7 Home Flooring Options Worth a Second Look (Simple Guide)

7 Home Flooring Options Worth a Second Look (Simple Guide)

When on the hunt for flooring, many homeowners spend a lot of time debating between carpet and hardwood. But there are other options—and some surprisingly affordable ones at that.

Remember, different products are suited to different applications; that means diverse materials that are all priced differently. But, even if you narrow down your options, you still need to choose the colour, texture, and type, all of which will impact how the material performs.

From the best engineered hardwood flooring to cork and other varieties, here are some flooring material options that you may not have considered but should.

Check Out These Flooring Materials for Your Home

Read this post to discover a wide range of flooring materials that you can use in your home.

1. Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood flooring looks like natural hardwood but, unsurprisingly, is not a natural product. Instead, it has a plywood core and a hardwood veneer. This makes it a lot more pocket-friendly than natural hardwood and gives it superior durability.

The best engineered hardwood is less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, making it a suitable option for areas like the basement. And, you can choose from a wide range of patterns, types, and board widths.

2. Laminate

Laminate flooring is another artificial flooring type and contains five main layers: a moisture barrier, a layer of melamine that acts as a stabilizer, a high-density HDF or fibreboard core, a decorative layer and a clear wear layer. These are compressed and bonded together using high heat and pressure. This produces a dimensionally stable flooring material that stands up to wear and tear.

Its superior durability makes it suitable for spaces such as dining rooms, bedrooms and living rooms. However, areas that experience changing humidity levels, such as basements, laundry rooms and bathrooms, should not have laminate flooring.

3. Bamboo

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that produces flooring that looks and feels like hardwood. Since the grass doesn’t take long to grow, it is a sustainable, eco-friendly product. You can find bamboo flooring in engineered planks and solid strips where different patterns highlight the grains of the grass.

Bamboo is exceptionally resistant to moisture and easy to install. It is suitable for bedrooms, living areas and hallways but should not be used in mudrooms.

4. Vinyl

Vinyl flooring can be found in two varieties: sheets and luxury vinyl tiles. Both are resilient and made using PVC. They can be installed over existing flooring without having to take it out, and it can be made to resemble the look of natural wood or stone.

It is resistant to both water and stains and requires minimal maintenance. However, strong chemicals may cause a reaction and ruin its beauty. It can be used in living spaces, dining rooms and bedrooms.

5. Cork

Cork flooring can be found in coloured sheets or tiles. It is obtained from the outer bark of cork oak trees and is considered sustainable and renewable. This is because the bark can be harvested numerous times throughout the tree’s lifetime without having to cut it down.

Cork is quiet, warm and soft underfoot. It is also naturally slip-resistant and can be used in kitchens, bedrooms, living areas and playrooms. However, it is susceptible to scratches and dents.

While cork flooring does come pre-finished, homeowners need to reseal it once every two to three years with either polyurethane or wax in order to protect it.

6. Concrete

Concrete is another durable flooring material that can handle wear and tear, making it suitable for homes with children and/or pets. While concrete is largely damage-resistant, moisture can have adverse effects, especially if the surface has craters or cracks.

It works well with modern and contemporary interiors, but adds an edge to traditional interiors as well. You can have it sealed for a glossy effect, or find semi-polished varieties and ones that are coloured with pigments.

7. Ceramic Tile

This is another great option suitable for residential applications, including kitchens, mudrooms, laundry rooms and bathrooms.

It is made using a mix of shale and clay that is fired in a kiln, creating a tough material. Technology has enabled manufacturers to create ceramic tiles that mimic virtually any design or pattern. For instance, it can mimic the look of natural stone or wood, although it won’t feel like these materials. You can choose from a huge variety of patterns, shapes, colours, and types.

Choosing the right flooring material for your home can be difficult. But, by being logical and knowing your options, you can make a good choice. Regardless of whether you choose the best engineered hardwood flooring or any other variety mentioned here, consider your lifestyle, cost, tolerance for maintenance, and local climate. This will help you choose the best material for your home.