Choosing Flooring for Your Home
There are six popular flooring materials used in homes today and some new products on the market. Let’s go through each type, weigh the pros and cons, see how much they cost, and show you how to install them yourself.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood has been the top choice in flooring for a long time because of its aesthetic appeal and long-term return on investment (ROI).
The cost? Typical hardwood is around $7 per square foot. Expect to pay a professional $2.50 per square foot for nail-down installation (more for expensive wood and designs). Refinishing hardwood flooring averages $3 to $8 per square foot.
Pros:
- available in many colours and styles
- high ROI
- can be resurfaced every 3 to 5 years
- best for shared living spaces
Cons:
- expensive compared to other flooring materials
- can develop scrapes, scratches and dents over time
- can incur moisture damage
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is very affordable and can look like wood, tile or stone but without the cost, maintenance or wear and tear. It’s scratch-resistant and water-resistant, with a click-lock design that makes it easy to install.
The cost to install laminate floors averages between $2.70 and $10 per square foot.
Pros
- Low cost
- Easy maintenance
Cons
- Variable quality
- Sensitive to temperature fluctuations
- Jambs and posts of larger windows must be steel-reinforced to be sufficiently solid
Vinyl or Linoleum
In the past, vinyl flooring was considered a cheap-looking alternative to other flooring types. Today, synthetic flooring is durable and made to mimic wood, ceramic and stone. It’s available in a variety of forms: plank, tile, sheet, peel & stick, glue down plank, and click lock plank.
The cost? $3 to $5 per square foot in material and $2 to $2.50 in labour costs.
Pros:
- water-resistant and waterproof options
- scratch- and stain-resistant
- affordable
- versatile
- great for high-traffic areas
- easy to maintain
- DIY installation possible
Cons
- lower ROI vs. wood or laminate
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are great choices for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas.
The cost? $6 to $8 per square foot for porcelain and $3 to $5 for ceramic.
Pros:
- a variety of looks and designs
- durable
- non-porous or waterproof
- great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways
Cons:
- one of the most expensive options
- difficult to install
- can chip and scratch under heavy use
Natural Stone Tile
Natural stone includes granite, marble, travertine and sandstone tiles. Some stones (like travertine) are more durable than others. A number of finish options are available but require different amounts of care to stay looking good. For example, a polished marble surface will show scratches and scuffs more quickly than a tumbled one.
The cost? Between $800 and $3,000 for materials and labour. It’s best to hire a stone floor professional because of the difficulty of the project and the weight of the tiles.
Pros:
- durable
- insulated for warmth
- many styles, colours and shapes
- great for radiant heating
- eco-friendly
- great for homes with kids or pets
Cons:
- one of the most expensive options
- can easily chip or scratch
- some stone tile types are porous
- expensive repairs
Carpet
Carpet is a popular flooring choice, especially for bedrooms.
The cost? $3.50 to $11 per square foot. Installing a carpet pad averages $3.75 per square foot.
Pros:
- cost-effective
- soft and warm on feet
- many colours and designs
- great for soundproofing
- stain-resistant options
Cons:
- difficult to maintain – clean professionally at least once a year
- can absorb smells
- not great for homes with pets
- not recommended for moisture-prone areas (kitchen, bathroom)
New or Alternative Flooring Ideas
There are some other unique flooring materials that look great and come with convenience, health, or environmental advantages.
Rubber
-
- poured material
- non-slip surface
- $4-$12 per square foot
- great for the kitchen, indoor gym or play area
Parquet
- wood pieces arranged in a mosaic pattern
- usually costs more than other wood styles
- great for formal spaces
Terrazzo
- composite made of natural stone chips and resin
- dazzling design
- $25-$90 per square foot
- works well indoors and outdoors, depending on the style
Marmoleum
- sustainable vinyl alternative
- custom construction
- $3.25-$9 per square foot
- great for bathrooms and kitchens
Bamboo
- eco-friendly and wood-like
- moisture resistant
- $5.50-$12 per square foot
- better for kitchens and decks than most woods
- Install video: How to Install Bamboo Flooring (Tongue & Groove - Over Underlay)
Cork
- low VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
- fire-resistant
- sound-blocking
- $5-$14 per square foot
- best for quiet areas
- Install video: How to Install Cork Flooring- Cork Flooring Installation Made Easy
The House
Explore the different components of the house.
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