Types of Flooring Materials for You to Choose From
There are many types of flooring material options available. Each has pros and cons. It’s important to consider factors such as price, durability, and ease of maintenance of the flooring.
Hardwood Flooring Materials
Oak, pine, and cherry are among the most popular types of hardwood flooring. Hardwood is more durable but less water-resistant than other materials. It’s ideal in a room where there is no source of water, so bedrooms and living rooms are best.
Hardwood tends to be more pricey than other floorings. Expect to pay from $3 to $8 a square foot for hardwood. The more exotic varieties can cost up to $14 a square foot. Hardwood is a bit more difficult to install than other types of flooring because of the grain. A contractor may charge up to $12 per square foot for installation.
Hardwood flooring is relatively easy to clean, but it may suffer from scratches and dents over time. Waxing and polishing help bring out the finish and buff out scratches so they’re less visible.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a sustainable flooring material that is manufactured from a fast-growing, grass-like plant. It’s environmentally-friendly and solid bamboo has a hardness that is similar to oak. It isn’t very water-resistant so it may not be the best choice in areas with sinks and tubs.
Bamboo costs $3 to $8 per square foot for the material and around $7 to $12 a square foot for installation. Like hardwood flooring, bamboo involves precision to install, hence the higher installation price charged by the contractor.
Commercial cleaning solutions that work well on hardwood floors also clean bamboo floors. This type of flooring material is easy to clean and maintain.
Types of Flooring Materials: Laminate
Cost-efficient and easy to clean, laminate is a flooring material that is relatively easy and quick to install. It’s also reasonably durable, though a softer material than most woods and bamboo. Laminate comes in a variety of colors and finishes, too, making it easy to personalize a space.
Laminate is available to mimic hardwood or stone at a lower cost of around $1 to $7 a square foot for the material. The cost of installation varies, but averages between $2 to $5 a square foot. If you’re on a tight budget but want something that looks like more expensive materials, laminate is a good choice.
Laminate is relatively quick to clean, but any standing water should be dried immediately to prevent warping.
Choose Flooring That You Can Afford and Maintain
As you can see, there are many types of flooring materials available for your home. When making a decision, weigh the pros and cons of price, durability, water-resistance, and the level of difficulty to install the floors and you’ll have an easier time deciding which is right for your home.
Carolina Homechek provides home inspection services to Mecklenburg, NC, and the surrounding counties. Contact us to request an appointment.