Choosing the right flooring for your home is a big decision as you’ll have to live with it under your feet for potentially years. While you may know what aesthetic look you’re after with your flooring, knowing which floors will best suit your lifestyle, home, and needs isn’t as subjective. Here are five types of flooring recommended by builders, taking you through the pros and cons of each.
Types of Flooring Recommended By Builders
Hardwood
The first flooring recommendation of many builders is the always classic hardwood floors. When done right they are a stunning asset to your home, are durable, and do wonders for the resale value as it’s such a sought after feature. The drawbacks to hardwood flooring are that they can become damaged in high traffic areas or due to termites and water damage. On top of this, they are also one of the more expensive flooring options.
Vinyl
Another popular recommendation from builders is vinyl flooring. While vinyl doesn’t have the classic look or resale value that hardwood floors do, it is the cheaper option and comes in a wide range of styles to match your home’s look. They are also easy to install due to being so lightweight. This makes the installation process easy enough to DIY if you want to take that route, and when done well can last for up to 20 years.
Hybrid
Hybrid flooring combines the best parts of hardwood flooring with the durability of other flooring types. Builders recommend hybrid flooring as it can give you the best of both worlds with the realistic look and feel of hardwood while being waterproof and standing up to damage. It also can stand up to more foot traffic than hardwood floors, making it a great option for active households.
Carpet
If you’re all about comfort underfoot, carpet might be the type of flooring for you. Builders recommend carpet for clean households that value a luxurious feel. Carpet also has many insulation benefits, making them great for noisy households and to maintain a consistent temperature. They can be easily stained and trap dust which is something to consider if you have children, hayfever or dust allergies.
Laminate
Like vinyl flooring, laminate is another cheaper option that can still achieve the great look of hardwood floors. While it is easy and cheap to install, the drawbacks to laminate are that it can fade over time. On the plus side, it is waterproof and resistant to damage and scratches.
The type of flooring you choose for your home will depend on what type of household you have, whether you plan to resell, your budget, and what you personally prefer the feel and look of. For more information on different types of flooring, check out our blog.