Often, we get asked what is the right flooring option for my house or apartment? The answer depends on several factors such as your budget, geographic location, health considerations, environmental impact, design, pets, etc. In this article, we dive into 5 most popular flooring options to help you decide which one is right for you. 

 

Engineered Hardwood Flooring:

 

Engineered hardwood flooring comes in several constructions such as plywood, softwood or hardwood-layed constructions. High-quality wood flooring will have zero VOC (only those naturally present in wood), would not move within 30-70% air humidity, and will have a high-quality finish that will fully seal and protect the wood from staining. Wood flooring is a popular option for discerning homeowners, especially in colder climates. 

Pros: 

  1. Hardwood flooring is the best choice for new families with young children. Wood floors are non-toxic and harmless, which is best for those who are learning to crawl and spend a lot of time on the floors playing. Exposing babies to wooden flooring has been shown to improve their motor skills. 
     
  2. Hardwood floors come in a large variety of different wood species such as white oak, ash, maple, birch, hickory, American walnut, pine, etc. Each one is unique and has specific characteristics and grain patterns typical of the species. The number one selling wood species is European white oak. 
     
  3. Hardwood flooring comes in many design options spanning from plank to chevron to mosaics. Mosaic and patten wood flooring can be used to create beautiful interior designs. 
     
  4. Wood flooring is the best option for people prone to allergies. Hardwood floors do not collect or accumulate dust, allergens, or mold; these floors are easy to clean and maintain. 
     
  5. If maintained well, wood flooring can last up to a hundred years and only need a coating applied every twenty to twenty-five years. 

Cons: 

  1. While hardwood floors can last a long time, they will start to get scratches over time. It is important to attach felt pads to all furniture legs in order to avoid dents and scratches. 
     
  2. Pets can scratch the floors with their claws and slip on them, so adding rugs for pets might be necessary.
     
  3. If you do not use full glue down method for installation, the floor might start to squeak when you walk on it.
     
  4. If water spills on the floor, it may damage it by swelling or cupping. It is recommended to wipe any water puddles off the floor right away. 
     
  5. While this is a great type of flooring, it can be costly. Installation is usually between 4$ to 9$ per square foot. Materials are usually between 9$ to 15$ per square foot. 

 

Vinyl Flooring

 

 

Vinyl flooring is made of 100% synthetic materials such as PVC plastic, fiberglass and a plasticizer. This type of flooring is known for emitting VOC after being installed in living spaces. Vinyl flooring has been around for over 100 years, with its popularity going up and down with its latest peak in the 2000s. Two most common types of vinyl flooring that are available are luxury vinyl and vinyl. The key difference between the luxury vinyl flooring and regular vinyl tiles is the thickness of the product with the luxury vinyl being thicker than regular vinyl.

 Pros: 

  1. Vinyl flooring is very affordable if you are on a tight budget. It usually costs between 5$ to 12$ per square foot.
     
  2. Vinyl flooring is softer under the feet compared to stone tile and wood flooring thanks to the padding underneath.
     
  3. Luxury vinyl floors can be beautiful and unique with multiple different colors and designs of different varieties.
     
  4. Vinyl installation is cheaper than hardwood flooring as it is mostly floating with a click system, so no glue is necessary for installation. The glue-down installation will run about the same in cost as the hardwood flooring. 
     
  5. Very durable, if cared for properly. In highly trafficked areas, it is suggested to put rugs or mats. When sliding furniture, put sliders to prevent damage.

 

Cons: 

  1. Vinyl floors cannot be refinished. If a certain area is damaged, the whole floor has to be changed.
     
  2. Vinyl flooring's lifespan is between 10 to 20 years, after which it has to be replaced. 
     
  3. These floors do not add to the resale value of your home. In some cases, such as low-quality vinyl, it can bring down the value. 
     
  4. Vinyl is not environmentally friendly. Most vinyl floors emit VOC once installed. Exposure to VOC has been linked to people developing cancer. 
     
  5. If vinyl is glued to the floor, once it's dry, it can be very hard to remove. 
     
  6. If the vinyl flooring was made before 1980, it contains asbestos. Older vinyl floors were made with asbestos which can lead to serious diseases such as cancer. 

 

Wall-to-wall Carpeting 


 

Wall-to-wall carpeting has been around since the 19th century but has only been popular between 1930-1970s in middle and lower class homes. Today in the 21st century, wall-to-wall carpeting popularity has dropped but it still has a very active presence in the market. Wall-to-wall carpets made of nylon are most popular due to their affordability, durability and resilience. 

Pros: 

  1. Carpet floors are soft, cozy, and warm to walk on. 
     
  2. Wall-to-wall carpets provide insulation for heat and sound which takes away any type of echoing there might be in a home. 
     
  3. Carpet flooring is relatively cheap and can vary between 5$ to 15$ per square foot. 
     
  4. Carpets hide dirt making them always look clean. 
     
  5. Carpet floors are very versatile with many types of styles, designs, patterns and colours. 

Cons:

  1. Carpet flooring holds, collects, and absorbs dust and allergens which is not recommended for allergy sensitive people or people with respiratory problems. 
     
  2. Carpet floors retain moisture and mold can grow over a short period of time.
     
  3. Carpets capture unpleasant odours and stains, specifically in households with pets and children. 
     
  4. It is very difficult to remove odours from wall-to-wall carpets. The number one reason for changing carpets is the inability to remove odours.
     
  5. Unlike vinyl and hardwood flooring, carpet floors have to be replaced every five to ten years.

 

Stone Tile Flooring 



 

When you think about a southern tropical estate, cool stone floors come to mind. Stone tile flooring stays cool no matter how warm it gets outside, hence its popularity in warm tropical climates. Stone tile floors are environmentally friendly and are made of natural stones such as granite, marble, limestone and sandstone. There are no man-made materials in these tiles. 

Pros: 

  1. Stone tile flooring is one of the most long lasting floors. Stone floors can last well over a hundred years and tolerate heavy foot traffic. 
     
  2. Stone tiles can be installed indoors and outdoors. 
     
  3. Stone tile floors keep dust and allergens out of the home, making the atmosphere feel fresher.
     
  4.  Even during the summer, these stone tiles stay cool and sometimes cold which is a desirable feature for warm climates. 
     
  5. Stone tiles increase the resale value of the home. 

Cons:

  1. When wet, stone tile flooring can be slippery making them not ideal for kitchens, bathrooms or young families. 
     
  2. The stones stay naturally cool which means you will need to install heated flooring underneath in colder climates; or use rugs. 
     
  3. Some more brittle stone tiles can chip. 
     
  4. If not wiped right away, any food or liquid besides water can stain the stone tiles. 
     
  5. Stone tile flooring would be considered on the expensive side of floors with costs varying from 10$ to 30$ per square foot. 

 

In summary, you have to take into consideration all aspects of your life to make the right decision about the flooring for your home. If you are a young family looking to increase value in your home, often wood flooring will be your best choice. If you are living in hot climates with outdoor pool areas, natural stone might be an option for you. If you are a budget-conscious individual, not looking to invest into the value of your home, vinyl or carpet might be right for you. In any case, there are no wrong choices but considering all factors will guide you to make a wiser decision when it comes to flooring options.