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Quick answer: Common types of flooring for homes include:
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Your floors are more than just another surface to walk on; they help set the tone of your entire home. Whether you’re trying to modernize your space or achieve a different feel, choosing the right flooring can make a huge difference.
From hardwood to tile, the flooring options can seem endless. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each flooring type, allowing you to make an informed decision that fits your design preferences, lifestyle, and budget.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular option for homeowners looking for durability and ease of maintenance. Choosing the right vinyl flooring comes down to how you install vinyl and the materials used. Sheets are 100% synthetic material and contain no wood. Tile and planks are long-lasting and have a realistic, wood-like appearance.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and high-traffic areas
Comes in: Planks (LVP), tiles (LVT), sheets
Periodic maintenance: Mop with warm water and a mild detergent
Average residential lifespan: 10-20 years
Average Price: $5 per square foot
Top features:
- Easy installation
- Water resistance
- Durability
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring offers a classic and timeless appeal that adds significant value to a home. Made of 100% hardwood milled from real lumber, hardwood flooring will never go out of style. Types of hardwood flooring include finished and unfinished.
When installed properly, solid hardwood floors add substantial value to homes and can be continuously sanded and refinished. However, the cost of hardwood flooring can be expensive.
Best for: Above ground level, high-traffic areas, and high-humidity areas
Comes in: Planks, parquet
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner
Average residential lifespan: 30-100 years
Average price: $15 per square foot
Top features:
- Long lifespan
- Easy maintenance
- High value
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is a more eco-friendly and flexible alternative to traditional hardwood. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered flooring contains a real-wood veneer on top of a plywood base layer, giving a realistic look.
Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install than solid hardwood and is often compatible with radiant heating. And while engineered wood flooring can be as expensive as solid hardwood, it can’t be refinished as often.
Best for: Basements, kitchens, and bathrooms
Comes in: Planks, parquet
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and use a mild cleaning solution
Average residential lifespan: 20-40 years
Average Price: $10 per square foot
Top Features:
- Noise reduction
- Scratch and dent resistance
- Eco-friendly
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options available today. Made from wood materials, the fiberboard core contains an image of wood grain beneath a transparent wear layer.
Not to be confused with vinyl, laminate flooring offers the look of real wood at an affordable price. It’s also easy to install and generally eco-friendly. However, laminate can’t be refinished and adds little value to homes. Cheaper options can also look and feel fake.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements
Comes in: Planks, tiles
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and laminate floor cleaner
Average residential lifespan: 10-25 years
Average price: $5 per square foot
Top features:
- Easy installation
- Low maintenance
- Budget-friendly
Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring combines the best elements of laminate and vinyl flooring. Hybrid floors feature a composite core board with an acoustic underlay. They also sport a commercial-grade protective coating with a printed layer.
Like vinyl and laminate, hybrid flooring is low maintenance and waterproof. It’s on the more expensive side, and lower-quality wood patterns don’t always replicate the look of natural wood.
Best for: Commercial spaces and high-humidity areas
Comes in: Planks
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner
Average residential lifespan: 15-25 years
Average price: $20 per square foot
Top Features:
- Waterproof
- Low maintenance
- Durability
Carpet
Carpet offers unmatched comfort and warmth, making it ideal for bedrooms and living areas. Carpet often gets overlooked for trendier options such as wood, but it’s a comfortable and budget-friendly choice for bedrooms and family rooms.
Carpet remains superior in terms of warmth, softness, and sound insulation. However, it doesn’t add much value for home buyers, requires professional cleaning, and can hold dirt and other allergens more than other flooring types.
Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, and basements
Comes in: Rolls, tiles
Periodic maintenance: Deep clean with a carpet cleaner or hire a professional
Average residential lifespan: 5-15 years
Average price: $7 per square foot
Top Features:
- Noise reduction
- Comfort and warmth
- Budget-friendly
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwood. Bamboo functions similarly to hardwood due to its sturdiness. It’s also a renewable material, making it perfect for eco-conscious homeowners. Types of bamboo flooring include horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven.
Highly durable and less expensive than hardwood, bamboo is relatively easy to maintain. However, bamboo doesn’t do well in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and basements. It’s also easy to scratch and show wear and tear.
Best for: Living rooms and bedrooms
Comes in: Planks
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a bamboo-specific cleaner
Average residential lifespan: 20-25 years
Average price: $10 per square foot
Top Features:
- Eco-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Budget-friendly
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is a durable and eco-friendly flooring choice made from natural materials. Another distant cousin of vinyl, linoleum flooring is made to last. It’s made of natural materials such as linseed oil, jute, cork powder, and wood flour.
Linoleum can be installed in virtually any part of the house. If you need kitchen floor ideas, linoleum is very resistant to water and scratches and does not emit VOCs. Still, it can be susceptible to dents from furniture legs and may darken or turn yellow if exposed to direct sunlight.
Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, and high-humidity areas
Comes in: Sheets, tiles, planks
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner
Average residential lifespan: 20-40 years
Average price: $4 per square foot
Top features:
- Eco-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Water resistance
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring brings timeless elegance and durability to any space. One of the oldest flooring types, stone flooring has lasted this long for a reason. Stone floors are made of natural rock, including marble, granite, slate, and sandstone.
Stone floors are always in style, whether placed indoors or outdoors. They can also be energy-efficient, keeping rooms cool or warm depending on the season and climate. However, some stones are prone to water damage and can be slippery when wet. If you select a stone floor, you may need to seal it; we recommend checking with the manufacturer for detailed information.
Best for: Outdoor areas, commercial spaces
Comes in: Tiles, slabs
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone
Average residential lifespan: 50-100+ years
Average price: $5 per square foot
Top features:
- Timeless appearance
- Durability
- Temperature control
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is a resilient and shock-absorbent option often used in gyms and garages since it withstands foot traffic well. Made of recycled rubber from tires, sports equipment, and shoes, rubber floors are water-resistant and can even act as a flame retardant.
If you plan on installing rubber flooring in your home, be sure to select a low-VOC or solid rubber option to enjoy the benefits of rubber flooring while helping to mitigate potential health risks. Additionally, it can take longer to install and can cost more than other materials.
Best For: Garages, home gyms, and high-impact areas
Comes in: Tiles, rolls, mats
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a mild detergent and warm water
Average residential lifespan: 20-30 years
Average price: $10 per square foot
Top features:
- Durability
- Flame retardant
- Shock absorption
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a newer, eco-friendly option that provides comfort and warmth underfoot. Like other renewable materials, cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree.
Cork material naturally repels insects as well as mold and mildew. It’s also a slip-resistant option for older adults. Unfortunately, cork isn’t as durable as other materials and can be prone to damage. Like linoleum, it’s also prone to fading under direct sunlight. If you select cork flooring, it will need to be sealed to protect its longevity.
Best for: Home gyms, basements, and bathrooms
Comes in: Tiles, planks
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for cork floors
Average residential lifespan: 10-30 years
Average price: $10 per square foot
Top features:
- Insect repellant
- Slip-resistant
- Eco-friendly
Tile
Tile is a versatile and long-lasting flooring option used in many homes. Tile has been popular for a long time thanks to its various style options and other benefits. Common types of tile flooring include ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, and slate.
If you need ideas for bathroom floors, tile is a great choice—it’s water-resistant and easy to maintain. However, tile can be expensive compared to other flooring types. It can also be prone to cracks and chips.
Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-humidity areas
Comes in: Various shapes and sizes
Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp, warm mop and mild detergent
Average residential lifespan: 50+ years
Average price: $20 per square foot
Top features:
- Easy to repair
- Durable
- Water resistance
How to Choose the Best Flooring Type for Your Needs
New flooring isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade, functionality plays a big role in picking out the right flooring for the space. Other important deciding factors you may want to consider when choosing the best flooring type for your needs include:
Budget
Cost is a major consideration for most homeowners. While calculating the cost of materials and labor, don’t forget to factor in the removal of your current flooring and any ongoing maintenance.
Comfort
While hard floors are good for busy households, they’re not always the most comfortable. Find a balance between the two that suits you, such as carpet in bedrooms and tile or hardwood in the kitchen and living room.
Durability
Different types of flooring require more maintenance than others. Consider the amount of foot traffic in your home and the flooring best suited for withstanding high-impact activity.
Style
Nobody knows your personal taste better than you. From colors to textures, the possibilities are endless. Take your current decor into consideration, along with any new design plans, as you pick out the best flooring type for your home.
Installation
Will you be doing a DIY install or leave it to a seasoned professional? If you have the tools, know-how, and patience to install your preferred flooring type, you’ll earn bragging rights at the least. If precision and saving time are more important to you choose a flooring contractor who is licensed, insured, and able to provide references.
Install Any Type of Floor the Right Way With Mr. Handyman
Once you’ve found the perfect type of flooring for your home, give Mr. Handyman® a call for professional flooring installation. Our trained service professionals have years of experience installing virtually all types of flooring and can even help you decide which type of flooring would be best for your home. Give us a call or request service today, and rest easy knowing our work is backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise® which ensures your satisfaction.
Flooring Types FAQs
Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about flooring types.
What flooring type is best?
The best flooring type is subjective and largely depends on your budget, how you utilize each space in your home, and personal preference. Carpet is a popular choice for noise reduction, while stone can increase your home’s value.
What are the three basic types of flooring?
The three most popular flooring types are hardwood, vinyl, and carpet. Hardwood and vinyl add value to your home, while carpet remains a great option for comfort and reducing noise.
What are the disadvantages of vinyl flooring?
Vinyl flooring has two major disadvantages. For one, it can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air at room temperature. For the other, it tears easily and can be difficult to repair.
Which is better: Vinyl or laminate flooring?
Whether vinyl or laminate is the better flooring option for your space will ultimately depend on your needs and lifestyle. High-quality vinyl tends to outperform laminate when it comes to durability and water resistance.
Which lasts longer: Vinyl or laminate?
Vinyl flooring tends to last longer than laminate flooring due to its synthetic makeup, which can better protect against moisture and wear and tear; it can also better withstand heavy foot traffic. Most vinyl flooring will last 10-20 years or longer with proper care, while laminate flooring will generally last for 5-10 years; however, some high-quality laminates are available that can last up to 15 years.
What is the most popular type of flooring in homes today?
Hardwood remains the most popular flooring type. It’s resilient, strong, and has a timeless aesthetic. Buyers looking to eventually sell their home often invest in solid hardwood floors to increase their property’s value.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
