A Guide to Different and Popular Flooring

Choosing the right from popular flooring for your home can be a difficult decision when you realise just how much you need to consider. From the aesthetic and price to the durability and maintenance of each floor, you have a lot to navigate through.

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is a timeless classic that adds warmth and elegance to any room and any home. They’ve been popular flooring for hundreds of years and for good reason. They’re beautiful, durable and long-lasting.

Pros:

With the proper care and maintenance, solid wood flooring will last you a lifetime.
It’s easy to clean too, just a regular vacuum or sweep will do the job.
You’ve got a lot of styles to choose from too. There are different species, stains, patterns and so on.
Solid wood flooring is versatile, meaning it can easily match your home interior; whether it’s modern or traditional.
You can refinish and sand this floor when it begins to look dull, making it look shiny and brand new!
It can also add value to your home.

Cons:

One of the biggest downsides to this beautiful flooring is the price. Though it’s cost-effective in the long run, solid wood flooring is expensive.
Wood is sensitive to moisture, meaning it can expand or shrink if there’s too much or too little humidity in the air. This can then cause problems for your floor.
It isn’t waterproof!

Engineered Wood Flooring

Replicating the elegance of solid wood, engineered wood flooring is another strong contender for you to consider. With a thin surface layer made of solid wood, and the core consisting of softwood, plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF), no one will be able to tell it’s engineered wood.

Pros:

Against its traditional counterpart, engineered wood flooring is a more affordable alternative.
It’s easy to install, making it a great DIY project, which also cuts down on the installation costs.
Due to its construction, engineered wood flooring is warp-resistant. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about your floor shrinking or swelling due to moisture and temperature changes.
Engineered wood flooring is also durable and should last you a long time!

Cons:

Compared to other flooring options, this isn’t the cheapest choice.
Like solid wood flooring, it requires regular maintenance to keep it in the best condition.
Engineered wood flooring can only be sanded and refinished a few times because of the veneer.
It also isn’t waterproof. Although, it is more water-resistant than solid wood flooring.

Engineered wood flooring is great for active areas too: hallways, dining rooms and living rooms.

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Mimicking the appearance of real wood, stone and other natural materials, luxury vinyl tile flooring is a cost-effective option for busy homes.

Pros:

Luxury vinyl tile flooring is incredibly durable and often used in active spaces.
It’s resistant to moisture and dampness too.
The installation process is easy, making it a good DIY project for you if that’s what you’re after.
LVT is easy to maintain, only needing a routine sweep and a weekly mop.
One of the most compelling parts about LVT is that it’s a budget-friendly flooring choice.

Cons:

As durable as LVT is, vinyl is a soft material. This leaves it vulnerable to dents, marks and other damage.
The outer layer of LVT isn’t UV resistant, meaning it can fade from too much sunlight. So, it’s best to avoid putting it in rooms like conservatories.
It isn’t sustainable due to the materials used.
Unlike wood flooring, it won’t add value to your home.

Laminate

Laminate is a synthetic flooring capable of mimicking real wood or stone. It’s composed of a plywood or fibreboard core with protective and insulating layers.

Pros:

Laminate floors are very durable. They can handle an active environment and they don’t scratch or scuff easily.
It’s affordable too, making it a popular choice for all kinds of budgets.
Like LVT, it’s easy to install as a DIY project, helping you cut down on installation costs.
You can get UV-resistant and waterproof options to help with the longevity.
It’s easy to maintain too!

Cons:

Laminate flooring can’t be refinished due to its composite construction.
Despite being able to replicate real wood or stone flooring, it does retain an artificial appearance.
Whilst you can get waterproof options, it’s best to avoid excessive water as it can seep into the seams.

Laminate flooring is great for areas like hallways and kitchens.

Carpet

Soft and comfortable underfoot, carpets are a popular choice in homes. They provide a cosy atmosphere, making your home warm and welcoming.

Pros:

Carpet is warm as it’s better at insulation. This makes it pleasant to walk on, especially in the winter.
Due to its cushioning underfoot, carpet quietens any noise you make whilst walking.
There’s a wide range of colours and patterns for you to choose from.
It’s cheaper than wood flooring.

Cons:

It requires a lot of maintenance. With regular vacuuming to clean up the dirt and dust it captures. You may also need to hire professional cleaning services.
It isn’t waterproof and any spills can seep into carpet, causing mould to grow. This can create health problems too.
It traps stains and odours easily.

Carpets are best suited in bedrooms and living rooms.

Conclusion

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different types and styles of flooring options. This can make it an overwhelming and intimidating experience when you need to replace yours. Yet with so much variety, you can nail down what you want. You’ll be able to find something to match your budget, whilst balancing aesthetics, durability and maintenance.

Whether you choose between timeless and elegant solid wood flooring or engineered wood flooring. Enduring decades of resilience and reliability. The more cost-effective options of luxury vinyl tiles or laminate flooring. Capable of replicating natural floors at a cheaper price. Or a classic cosy carpet with a wide range of colours and patterns for you to choose from.