With the variety of flooring options on the market, homeowners may have a difficult time deciding on how to upgrade the floors in their homes. When it comes to choosing the right flooring material, consider the location, the moisture in the room and in your geographical location and the overall look and feel you want for your home.
Carpet
Carpet is a go-to flooring choice for many homeowners due to its reasonable cost, easy installation and a wide variety of design options. Carpet can be installed in a home in less than a day, and it needs less cleaning than other floor types. Professionals typically recommend vacuuming carpets at least once a week and steam cleaning once a year. Carpets generally last between 10 to 15 years. They work well in bedrooms and upstairs hallways as well as living rooms and family rooms. Homeowners can expect to pay between $3 and $5 per square foot.
Hardwood
Hardwood is a timeless flooring option, and tops the wish lists of many buyers. It can be purchased finished or unfinished. Finished flooring comes in a variety of stain colors. Unfinished flooring can be stained to your specific preference. It can be used in every room in your home except those below grade or where there are high levels of humidity. If it is cared for properly, it can last as long as your house. The cleaning for hardwood floors is more rigorous than that of carpet. Hardwood floors must be kept clean of dirt and debris, and spills must be cleaned promptly. Homeowners can expect to pay between $5 and $17 per square foot.
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood is a layered hardwood product. The top layer is constructed of a thin sheet of hardwood. The bottom layers are comprised of plywood, fiberboard or additional layers of hardwood. The additional layers offer better moisture protection than that of hardwood, which means it is less susceptible to warping and buckling. Homeowners should look for high-quality engineered hardwood with a top layer that is thick enough to be sanded and refinished in the future. The cost of an engineered hardwood floor is comparable to that of hardwood with homeowners paying between $8 and $12 a square foot.
Laminate
Laminate flooring can be purchased as planks or tiles, and homeowners can choose styles that mimic wood or tile. The top layer is coated with a scratch and water-resistant coating, which means it can be installed in kitchens. If laminate is to be used in basements, it must be installed over a moisture barrier and all the edges must be glued and caulked to help prevent water damage. Laminate is usually not recommended for bathrooms. Homeowners can expect to pay between $1 and $5 per square foot, making it an affordable flooring option for those who want the look of wood or tile without the cost or maintenance.
Stone tile
Stone floors are extremely durable and once installed will most likely outlive your home. They can be used indoors and outdoors, giving you the ability to create flow from the interior of your home to your outdoor lounging areas. Stone tiles are available in marble, granite, limestone, travertine and slate. Manufacturers recommend sealing stone tiles to prevent water damage. Homeowners can expect to pay around $10 or more per square foot for stone tile.
Ceramic tile
Ceramic tile is a less expensive option when compared to stone. Homeowners can expect to pay between $7 and $9 per square foot, but tile can range from $2 per square foot to more than $40. Ceramic tile can be used in bathrooms and kitchens, and it comes in a wide-variety of styles and colors that can be mixed and matched to create custom designs.
When it comes to choosing the perfect flooring for your home, consider the cost, level of maintenance, durability and expected lifespan. If you plan to live in your home a while, it may be better to go with a more expensive option. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, choose an option that appeals to the majority of buyers.
About the author: Greg Geilman is a realtor and President and CEO of South Bay Residential in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Follow him on Twitter at @ggeilman.
