Choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming, given the many options to choose from. Whether you want traditional hardwood or something more modern like vinyl, each type has different benefits and considerations. In the video above, This Old House general contractor Tom Silva and host Kevin O’Connor break down each flooring type to help you choose the right one for your home.
Traditional Hardwood Flooring
Traditional hardwood flooring is popular for its classic look and durability. It can also potentially increase your home value. Here are some different kinds.
Oak Strip Flooring
Oak strip flooring is a very traditional hardwood option. These are its key features:
- Needs sanding and finishing after installation
- Offers an elegant, timeless look
- Requires nailing to a plywood subfloor
- Typically comes in 2 1/2-inch-wide strips
While oak strip flooring provides a beautiful finish, the installation can be labor-intensive and messy due to the required sanding and finishing.
Prefinished Hardwood
For those who want a quicker installation process but a similar style, prefinished hardwood is an excellent alternative. Here are its advantages:
- Allows for immediate use after installation
- Can be glued or nailed down
- Comes already finished from the factory
- Eliminates the need for sanding and finishing at home
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring has the style of hardwood with more stability and versatility. This option is particularly good for areas where solid hardwood might not be ideal, such as rooms exposed to a lot of sunlight or moisture.
Floating Floors
Floating floors are versatile, making them an excellent choice for do-it-yourself (DIY) enthusiasts or people who need to install over existing floor surfaces. Here’s why they’re popular
- Can be installed over various existing surfaces, including tile, concrete, or old wood floors
- Come prefinished
- Move as a unit, allowing for expansion and contraction
- Snap together without nailing or gluing to the subfloor
Wear Layer Considerations
A wear layer is a protective topcoat for your flooring. Consider the wear layer’s thickness when choosing engineered wood flooring, as it will affect the product’s longevity.
- Plywood or fiberboard substrates provide stability
- Some options can be sanded two to three times, extending the floor’s lifespan
- Thicker wear layers (around 1/8 inch) can take multiple sandings
Being able to sand and refinish engineered wood flooring can increase its lifespan, making it a cost-effective long-term choice.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an economical alternative to hardwood, providing the look of wood or tile without the high costs or maintenance.
Features and Benefits
Laminate flooring has several advantages:
- Available in a wide variety of wood grain and ceramic tile patterns
- Highly durable and resistant to scratches and dents
- More affordable than real wood or tile
- Uses a high-resolution photograph of wood or tile under a clear protective layer
While laminate flooring is great for high-traffic areas, it can’t be refinished once worn or damaged.
Installation and Maintenance
Laminate flooring is popular for its easy installation and low maintenance requirements:
- Can be installed as a floating floor over most subfloors
- Needs minimal maintenance beyond regular sweeping and occasional damp mopping
- Often features a click-lock system for simple DIY installation
- Resistant to fading from sunlight exposure
These characteristics make laminate flooring a smart option for busy households or rental properties.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring offers strength, water resistance, and a wide range of design options, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas.
Types of Tile
There are several types of tile flooring to choose from:
- Ceramic: Affordable and available in many colors and patterns
- Natural stone: Has options like marble, granite, and slate for a luxurious look
- Porcelain: Denser and hardier than ceramic, good for high-traffic areas
Tiles come in many different sizes and shapes, often in 12-by-12 sheets, which lets you get creative with your installation patterns and designs.
Tile Installation Considerations
When installing tile flooring, keep these factors in mind:
- Requires a stable, level subfloor to prevent cracking
- May need professional installation, especially for intricate patterns or large areas
- Grout lines require regular cleaning and occasional resealing
- Can be cold underfoot, though radiant heating systems can be installed beneath
Resilient Flooring Options
Resilient flooring is an umbrella term for the most reliable, comfortable, and low-maintenance flooring materials available. This includes vinyl, linoleum, cork, and rubber. These materials are particularly good for moisture-prone areas or areas with heavy foot traffic.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has come a long way in recent years. It looks realistic enough to be wood or stone and can withstand lots of wear and tear:
- Available in tiles, strips, and sheets
- Comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors
- Some types feature a floating installation system for easy DIY projects
- Water-resistant, making it ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum, a classic flooring option, is rising in popularity again because it’s eco-friendly and durable.
- Available in a wide range of colors and patterns
- Comes presealed, eliminating the need for regular waxing
- Made from natural materials, including linseed oil, cork dust, and pine resin
- Naturally antimicrobial and biodegradable
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is another comfortable, durable, and environmentally friendly option. It’s harvested from the bark of a cork oak tree with sustainable practices:
- Available in many styles and colors
- Naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and termites
- Provides excellent thermal and acoustic insulation
- Soft underfoot and resilient to wear
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring, often seen in commercial spaces, is gaining popularity in residential homes for these reasons:
- Available in tiles or rolls with various thicknesses
- Provides excellent shock absorption and slip resistance
- Suitable for home gyms, playrooms, and utility areas
- Easy to clean and maintain
Our Conclusion
There are numerous flooring options for every taste, budget, and need. Carefully weigh factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and style to choose the best option for your space.