Comparing Flooring Options

Floors are the foundation of your interior decorating. They have a large impact on the overall look and feel of a room, so carefully consider your options.

What room needs flooring? How will this room be used? Is it a high traffic area? Does it have access to outside? You are basically in continual contact with your floors, so make a decision you can live with for the long-term.

Vinyl $–$$

pros: Low-cost; versatile; soft-underfoot; resilient, easy to install; many color/design/pattern options
cons: Can't install over other flooring; may not wear well over time.
maintenance: Sweep or vacuum loose dirt. Wash with recommended cleaner or warm water and clear ammonia. Rinse thoroughly with clear water if you use detergent. If desired, shine with polish made for vinyl floors.
Tip: Look for thick wear-layer

Laminate $–$$

pros: Hardwood, stone, brick or ceramic tile look for less; warm, springy underfoot; stain, scratch resistant; many color/design options; can install over other flooring; easily maintained; durable
cons: If scratched, can't refinish
maintenance: Do not mop with soap and water. Sweep, dust mop or vacuum loose dirt with soft brush attachments. Avoid soap-based detergents, abrasive cleaners, and "clean and shine" floor products. Acetone removes stubborn stains like scuff marks.
Tip: Look for long warranty and a floating floor installation. Use cork underlayment to decrease echo effect.

Tile $–$$$

types: Ceramic, Natural Stone, Marble, Granite, Slate
pros: Many color/design options; durable; rich look; can add value to home
cons: Hard, cold underfoot; grout may stain; hard to replace broken tile; may need to reinforce subfloor
maintenance: Seal if tiles not glazed. Sweep or vacuum loose dirt. Clean tile with water and detergent made for tile floors. Treat grout stains with water/bleach solution. If desired, wax tiles to protect them.
Tip: Involve a designer in planning floor. Consider texture of tile in high-traffic, wet areas.

Carpet $–$$$

types: Loop & Cut Loop
pros: Many color/design/texture options; warm and soft underfoot; hides floor irregularities; lower installation costs
cons: Lower quality carpet may not wear well; untreated carpet may stain
maintenance: Vacuum twice per week. Clean by dry- or wet-extraction (check with manufacturer to find out which cleaning method is preferred for your particular carpet) yearly or before carpet shows soiling.
Tip: Look for thick pile, tight tuft twist. Buy best pad possible.

Cork $$

pros: Environmentally friendly, renewable resource; soft and warm underfoot; durable; good acoustical effect; especially good in bath and kitchen
cons: Some tiles must be glued to subfloor; bath installations should get more urethane coats once installed
maintenance: Make sure the floor is well-sealed. Clean with damp mop. Avoid gouging it.
Tip: Look for thick urethane layer

Hardwood $$–$$$

types: finished, unfinished, solid, engineered, strip, plank, parquet, acrylic impregnated
pros: Classic look; versatile; durable; can be refinished; environmentally friendly, renewable and recyclable; nice underfoot; adds value to home
cons: May warp or stain; expensive; some types not recommended for bathrooms and kitchens
maintenance: Sweep or vacuum loose dirt. Wipe up spills immediately with dry or slightly damp cloth. Don't wax floors with urethane finish. Try buffing waxed floors when dull to avoid over-waxing. Don't use cleaning products intended for vinyl or tile floors (you may have to refinish your floors to restore their sheen if you do). Don't use wet mop – standing water will dull finish.
Tip: Use a professional installer for a professional look. Factory finishes give durable and warranted surface.

Bamboo (Type of Hardwood) $$

pros: Environmentally friendly, renewable resource; has a natural, warm look
cons: It's not as hard as oak, shows indentation more readily
maintenance: Same as hardwood floors; use a terry cloth mop, see manufacturer's instructions for care, put floor protectors underneath furniture
Tip: Maintain proper level of humidity in home so wood does not swell or shrink.

Concrete $$–$$$

pros: Many color/design options; highly durable
cons: Labor-intensive installation; may need to reinforce subfloor
maintenance: Keep floor sealed. Sweep or vacuum loose dirt. Clean with clear water and a soft mop. Check with installer for dealing with tough stains.
Tip: Look for experienced contractor. Check out design options.

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