Find Your Favorite Flooring
Nowadays, heading to your local hardware store to select new flooring can cause a major headache. From stone to laminate, the options are more varied than ever. Fortunately, this ultimate guide will help you find one that fits your personal taste, lifestyle, and budget.
![how-to-pick-your-flooring-carpet](https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/how-to-pick-your-flooring-carpet-card.jpg)
Carpet
Pros
- Comes in a variety of styles and color
- Delivers thermal resistance to retain warm air
- Softens slips and falls
Cons
- Requires a high level of maintenance
- Easily attracts dirt and stains
- Has a shorter life span than other options
![how-to-pick-your-flooring-tile](https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/how-to-pick-your-flooring-tile-card.jpg)
Porcelain Tile
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting
- Requires little maintenance
- Increases the value of your property
Cons
- Pricier than other types of tile
- Installation is time-consuming
- Grout makes upkeep difficult
![how-to-pick-your-flooring-hardwood](https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/how-to-pick-your-flooring-hardwood-card.jpg)
Hardwood
Pros
- Durable and requires minimal cleaning
- Increases your home’s resale value
- Available in several types of wood
Cons
- Installation can be costly
- Scratched surfaces will need to be refinished
- Can require an area rug
![how-to-pick-your-flooring-vinyl](https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/how-to-pick-your-flooring-vinyl-card.jpg)
Vinyl
Pros
- Stands up well to heavy foot traffic
- Less expensive to install, and easy to maintain
- Broad range of colors and patterns
Cons
- Can be damaged by sharp objects
- Colors can fade with direct exposure to sunlight
- Cannot be refinished, and must be replaced
![how-to-pick-your-flooring-tile](https://americanlifestylemag.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/how-to-pick-your-flooring-tile-card.jpg)
Laminate
Pros
- More affordable than regular hardwood
- DIY installation is easy
- Easy to maintain and clean
Cons
- Susceptible to staining and warping from standing water
- Lower return on investment compared to regular hardwood
- Louder than carpet or vinyl
How to find the best flooring for your needs
- Location
Are you putting the flooring in a high-traffic area or a space that’s prone to moisture, like a bathroom or a laundry room? It wouldn’t be wise to put carpet in a bathroom or vinyl in a sunroom. - Aesthetic
The flooring should match your interior design scheme. Consider the themes of each room and the colors to help you select the correct material. - Longevity
How long are you expecting the floor to last? While hardwood lasts for years with minimal maintenance, carpet gets worn out faster and requires heavy cleaning. - Maintenance
How much wear and tear will your flooring receive? If you have little ones or pets running around, you’ll want to avoid carpet and stick with a material that hides dirt and stains. - Budget
This is perhaps the most important factor. It’s best to keep an open mind! Be sure to measure the space, and price shop for a few other materials.
Upgrading your interior can be a headache, but knowing how to select the right type of flooring for you will make a world of a difference!