4 Flooring Options to Consider for Your Next Home Improvement Project

Updating the flooring in any room is a huge project that can make a significant difference in the room's look and feel. There are more flooring choices out there than ever, each with its pros and cons. Learn more about the following top flooring options and why they are popular with today's homeowners.

Hardwood Flooring for Classic Elegance

This flooring style has enduring appeal, and it's easy to see why. Hardwood is highly durable; with proper care, it can last for decades. Hardwood flooring can also increase a home's resale value—sellers should consider updating for a better home showing. Additionally, hardwood can be refinished to renew its look.

There are hardwood flooring choices that fit every style. Those who like a classic and polished look can go for favorites like oak. Pine floors suit a farmhouse style, while blonde finishes complement modern decor.

The main drawback of hardwood flooring is that it is expensive, with costs that range from $3 to $14 per foot. In most cases, people choose to have it professionally installed, which can also increase the price.

Bamboo Flooring for Bohemian Style

Bamboo flooring is a sustainable and chic look for the home. This flooring type comes in both solid strips and engineered planks. Different styles and patterns will show the grain of this fast-growing grass in different ways. End grain bamboo has lots of short strips. Vertical grain uses long, narrow strips packed together.

One of the advantages of bamboo is that it is easy to install. Homeowners can put this type of flooring in and refinish it when the time comes. It is more moisture-resistant than wood flooring, making it ideal for the kitchen or the bathroom.

Bamboo flooring varies in durability. Darker-colored floors tend to show wear more quickly because the process used to color it can weaken the fibers. This type of flooring is also vulnerable to scratches and dents. Bamboo isn't the only eco-friendly flooring; other sustainable flooring materials include cork, wool, and even recycled plastic bottles. Consider other sustainable building options for your home as well.

Engineered Wood for Contemporary Flair

Engineered wood is another option that is great for DIYers. It looks like solid wood but is a thin veneer with plywood underneath, resulting in a flooring option that is both sturdier and less expensive than hardwood.

Engineered wood also comes in several styles. It is made in planks, strips, and even parquet tiles. This flooring can also be installed in several different ways. Options include nailing it down like a traditional wood floor, gluing, or installing it as a floating floor over a cork or foam underlay. There are also engineered wood floors made with a unique tongue and groove system that forms a tight seam without using nails or glue.

Vinyl Flooring for Style on a Budget

When it comes to flooring choices, vinyl is the option that combines low cost and high durability best. Vinyl is an ideal choice for active households, as it stands up well to heavy foot traffic and moisture.

Today's vinyl is much better quality than what was available in the past. It comes in forms that include peel and stick tiles, vinyl sheets, and even heavy luxury vinyl flooring that clicks into place like laminate or engineered wood. Because it's softer than other flooring choices, it is more comfortable on the feet. It is also highly durable, often lasting 20 years or more.

These are just a few of the options that homeowners have when choosing what kind of flooring fits their home best. Each type comes with advantages and drawbacks and a unique look and feel, so researching these options before making a final choice will ensure the best results.