Today owners have wide choices for home flooring. Because of the vast number of flooring options, it is not always easy for the homeowner to decide which one is the best. It is important for the homeowner to also understand that the most popular flooring in a new home depends on several factors that include the following:

  • Cost: Hardwood and engineered hardwood are the most expensive type of flooring
  • Type of home and rooms: For example, popular thought has it that carpet is best suited for the bedroom and tiles are ideal for the bathroom
  • Maintenance: The amount of maintenance required should always be considered
  • Ease of installation and removal: Laminate is easy to install but because it is attached to the floor with adhesive glue, it can be hard to remove if you need to replace it
  • Climate: The climate of the environment of the home needs to be factored in the decision, such as high heat and humidity. For example, hardwood does not tolerate moisture and dampness well.
  • Children: If you have children, carpet is recommended as it can help cushion any falls
  • Pets: If you have pets, carpets are not recommended as many types are not stain-resistant and they tend to retain odor
  • Value: if you want to increase the value of your home, then install hardwood or engineered wood
  • Longevity: If you want flooring to last, then hardwood should be your choice as it will last for many decades

 

Below we provide a list of the most popular floorings in a new home:

  1. Carpets have always been the traditional favorite flooring for many homes. Carpets provide a warm and comfortable look, plus it is easy to walk on and safe, especially if you have children. There are many styles, designs, and colors of fabrics to match almost any decor of the home. But, in reality, carpet flooring is best limited to the bedroom and the living areas. The newer carpet fabrics are easy to maintain, are stain-resistant, and easy to install. Carpets are a good choice for those on a tight budget, have no pets, and live in a “dry” home. If well maintained, carpet flooring can last many years.
  2. Hardwood is fast becoming the flooring choice for many new homes, not only in Florida but nationwide. This particular type of flooring is very aesthetically pleasing, is available in many styles, imparts a sense of elegance, and increases the home’s value, thanks to its characteristics. Hardwood is available as unfinished or prefinished flooring. It is available in many varieties, including oak, maple, hickory, mahogany, cedar, etc. While easy to clean and maintain, hardwood flooring has two negatives: 1) it is slightly more expensive compared to other flooring materials, and 2) it does not tolerate excess humidity well. If you want your hardwood flooring to last, all spills must be cleaned up quickly to prevent warping. If affordability is not an issue, then hardwood is one of the best flooring options for Florida homes.
  3. Laminate is also a very popular option for home flooring. Unlike in the past, the latest laminate products are more durable and of better quality. More importantly, laminate can be styled to mimic hardwood or ceramic. Laminate is ideal for Florida homes because it is moisture-resistant, long-lasting, and easy to clean and maintain. Laminate flooring is recommended in places like the kitchen and the porch. Because it is scratch- and stain-resistant, it is also a good choice for families with pets and children. The two downsides to laminate flooring are that it cannot be refinished, and it is often hard to replace and/or repair.
  4. Tile is also a fashionable home flooring choice. Ceramic and porcelain tiles are not only durable and waterproof but are also easy to clean and maintain. Tiles are ideal for the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry rooms where moisture is common. Today, ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in many styles, sizes, designs, and colors. Besides the floor, tiles can also be used on countertops, walls, and even around the fireplace. Some of the common types of tile flooring include marble, porcelain, ceramic, and granite. Best of all, tiles will keep the home nice and cool, which is preferred in Florida.
  5. Vinyl flooring was once a very common type of flooring in many homes. However, the first generation of vinyl flooring looked tacky and cheap. But much has changed in the world of vinyl. The latest luxury vinyl flooring is not only aesthetically beautiful, but it portrays elegance. Vinyl is considered the best flooring for areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms. Not only is vinyl easy to clean and maintain, but it can also stand up to heavy foot traffic. Vinyl floors can be easily installed and at a relatively low cost.
  6. Natural stone tile flooring is fast catching on in Florida homes. There is no question about it; natural stone will make any home look glamorous. It is available in marble, granite, and sandstone. While extremely durable and relatively easy to clean, natural stone flooring is also an expensive undertaking. The other downside to natural stone is that it is prone to scratches and small cracks, which can be expensive to repair. But if you have the money and are looking for elegant flooring that will increase the home value, you will not go wrong with natural stone tiles.

 

Conclusion

There are pros and cons to every type of flooring. With the wide variety of choices, selecting the best flooring for your home can be difficult. To know more about home flooring, speak to a professional who can help determine which type is best for your home. At the same time, do your research; the more you know about flooring, the less likely you will be to make the wrong choice.