Best Types of Flooring for Your Home
The Best Flooring Option for Each Room
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
One of the best floors for basements, engineered wood is built in layers and holds it’s shape when subjected to limited amounts of moisture.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile gives you a finished surface look that can be installed directly on concrete or on an underpad. Because it isn’t wood, you don’t have to worry about rot due to moisture.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a great flooring option as it looks like hardwood but is inexpensive in comparison. It is also extremely water resistant, helping you with moisture control.
Carpet Flooring
A great basement flooring option when installed with a solid sub-floor system, and it also makes the floor feel softer and more comfortable.
Best Bedroom Flooring Options
Carpet is the traditional choice for bedrooms when it comes to comfort. However, hardwood and engineered hardwood have become popular alternatives, providing fashion, function and an upscale appearance. Vinyl and laminate flooring are other smart, cost-effective solutions.
Best Living Room Flooring Options
The biggest trends in living room flooring include vinyl, wood, laminate and wall-to-wall carpeting. Tile is another durable option for living rooms. Consider accenting your new flooring with an area rug to add warmth to the space.
Best Dining Room Flooring Options
If your dining room is used frequently, wood, laminate and vinyl flooring are durable options that will help create an easy to clean surface and a warm atmosphere for more formal occasions. Carpet is a possibility, but opt for a stain-resistant carpet like Lifeproof or select a darker colour to ensure the carpet stands up to accidental food spills.
Best Family Room Flooring Options
Family room floors endure lots of foot traffic from family and friends, so consider flooring that's durable, but also comfortable. Carpet is a good fit, as is hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring, which - when combined with area rugs – create a relaxing atmosphere.
Room Type |
Vinyl |
Laminate |
Engineered Hardwood |
Solid Hardwood |
Tile |
Carpet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Basement Flooring (Below Grade) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Kitchen Flooring |
✓ |
Water-resistant styles only |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Bathroom Flooring |
✓ |
Water-resistant styles only |
✓ |
|||
Bedroom Flooring |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Living Room Flooring |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Dining Room Flooring |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
Family Room Flooring |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
✔ |
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
✔ |
Bathroom Flooring |
✔ |
Bedroom Flooring |
✔ |
Living Room Flooring |
✔ |
Dining Room Flooring |
✔ |
Family Room Flooring |
✔ |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
✔ |
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
Water-resistant styles only |
Bathroom Flooring |
Water-resistant styles only |
Bedroom Flooring |
✔ |
Living Room Flooring |
✔ |
Dining Room Flooring |
✔ |
Family Room Flooring |
✔ |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
✔ |
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
✔ |
Bathroom Flooring |
|
Bedroom Flooring |
✔ |
Living Room Flooring |
✔ |
Dining Room Flooring |
✔ |
Family Room Flooring |
✔ |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
|
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
✔ |
Bathroom Flooring |
|
Bedroom Flooring |
✔ |
Living Room Flooring |
✔ |
Dining Room Flooring |
✔ |
Family Room Flooring |
✔ |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
✔ |
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
✔ |
Bathroom Flooring |
✔ |
Bedroom Flooring |
|
Living Room Flooring |
|
Dining Room Flooring |
|
Family Room Flooring |
Basement Flooring (below grade) |
✔ |
|---|---|
Kitchen Flooring |
|
Bathroom Flooring |
|
Bedroom Flooring |
✔ |
Living Room Flooring |
✔ |
Dining Room Flooring |
|
Family Room Flooring |
✔ |
Types of Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl comes in a variety of patterns and colours and can also mimic the appearance of other flooring, such as ceramic tile and hardwood. It’s also durable but soft on the feet. With so many choices, it’s the perfect choice for almost any room, including kitchens, bathrooms and basements.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has proven to be an innovative and cost-efficient alternative to hardwood flooring, and is available in a wide selection of colours and grains. It's also more scratch- and dent-resistant than hardwood, making it the perfect choice for active households, and can even be installed below grade. Select laminate styles are now available with water resistance, allowing for use in kitchens, bathrooms and areas that have risk of spills and dampness.
Tile Flooring
Tile is durable and available in a variety of colours and styles, such as ceramic, porcelain, glass and natural stone. Tile is also moisture- and stain-resistant, making cleanups a breeze. Tile can now be found with a slip-resistant coating that allows for better traction in bathrooms and showers, keeping you and your family safe.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood can be a more cost-effective solution than solid hardwood and, at the same time, provide the same appearance of solid wood flooring. Engineered wood can be used both above and below grade as well as over concrete slabs, making it a perfect choice for basements and condominiums.
Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood never goes out of style, and is a fashionable choice for every room of your home. Hardwood is renowned for its warmth and elegance. When properly maintained, it can last a lifetime.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is an eco-friendly choice, with good durability, strength, and versatility. It is naturally resistant to moisture and insects and adds a touch of warmth to any space.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet comes in an array of textures and fibres, and adds a comfortable, decorative touch to any room. On a cold day, there's nothing like getting out of bed and stepping onto a warm carpet. With new product introductions in carpet, you can now find a stain-resistant, hypo-allergenic carpet that resists fading and is ready to withstand everything your family, or pets, can throw at it.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Flooring
When selecting flooring for your home, several factors should guide your decision-making process. Firstly, consider the room's purpose and foot traffic to determine the level of durability required. Waterproof or water-resistant options are essential for areas prone to spills or moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Sound insulation is crucial for maintaining a peaceful environment, particularly in multi-level homes, while flooring that is easier to install and clean can save time and effort, making options like laminate or luxury vinyl plank appealing choices. Additionally, for households with pets, scratch-resistant surfaces are advisable to withstand claws and accidents.
Try to prioritize comfort underfoot, especially in areas where you spend a lot of time standing, like the kitchen. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose flooring that not only complements your aesthetic preferences but also meets the practical needs of your lifestyle.
How to Install Each Type of Flooring
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is easy to install and offers durability, water resistance, and easy upkeep, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. Its diverse designs simulate wood, tile, or stone and its exceptional durability makes it resilient against scratches and stains.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring provides warmth, comfort, and sound insulation, making it ideal for bedrooms and living areas. Its soft and comes in a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures to suit any decor style. You can even have your carpet installed by a Home Depot installer to easily get the job done right.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is easy to install and offers durability, affordability, and easy maintenance. Its protective layer resists scratches, stains, and fading, making it suitable for active households. It also mimics the look of hardwood or tile, giving you versatile design options.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring offers exceptional durability and longevity. Hardwood is easy to clean and can be refinished to maintain its appearance over time. Its versatility allows it to complement any decor style, making it a great choice for any home.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring suits various decor styles while providing easy maintenance and resistance to stains and water damage. With a wide range of colours, patterns, and textures, tile flooring allows for personalized design options to create a warm and inviting atmosphere in any room.
How to Clean your Floors
We’ll help you keep your wood, carpet and tile flooring looking like new with these easy cleaning tips for all types of floors.
Tile Flooring
Tile will sparkle when cleaned with simple household cleaners. For a more gentile cleaning, plain hot water can sometimes do the trick. A professional cleaning may also be required to thoroughly clean the grout between your tiles when it starts to discolour.
Carpet Flooring
A vacuum with adjustable, rotating brushes that are strong enough to pull air through the carpet backing will help loosen ground-in soil and remove it. Steam cleaning is also recommended; however, check with your manufacturer beforehand to ensure you’re in compliance with the requirements of your warranty.
Laminate Flooring
Vacuum, dry-mop or use a soft-bristle broom to clean your laminate floors. Avoid using excess water on your laminate flooring in order to prevent the water from penetrating between the boards.
Wood Flooring
Dust or vacuum your hardwood regularly and remove spills immediately with a damp cloth. Buff with a soft, dry cloth to bring back a shine. Once a year, clean with a solvent-based cleaner (not-water-based), then wax and buff the floor.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl tends to provide a good shine with little maintenance. If you want your vinyl flooring to have a high gloss or shine, use an appropriate floor polish. Due to vinyl’s waterproof construction, it’s really easy to scrub clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Consider durability, maintenance requirements, style, budget, and the room's function.
-
Common types include hardwood, laminate, vinyl, tile, carpet, and engineered wood.
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Durable options like hardwood, laminate, vinyl, or tile are suitable for high-traffic areas.
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Waterproof options like tile, vinyl, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are ideal for moisture-prone areas.
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Consider the existing décor, architectural style, and personal preferences to choose flooring that complements the overall aesthetic.
-
Scratch-resistant options like tile, laminate, or luxury vinyl are best for homes with pets.
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It depends on personal preference, but using one type of flooring throughout can create a cohesive look, while mixing can define different areas or serve different functions.
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Look for flooring made from sustainable materials like bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, or eco-friendly carpet options.
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Lifespan varies but generally speaking: hardwood (50+ years), laminate (15-25 years), vinyl (10-20 years), tile (50+ years), carpet (5-15 years).
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Underlayment can provide added insulation, soundproofing, and moisture protection depending on the flooring type and installation location.