also expensive to install. Among the most popular options for tile flooring are:
- Ceramic tile is a well-liked choice for tile flooring. It is manufactured from clay and other natural materials and is available in a vast array of colors, hues, patterns, and textures.
- Porcelain tile is comparable to ceramic tile but is constructed from denser, more resilient clay. It is available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes and is suitable for high-traffic and wet areas.
- Natural stone materials include granite, marble, and slate, and are extremely versatile. They can be rather costly, but they are long-lasting, resilient, and available in a vast array of colors and patterns.
- Mosaic tile flooring is composed of small, individual tiles placed in an assortment of patterns. Glass, ceramic, and stone are among the possible materials.
- Cement tile flooring is formed of concrete and can have various patterns, colors, and styles. It may be sealed for protection and is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use.
Laminate Flooring Options
Laminate flooring consists of numerous bonded layers of material. The top layer consists of an image of a natural wood or stone surface, while the lower layers are composed of high-density fiberboard or other materials. Laminate flooring can be designed to resemble hardwoods like oak, cherry, maple, etc. It may also resemble stone or tile. Laminate is available in styles such as smooth, high-gloss, hand-scraped, and distressed.
Laminate flooring is an excellent alternative for people in search of inexpensive, durable, and low-maintenance flooring material. It can be utilized in a variety of contexts and is available in a vast array of designs and patterns. In some instances, laminate flooring might be less expensive than carpet. It is simple to clean and maintain, and it is water-resistant. And because it is simple to install, the installation process may be completed rapidly. However, it does not often feel as substantial as hardwood underfoot.
Carpet Flooring Types
Although carpet is often the low-price alternative in terms of residential flooring, there are applications where the carpet is the ideal material. Many people like carpet in the bedrooms which creates a warmer environment and doesn’t get much wear and tear. Or if you live in a cold climate and prefer to have a warmer and padded surface underfoot. Some carpet options include:
- Berber carpet flooring has a looping pile and is often constructed of wool or synthetic fibers. It is renowned for its durability and stain resistance.
- Textured carpet flooring features a surface composed of various fiber types. It is renowned for its durability and stain resistance.
- Frieze carpet has a twisted pile that gives increased durability and a casual, informal appearance.
- Patterned: The surface of patterned carpet flooring is composed of a variety of various fibers arranged in a certain pattern. It is available in an extensive range of patterns and styles.
- Plush carpet has pile that is uniformly trimmed to create a clean, smooth appearance. It is dense and composed of closely tufted strands.
Most Durable Flooring Solutions for High-Traffic Areas
- Hardwood flooring is renowned for its resilience and longevity. With the appropriate care and maintenance, it can survive decades. Additionally, it is resistant to wear and tear and may be refinished numerous times to eliminate nicks and scratches.
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles are incredibly resilient and can last a long time as well. In addition, they are resistant to moisture and stains, making them an excellent option for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-traffic areas. But be careful not to drop kitchen items on the tile as they can easily crack.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): These are gaining in popularity, and because they are created from synthetic materials, and are scratch-, stain-, and moisture-resistant. In addition, they offer a realistic appearance and can imitate the look of hardwood or stone.
- Concrete flooring is incredibly resilient and can last for many years. Additionally, it is very low-maintenance and may be protected against stains and dampness.
- Bamboo flooring is noted for its resilience and durability. It is tougher than the majority of hardwoods and resistant to denting and scratches. Additionally, it absorbs less water and is naturally resistant to insects.
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Not sure how to decide on the best flooring options for your home? Let GreatBuildz help streamline your renovation experience—we’ll connect you with screened and dependable flooring contractors in Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, and San Diego. We’ll also give you project support so you can turn your inspiration into reality.
Call now (818.317.3567) to chat with a real person about your next renovation project or visit our website for more information: www.greatbuildz.com
