Pros and Cons of Types of Flooring Materials

Whether you’re remodeling or building a new home, it’s important to choose the best types of flooring materials for your living spaces. The decision comes down to the part of the house where the material will be installed, your preferences, and your budget. Here is a list of popular flooring materials and their pros and cons.

Wooden Types of Flooring Materials

Hardwood is one of the most commonly used flooring materials, thanks to its natural look and durability. This type of flooring is composed of solid wood. Some of the most popular hardwood flooring options are cherry, pine, maple, and oak. Hardwood flooring costs around $8 – $20 per square foot.

Pros

  • Attractive, natural material
  • Increases home resale value
  • Many styles and color options
  • Can be resurfaced

Cons

  • It’s more expensive than other options
  • Easily stained
  • Not great in damp or humid areas

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles are made when a mixture including sand, water, and clay is formed into a tile shape and baked at extreme temperatures to harden. Ceramic tiles are available in matte and glossy finishes and in many colors. They are most commonly used in bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. Tile is more expensive than carpet but generally cheaper than hardwood, as it ranges from $7 to $20 a square foot.

Pros

  • Very durable
  • Available in a variety of colors and designs
  • Not easily scratched, making them ideal for homes with kids or pets
  • Can withstand high traffic without showing signs of wear and tear
  • Easy to clean
  • Resistant to germs

Cons

  • Patterns may fade over time
  • Slippery, rendering them risky for children and the elderly
  • Not ideal in areas where people stand for long periods of time

Carpet for Your Floors

Carpet is another flooring option that has been in use since the early 1800s. Most carpet is made up of synthetic fibers, which makes it a dependable and less costly flooring material. Many people prefer carpet over other flooring because of its comfort and sound-reducing qualities. Carpeting is less expensive than other materials, as some can be as little as $2 per square foot.

Pros

  • Reduces noise
  • Available in a variety of colors and styles
  • Affordable
  • Comfortable underfoot

Cons

  • Easily stained
  • Less durable when compared to other flooring options
  • Not ideal for people with allergies as it traps dust, pet hair, and other allergens
  • Needs to be cleaned frequently to keep it looking its best

Types of Flooring Materials: Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is often used in kitchens and bathrooms. This flooring material has significantly improved over the last few years. It is attractive, durable, and inexpensive, which is why many people choose vinyl over other flooring materials. Vinyl is affordable at around $5 to $7 per square foot.

Pros

  • Easy to clean
  • Durable
  • Maintains warmth during the winter
  • Unlike hardwood, vinyl is water-resistant

Cons

  • Mimics the look of hardwood or stone, but doesn’t quite look like the real thing
  • Difficult to repair if damaged

The above flooring types are the most popular options in modern homes. However, there are other materials available like linoleum, marble, stone, and cork. Do your research and choose the style that best meets your needs and your budget.

Veriguard Home Inspections provides inspections to northern New Jersey. Contact us to request our services.

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