There are many different flooring options on the market now and it can feel overwhelming to select the one best suited for your lifestyle and your home. Here are some popular flooring options and their advantages and the disadvantages.
Solid Hardwood
This is a traditional flooring type that is extremely durable. Hardwood flooring is available in many different types of wood, such as cherry, oak, maple, walnut, bamboo, mahogany and ash. Its natural beauty adds warmth to any room. It also complements many different styles of decor such as traditional or modern. Hardwood floors are easy to clean and maintain. Furthermore, it is an excellent choice for allergy sufferers since, unlike carpets, there are no fibers to trap dander, pollen or dust. In addition, hardwood floors increase the value of a house. Hardwood floors are expensive. However, a properly-maintained wood floor will not need to be replaced every 10 years like other flooring options. Wood floors can be dented and scratched over time. Re sanding and staining is commonly done to rectify this problem and can be easily fixed.
Engineered hardwood
This is plywood material underneath real wood. This is a good choice for people who live in humid climates because the plywood makes it less likely to warp. Overall, it has the same advantages and disadvantages of hardwood floors. Some pros to this flooring option are that it's fine for humid environments, has warmth with real wood, comes in wide planks, and is great for resale. Some cons are that it is expensive, not waterproof, and can be dented or scratched easily. Engineered hardwood floors are a great option for people living in humid climates.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP)
Luxury vinyl flooring is made from PVC-based materials which makes it very durable. It is quieter and warmer than laminate floors. LVP is an option that gives you the look of hardwood but at a more affordable price. It is also waterproof which makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and other high-traffic areas of your home. This option is also ideal for rental or investment properties or people with children or pets. LVP is a popular flooring choice but can’t compare with hardwood in terms of resale appeal.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is another affordable option. It is easy to install, is scratch and water resistant and very easy to clean. There are also a wide variety of colors and patterns to choose from. The disadvantage to laminate is that eventually it must be replaced. You cannot re sand and refinish laminate like you can with hardwood. However, laminate flooring typically lasts 15-25 years. Laminate is similar to LVP in that it isn’t as beneficial as hardwood in terms of resale. Laminate is a good option for those who want the look of wood but for a lower price.
Cork
Cork is an eco-friendly, natural flooring option. It is made from the bark of the cork tree. It is also biodegradable. Some advantages of cork flooring are: good thermal and insulating qualities, is eco-friendly and great for allergies (it is made without formaldehyde adhesives and emits zero volatile organic compounds), and it is easy to install and maintain. Today there are many more colors to choose from and there are waterproof cork floors, as well. Warranties for cork range from 1-25 years. Some disadvantages of cork are that it is not as durable as other materials, can be damaged easily (especially by pets), and can get faded by sunlight. This is a great option for homeowners who are keen about using a green option and do not have any pets.
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