Flooring is any covering that lays on, is glued to, or is nailed to the subfloor of a room. There are many different flooring materials to choose from, each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Flooring is increasingly based on sustainable products. Look for a low-VOC finish or a Green Seal 11-certified product.

Living Room

As a welcoming central space for family and friends, the flooring in the living room needs to evoke a specific feel. The type of vibe you want it to give off will be informed by the general interior design style and color schemes you use throughout your home, so take the time to browse inspiration pages and familiarize yourself with your design preferences.

Depending on your preference and budget, you might prefer the organic element that solid types of wood offer to a scheme or even the geometric appearance of reclaimed hardwood in parquet styles. Or perhaps you love the luxury of tile, particularly porcelain or ceramic, which is durable and easy to look after.

If you prioritize affordability, vinyl, especially cushioned vinyl, offers an appealing design that mimics natural materials such as wood and stone while being highly resistant to scratches, scuffs, and spills. The wide range of colors and patterns available makes it a popular choice for many homeowners. In addition, its softness underfoot makes it a comfortable option, especially when paired with area rugs.

Bedroom

The bedroom is where you go to get away from it all and relax, so your floor must offer comfort. Depending on your style, you may prefer the warm, cozy feel of carpeting or the clean lines of wood floors. Hardwoods provide a classic look that adds value to your home and can be refinished when the time comes. They’re also durable and easy to maintain, though they can be pricey and chilly underfoot without the use of underfloor heating.

Other flooring options like linoleum and vinyl are affordable, moisture-resistant, and comfortable underfoot. They’re ideal for rooms where you may have pets or children.

Laminate floors with wood veneers are another popular choice that offers the look of natural hardwood but at a more affordable cost. They are scratch and dent-resistant and are easy to install. They can even be installed on an existing subfloor, making them a good DIY option.

Bathroom

Whether you’re outfitting a kid’s bathroom or a master suite, it’s important to consider durability, moisture resistance, and style. Durable concrete is a great option for more contemporary bathrooms, while LVP that mimics hardwood flooring can add cozy warmth to larger spaces. A wood floor requires a stronger sealant to protect it from water damage, but when properly installed and treated, natural hardwood can be a lasting beauty in your home.

Cork is another sustainable flooring option that’s becoming increasingly popular in bathrooms. This material is derived from the bark of the cork oak and is a renewable resource that’s environmentally friendly. It’s also resistant to mildew and mold growth while remaining soft underfoot. Glue-down and click-in-place options are available, as well as a range of finishes. Cork floors are not waterproof but can be sealed with a polyurethane topcoat to offer some protection against moisture.

Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most important spaces in a home, and it needs durable floors that can handle heavy foot traffic, mealtime spills, and other tough conditions. While traditional hardwood is a great option for this space, engineered wood can better withstand the moisture and temperature changes that occur in the kitchen.

Hardwood floors are also relatively easy to clean, but it’s essential to use pads on the legs of dining chairs and stools to prevent scratches or dents that could show up over time. Regularly using a damp mop to get rid of food and drink stains is also important for wood floors.

Vinyl and luxury vinyl are also great flooring options for kitchens, with a huge choice of color, pattern, texture, and even shape options available. These types of floors are easy to maintain and hygienic, and they’re water-resistant. They’re typically more affordable than other materials but still offer a luxurious look. For an elegant touch, natural stone tile is another good choice for the kitchen. It’s a durable material that resists heat and stains, but it requires periodic sealing to keep it stain-free.

Pet and Child Friendly

Homeowners who live with pets and children need floors that are resistant to stains, moisture, scratches, dents, and scuffs. Area rugs can help soften the sound of pet claws and add style to the room, but when it comes to the actual floor, there are many durable options available for families with active lifestyles.

Vinyl flooring is a great option for budget-friendly homeowners who want an easy-to-clean surface. It is made with a core layer of flexible plastic synthetic sheets or tiles, topped with an image layer that imitates hardwood and natural stone looks and finished with a protective finish. Our Alterna collection offers high-quality vinyl flooring that combines performance with style, including cushioned, nonslip, and sound-reducing surfaces.

Laminate is another durable flooring option, with a tough, scratch-resistant surface that resists moisture and stains. Its durability and resemblance to wood make it an excellent choice for rooms where kids and pets tend to roam, although it can be slippery and may show signs of wear with heavy use.