Shopping for new flooring can be overwhelming. It’s difficult to decide between so many different material options, styles and designs. Some flooring options are better than others for specific purposes, and the choice will depend on your taste, budget, lifestyle and current décor. We recommend evaluating all the pros and cons of flooring types before you head to the store to view samples. Use the guide below to make an informed decision.
The answer to this question will help you narrow down your options.
The location of your flooring will limit your options – bathrooms, for example, require moisture-resistant flooring.
Do you have dogs running around? You might want to shop for durable flooring options that won’t scratch over time.
There are many great options for eco-friendly or sustainably sourced flooring materials.
Some types of flooring require professional installation. Decide who will install it to guide your flooring decision.
Not all flooring types are compatible with radiant floor heating.
We wish there was a flooring option that checked all the right boxes: affordable, durable, easy to clean, realistic-looking (like wood, slate, etc.) and easy to install. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, but there’s definitely an option that’s best for you!
Flooring manufacturers have subcategories under each flooring material category. For example, in the vinyl flooring category, many manufacturers offer both luxury vinyl flooring and vinyl composite tile. Each type may be slightly different, but the larger categories will be the focus of the following guide. Use it to narrow down your decision, and then get out there and enjoy exploring each type for yourself!