There is so much more to the floor you walk on than meets the eye. It is a striking design feature for your kitchen, bathroom, living room, or hallways. Thus, selecting the ideal flooring material to accentuate your space’s beauty gives the atmosphere you want even more zing.
Many options are available today, ranging from vinyl flooring to hardwood, stone, tile, and more. So, there are a lot of things to take into account while choosing a flooring material. You must take into account the precise requirements of every area in your house, including its size, resilience to humidity, furniture weight, and foot traffic, and choose a reasonably priced but appropriate choice that satisfies a person’s needs. We examine the products currently on the market and the benefits and drawbacks of each kind of flooring. In this blog we will see about 11 Types of Flooring Materials: Pros, Cons, and Prices.
Types of Flooring Material
Some of the best options for choosing an appropriate flooring material are listed below. Study the benefits and drawbacks of the various flooring material kinds as well.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Wooden flooring is a sophisticated, elegant, and distinctive material that may be used in a farmhouse, rural home, or modern high-rise apartment due to its distinct grain and veneer. When properly maintained, it is also resilient and long-lasting. It can be oiled or coated according to personal desire. Because wood is a natural heat conductor, wooden flooring materials also give your room a cozy feeling. It is available in several sizes and color combinations to accommodate a range of tastes.
Pros
- Versatile
- Complements all kinds of interiors
- Long-lasting
- Durable
- Increases resale value of home
- Adds warmth
Cons
- It is expensive to install and maintain
- Can warp when exposed to moisture
- Fades when exposed to UV rays
2. Engineered Wood Flooring
Manufactured wood is another name for engineered wood flooring. It is constructed by covering a heat-formed wood core in the middle with natural wood veneer. This is environmentally friendly because it is made from leftover or cut-off components. A foundation supporting layer is mainly utilized when shrinking may be a concern. This material has advantages and is much easier to lay than solid timber flooring.
Pros
- Less affected by humidity or temperature fluctuations
- Does not expand
- Available in several colour variants, sizes, and shapes
- Can bear heavier loads than natural wood flooring
- Positive impact on the environment
Cons
- It doesn’t take well to refinish
- Requires maintenance and care
3. Laminate Flooring
High-density fiberboard is used to create laminate flooring. Photographic images of wood, tile, etc., are laminated into the board’s surface, and a durable wear-resistant coating is applied on top to further increase the flooring’s longevity.
Pros
- Anti-scratch material
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- Stain resistant
Cons
- It feels dry and hard
- It can be noisy and clunky
4. Real Stone Flooring
This flooring material’s functionality, fashionable appearance, and durability make it one of the top choices for kitchens and bathrooms. Stone flooring is the best option if you’re searching for that special touch of flair that adds class and texture. Terracotta tiles, marble, and slate made of limestone are just a few possibilities. Whatever the case, every single one of these is exquisite in its own right and gives your room character, depth, and coziness.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Adds value to property
- It withstands moisture and spills
- Aesthetic appeal
- It can be customized to suit every home
Cons
- Possibility of cracking or chipping if not well-laid
- High maintenance
5. Tile Flooring
Regarding tile flooring material, one may find anything at their feet. Selecting tile as your preferred flooring material requires careful thought. Size, color, texture, pattern, shape, and even installation techniques all maximize elegance and beauty while bringing warmth and character to your room.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Copes well with moisture
- Low maintenance
- Stain resistant
- It remains calm and is ideal for hot temperatures
Cons
- Can be expensive
- Slippery
- Matt’s finished tile catches grime
6. Resin or Concrete Flooring
While resin works well throughout the house, this flooring material is best for open kitchens, patios, and living rooms. It is available in various colors, and some designs even include stone or glitter to set the scene and give you the floor of your dreams.
Pros
- Noise absorbing
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Adds modern finish to spaces
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- The cost factor
- It takes longer to dry and be ready for use
7. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a standard option when searching for a quick fix for your home on a short budget. It contains plasticizers, polyvinyl chloride, and colored pigments. Because it is non-porous, this well-liked flooring material is an excellent choice for flooring in kitchens and bathrooms. It comes in sheet, tile, and plank form. Vinyl flooring doesn’t work for you if you want a permanent house.
Pros
- Versatile
- Relatively inexpensive
- Deals well with moisture and foot traffic
- Durable
Cons
- Not as resilient as wood
- Difficult to repair
- Not recyclable
- It emits volatile organic compounds
8. Luxury Vinyl Tiles or Planks (LVP)
LVP is the way to go if you want vinyl flooring with a sophisticated appearance. This is revolutionary; it provides the appearance of hardwood floors without maintenance headaches. It is easier to install and comes in plank form.
Pros
- Durable
- Interlocking planks that install easily
- Designed to look and feel like hardwood
- Waterproof and can be used throughout the home
Cons
- Expensive
9. Carpet Flooring
This flooring material is affordable and available in various materials, including wool, synthetic, and a blend of wool and synthetic. This works well in every room except the kitchen and bathroom because it comes in various colors, patterns, and styles. Carpets offer your room personality and coziness and create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
Pros
- Great for barefoot spaces
- It makes spaces seem bigger
- Affordable
- Recyclable
- Resilient
Cons
- Accumulates dirt and grime and needs frequent cleaning
- Not suitable for homes with pets
- Does not do well with spills and stains
10. Rubber Flooring
This flooring option is quickly gaining popularity for homes and play areas because it is affordable. They are attractive and available in a range of hues and patterns.
Pros
- Cost-effective
- Easy to maintain
- Waterproof
- Durable
- Slip-resistant
- Eco-friendly and recyclable
Cons
- Can be stain-prone
- a distinct rubbery smell that lasts for months
- Heavy and difficult to install
11. Cork Flooring
Even though this type of flooring was common in modern homes built in the middle of the 20th century, it’s still a fantastic choice. It is ideal for loft spaces and kid-friendly locations.
Pros
- Resilient and quiet underfoot
- Adds warmth
- Great fro dry spaces
- Natural and renewable materials
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Doesn’t do well with heavy furniture
- High maintenance
Tips to Choose the Best Flooring Material:
It’s a good idea to consider the following while selecting flooring:
- Inspect them in a different light and compare samples of your top choices to the locations where they will be installed.
- You ensure uniformity and prevent variations in color and design between batches; you ensure you get everything you need simultaneously.
- Make sure you buy the appropriate amount by taking precise measurements. To account for errors, it’s best to purchase roughly 10% more.
- For a long-lasting impression, select robust flooring for areas with plenty of foot activity.
- Rushing the installation increases the risk of many things going wrong, so take your time and follow all the instructions based on the type of flooring.
Price Range Of Different Flooring Materials
Type of Flooring Material | Price |
Hardwood Flooring | Rs 300/sqft |
Laminate Flooring | Rs 120/sqft |
Stone Flooring | Rs 32/sqft |
Tile Flooring | Rs 48/sqft |
Concrete Flooring | Rs 40/sqft |
Vinyl Flooring | Rs 25/sqft |
Cork Flooring | Rs 150/sqft |
Additional Cost Factors For Flooring Materials
Material Quality: It’s essential to consider the flooring material’s quality. Although they may initially cost more, higher grades typically offer more durability.
Labor Charges: The complexity of the installation and the installer’s skill level determine how much labor will cost. While some bill by the hour, others have a fixed rate.
Installation Type: The price may vary depending on how your flooring is put in. For example, glue-down boards could be more expensive than nail-down solid wood.
Wood Selection: The type of wood you select will significantly impact the final cost. Typical woods are typically less expensive than exotic ones.
Additional Services: Be ready to pay more if you require services like baseboard installation, subfloor leveling, or previous flooring removal.
Summing Up Flooring Material
Many flooring options are available on the market, including wooden, tile, and PVC flooring. Your choices will vary based on your preferences, the style and feel of your home, the weather, location, and other factors. Budgeting for installation fees is crucial; after that, you should choose an item that will wow you and your guests. In this way we have studied about 11 Types of Flooring Materials: Pros, Cons, and Prices.
Also Read: Feng Shui for Money and Success: 12 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Money and Success
Similar Topics: 12+ Christmas Decorations That Will Make Your Home Stand Out