Choosing the right flooring is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when designing or renovating your home. Flooring affects how your home looks, feels and functions and with so many flooring options to choose from, finding the right one for you can be overwhelming.
Whether you want durability, looks or budget, this guide covers the best flooring options, what they offer and where to use them in your home.
Types of Flooring
Classic Elegance: Solid and Engineered Hardwood Flooring
For a bit of natural luxury, wood flooring is the top choice. Solid wood flooring, made from solid planks of real wood, is classic and natural. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, it’s a long term investment. But it’s sensitive to moisture and temperature changes so it’s best for living rooms, dining rooms and other dry areas.
Engineered wood flooring has multiple layers of wood veneer over a high density fibreboard core, it’s more stable and less prone to warping. This makes it suitable for areas where solid wood may not perform as well, such as basements or rooms with underfloor heating systems. Both options improve indoor air quality and add classic style to any decor.
Budget Friendly: Laminate and Vinyl Flooring
Laminate flooring is a budget friendly and low maintenance option that looks like solid wood or stone flooring. Its top layer resists scratches, stains and heavy foot traffic so it’s suitable for most rooms in your home. Laminate is a great option for families with pets or kids who need a hard wearing but affordable flooring material.
Vinyl flooring, especially luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) and sheet vinyl, has become very popular for its ability to look like wood flooring or natural stone. Waterproof and stain resistant, luxury vinyl flooring is perfect for bathroom flooring and kitchens. It’s also comfortable underfoot so it’s a practical option for living areas that need style and functionality.
Long Lasting Luxury: Tile and Stone Flooring
Ceramic tiles and porcelain tiles are great options for areas that are exposed to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms. Made from natural clay, these tiles are stain resistant and easy to clean. Ceramic floor tiles come in many colours and patterns to suit any decor.
If you want a more luxurious feel, natural stone flooring like marble, granite or slate offers a natural look that’s both elegant and durable. Stone flooring requires professional installation and must be sealed properly to prevent water damage but its longevity and style make it a popular choice for dining rooms and high end homes.
Comfort and Eco Friendly: Cork and Linoleum Flooring
Cork flooring, made from natural bark, is soft underfoot and loved for its natural materials and sustainability. It’s resistant to mould, mildew and allergens so it’s a healthy option for households. Cork is also great for retaining heat so it’s compatible with underfloor heating systems and perfect for bedrooms or home offices.
Linoleum flooring, made from linseed oil and other natural materials, is eco friendly and budget friendly. Its stain resistant surface and many colours make it suitable for most rooms, from playrooms to kitchens. Linoleum is durable and cost effective but requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Modern Minimalism: Concrete and Terrazzo Flooring
Polished concrete flooring is a hard wearing, low maintenance option for modern homes. Its smooth surface and ability to retain heat makes it compatible with underfloor heating. While concrete flooring can be hard underfoot, adding rugs can make it more comfortable in living areas.
For a more unique look, terrazzo flooring, made from chips of natural stone, glass or marble embedded in a cement base, offers a striking and durable finish. Both options are great for homeowners who want extremely durable and modern flooring that will elevate their home.
High Performance Options: Hybrid and Luxury Vinyl
For homeowners who want flooring that performs well in high moisture areas, hybrid flooring combines the best of laminate and vinyl flooring. A durable material and water resistant properties makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms.
Luxury vinyl flooring is more durable and has a natural look so it’s suitable for high traffic areas like living rooms. Vinyl tiles are a versatile option, easy to install and comes in designs that look like wood or stone.
What to Consider When Choosing Flooring Materials
Choosing the right flooring for your home is all about balancing durability, style and functionality. For high traffic areas like entryways and hallways extremely durable options like ceramic tiles or stone flooring is best. For areas that need comfort like living rooms and bedrooms materials like cork flooring or carpet will give you that cosy feel.
Installing underfloor heating can also be a factor to consider when choosing your flooring. Materials like engineered wood, tile and polished concrete are compatible with these systems and will give you warmth and energy efficiency. For homes with varying budgets options like laminate engineered flooring and vinyl flooring is a cost effective way to get style without compromising quality.
Now that you know the characteristics of each flooring type you can choose the right materials for your space and your needs.
To ensure a flawless finish and long-lasting results, professional installation is essential. Nova Flooring specialises in fitting a wide range of flooring types, from solid wood to luxury vinyl tiles, ensuring a high-quality finish that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality.
Shirley Mist has been involved in fashion and design for many years. She has also written extensively for many online publications. She currently writes for The Tribune World and is a valued member of our team.