1. Solid Hardwood
Nothing beats the classic hardwood! This type of flooring is popular for its elegance, durability, and natural appearance. You can choose from dozens of hardwood types and can be refinished multiple times. This versatile flooring is a great option for all the rooms in the home except for the kitchen, bathroom, or basement.
The average installation costs range from $5–$10 per square foot. This can be more expensive compared to engineered wood flooring since it’s susceptible to moisture damage.
2. Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers a cheaper alternative for wooden lovers out there! This is a textured version of the traditional hardwood with two parts: a thin layer of hardwood and high-quality plywood.
This is easy to install and is more resistant to moisture and water. Moreover, it is a good choice for DIY projects. You can get this for $4 to $9 per square foot.
We don’t recommend this if you’re looking for a long-term investment for your property. Engineered wood can sound hollow underfoot, cannot be refinished more than once, and can fade in the long run.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a more affordable and durable flooring option compared to wood. It is easy to clean, DIY-friendly, and widely available.
It is made up of three to four layers, which makes it scratch-resistant and almost soundproof.
We have a high-density fiberboard as the base layer, an image of the laminate as the image layer, and a guarded transparent plastic as the wear layer. These layers make for the durability this flooring is known for.
However, lower-end laminates may not be as strong. We recommend that you go for a trusted flooring brand. You can get laminate flooring for an average of $3 to $7 per square foot.
4. Vinyl Flooring
If you’re looking for waterproof and stain-resistant flooring, we recommend vinyl flooring. It is a versatile and durable choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
Vinyl flooring has two types and is made up of a base layer, a design layer, and a wear layer. The first type is a vinyl plank whereas the second type is a vinyl tile. Vinyl planks mimic wood and are easier to install, while vinyl tiles resemble a cheaper version of ceramic.
On average, vinyl planks and vinyl tiles are usually priced at $2.50 to $5 per square foot but can cost more when you choose luxury options.
5. Tile Flooring
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are popular choices for bathrooms and kitchens. This flooring is favored for its being waterproof and low maintenance. However, it still requires a lot of preparation work before installation. You can get these floors depending on the type of tile you choose and can range from $3 to $7 per square foot.
The installation cost varies depending on the material; for instance, glazed ceramic is less expensive than porcelain tile. The average cost ranges from $2.50 per square foot for ceramic tile and $3 to $10 for porcelain tile.
6. Carpet Flooring
There are a lot of reasons to love carpet flooring! Homeowners love how a carpeted floor feels underfoot and they can embrace their creative sides with the versatility of carpets. You can choose from a variety of colors, materials, and textures. Moreover, they’re cheap to install, ranging from $3 to $5 per square foot.
However, there are still a few factors that put carpet flooring at a disadvantage. It is hard to clean and can stain so it may not be the best fit for homes with pets. Carpet can also harbor allergens and may not be ideal with people who suffer from allergies.
