Whether you’re a new home buyer looking to build your first home, or you’re renovating your home, you certainly need to decide on the best flooring material for each room.
Understanding the types of flooring is crucial to choosing the right material for your home. Not only will your choice of flooring serve as a backdrop for your interior decoration scheme, it will also have a significant impact on how well each room performs. In this article, you’ll gain in-depth knowledge on flooring including types, pros and cons, maintenance, and costs.
Contents
What To Consider When Choosing Flooring For Your Home
Although there are various options when it comes to home flooring, you’ll need to consider certain things to make the best choice for each room in your home. It’s always a great idea to not only make your selection based on the decor or style you desire, but also to carefully consider the different materials available and their respective pros and cons.
As an initial step, it’s important to decide on the purpose of each room in order to know which flooring will be most suitable. Note that various flooring materials are typically used in specific rooms. The best flooring for your kitchen may not be suitable for your living room. For example, while tile flooring is an excellent choice for the kitchen and bathroom, stained wood flooring with a classy rug may be a better fit for your living room.
Your budget will also play an important role in your decision-making process. The costs of different types of flooring materials vary, as you will also discover as you read on. If you’re working on a tight budget, you may also want to consider flooring options you can install yourself to further save cost.
Talking about decor and style, your choice of flooring will influence the overall look of your home. If you’re after a classy look, solid wood flooring would help to add that element of luxury. However, vinyl tile typically cheapens the look.
Ultimately, your choice of internal flooring largely depends on what you are looking to create for your home. So, while you’re researching various flooring ideas, remember to choose the options that best complement your home and fit your budget.
What Are Common Types of Floors?
While there are various floor options, you will find that some are more commonly used than others. Here we have summarised 8 most common options for flooring:
1. Tile
A widely used type of internal flooring, tile provides a wide range of choices in terms of colour, texture, shape and finishes.
1.1 Types and Materials
There are many types of tiles to choose from, including those made of ceramic, porcelain, glass, cement, metal, and stone, to name a few. Of these options, ceramic and porcelain tiles are the most popular.
Porcelain is technically a specialised type of ceramic. Porcelain tiles have a smoother finish than ceramic tiles. When you turn over a piece of loose tile, you notice that the unglazed surface of ceramic tiles feels coarse, while porcelain is smooth to touch because of its finer grain.
If you choose to buy ceramic or porcelain tiles, you’ll need to choose between rectified-edge and non-rectified edge tiles. Rectified-edge tiles are machined to give them almost-perfect straight edges and exact dimensions. It provides a thin gap between two tiles, and the grout line can be just 1-2mm thick. Non-rectified edge tiles are soft-edged and aren’t as sharp. The grout line between two tiles can be 3-4mm thick. People choose rectified-edge tiles mainly because of their symmetrical look and thin grout lines.
Tiles are also available with various patterns, including herringbone, brick bond, modular, hexagon, basket weave, wood, and hardwood look. With the reality of timber-inspired tiles, it’s possible to have a tiled ‘timber’ floor that’s difficult to tell apart from a natural wood one.
1.2 Pros and Cons
The advantages of tile flooring:
- Easy to maintain
- Resistant to water due to its protective top layer
- Tough and difficult to crack except under severe impact
- Long lasting
- It’s affordable, being cheaper than hardwood flooring, but is more costly than carpet.
The disadvantages of tile flooring:
- Tile doesn’t absorb heat well, and it can get quite cold during winter. However, during summer, the cold tiles give you a cool feeling, despite the heat outside
- Heavy, and unsuitable for upper story installation
1.3 Maintenance
Maintaining your tile flooring is really easy. You can sweep it regularly with a broom to get rid of loose dust and debris. Spills can be cleaned off using a damp rug or conventional mop. It’s advisable that you periodically mop your tile flooring using a pH balanced solution to keep it free from germs. Also, the hardness of tile makes it difficult to scratch or dent. This is true for porcelain tiles that are highly resistant against chipping and scratching.
1.4 Can I do it after the handover
Your builder should do tiling of wet areas like bathrooms and laundry. For other areas like the bedrooms and other living areas, you can have it done after your builder hands the house over. However, it’s best to have your entire tile flooring done at the same time by your builder, as this helps to keep everything consistent.
1.5 Cost
Most tiles sell for around $15 to $100 per square meter. Tiles with high-quality materials are more expensive, costing more than $100. Porcelain tiles are more expensive than ceramic tiles. Installation costs $40 to $100 per square metre, depending on the level of difficulty and the area you are in.
1.6 How long does it last
When properly installed and maintained, a tile floor can last for a couple of decades or more, even in high-traffic areas.
2. Carpet
Carpeting is another versatile and popular choice for flooring. The fibre density count tells you the level of quality of the carpet. The more fibres it has per square metre, the more durable the carpet will be.
2.1 Types and Materials
In broad terms, carpets can be divided into two categories based on how the piles are attached to the material backing of the carpet. They include Tufted carpets and Woven carpets, and there are many variations in each category.
- Woven carpets require more time to produce, and as such, they are more expensive. E.g., Axminster and Wilton.
- Tufted carpets are less labour intensive to produce and are often cheaper. E.g., Twist pile products.
The materials used for different types of carpets also vary. If you’re interested in natural fibres, wool is an excellent choice. Man-made options like nylon, polypropylene, polyester, acrylic are also available. For more sustainable alternatives, you can consider natural fibres such as sisal, coir, jute and seagrass.
2.2 Pros and Cons:
The advantages of carpeting:
- Hides dirt, giving your home a clean and well-kept look
- Versatile and available in thousands of styles, designs and patterns
- It’s softer than other flooring types, giving your home a warm and cosy feel
- Absorbs noise and reduces echo
- It’s inexpensive compared to other flooring options.
The disadvantages of carpeting:
- Low durability compared to other flooring options
- High maintenance, requiring frequent vacuuming
- Limited in use, and unsuitable for bathrooms and kitchens
- Requires frequent replacement despite proper maintenance.
2.3 Maintenance
As a rule of thumb, aim to vacuum at least once a week, in order to prevent dirt from building up within the carpet fibres. A vacuum cleaner having brushes or a beater works best for Cut pile carpet. Loop pile carpets require a suction only cleaner.
Spillages should be gently mopped and blotted or scooped up with a spoon. Don’t rub your carpet as this can cause the fibres to burst, causing a fuzzy appearance.
Special carpet shampoos can be used to give your carpet a deep clean. However, for a deep clean with best results, it’s better to employ a professional carpet cleaning company.
2.4 Can I do it after the handover
Yes. With planning, careful measurements and the right specialized tools, DIY carpeting installation is possible. It’s also a good way to cut costs. However, if it’s not done correctly, it may not be worth the savings.
2.5 Cost
Carpeting typically costs between $20 and $80 per square metre. Some high-end carpet also can cost $100 and above, depending on the material and quality you choose. Installation costs between $15 and $30 per square metre, including padding or underlying, which is more affordable than many other flooring options. Sometimes it is cheaper to do carpet with builders as they have a good deal with carpet providers.
2.6 How long does it last?
A modern carpet should last anywhere from 5 to 15 years. The time that a specific carpet lasts depends on the type of carpet, carpet cushion, carpet fibres, and wear and tear the carpet is exposed to.
3. Laminate
If you love how hardwood looks and feels, but find it rather too expensive, laminate flooring offers you a great alternative.
3.1. Types and Materials
Just like engineered wood floors, the top layer of laminate is sealed and mounted over layers of plywood or compressed fiber, giving you durable slats. The top layer is, however, not actual wood but a photographic image of wood or stone. The material is covered in a melamine wear layer, giving laminate flooring its famed toughness.
Based on installation, the types of laminate flooring are glueless click-lock, glued laminate, and pre-glued laminate. For surface types, there are smooth, embossed or textured, distressed or hand scraped, and embossed in registration. When considering pattern types, there are traditional plank, thin strip plank, wide plank, and herringbone or chevron patterns. Last, based on finish style, there are the high gloss and low gloss laminate flooring.
3.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of laminate flooring:
- It has a click system installation, so DIY installation is easy
- It can be installed over most existing flooring
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Affordable
- Good stain resistance
- Non-allergenic
The disadvantages of laminate flooring:
- Susceptible to moisture damage, and unsuitable for bathrooms and laundry rooms
- It can’t be refinished like actual wood and has to be replaced once it wears out
- Hard and noisy underfoot
3.3. Maintenance
Laminate requires minimal maintenance. You can sweep it occasionally to keep the surface free from abrasive grit. For more serious stains, use a wood floor cleaner and a damp mop. Avoid leaving water on laminate flooring surfaces. Laminate floors are typically scratch resistant. It’s not possible to refinish laminate floors if damaged or worn, you’ll have to replace them.
3.4. Can I do it after the handover
Yes, you can. Based on the click and lock method, it’s a good DIY project and a professional contractor may not be needed.
3.5. Cost
It’s inexpensive, so it’s best to get the highest quality available. You can expect to pay between $10 and $50 per square metre, depending on the quality of the laminate. Installation fee is between $15 and $40 per square metre depending on the difficulty.
3.6. How long does it last?
High-quality laminate is durable and has an average lifespan of 15 to 25 years. However, it can vary from 10 years to 30 years.
4. Solid Hardwood
4.1. Types and Materials
Solid hardwood flooring is made from hardwood slabs cut from a tree of your choice. It comes either as pre-finished wood which is ready before installation or unfinished hardwood which has to be sanded down so it’s shiny and moisture resistant after installation.
There are different species of hardwood available.
- Oak wood is the most common hardwood.
- Cherry wood is also widely used and gives a neat look.
- Maple is one of the strongest and most popular hardwoods.
- Mahogany is long-lasting and gives you a rich and royal look.
- Pine is a great choice if you want softness and affordability.
- Others include walnut, hickory, cypress, ebony, etc.
4.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of hardwood flooring:
- It offers variety with a wide array of choices
- High quality and less prone to damage
- Easy to maintain
- Hardwood floors can last a lifetime
- Versatile and compatible with diverse decorating looks.
The disadvantages of hardwood flooring:
- It’s costly, being more expensive than other flooring options like tiles and carpets
- Prone to termite attacks
- Scratches and gouges occur overtime but it can be refinished to eliminate them
- Moisture damage can lead to swelling and cupping
- Older hardwood floors can be noisy underfoot
- Limited usage and unsuitable for all rooms.
4.3. Maintenance
It’s necessary to keep hardwood floors clean, because dirt and dust are usually more visible. This typically means sweeping with a broom, and using a mixture of vinegar and water to wash the floors. You can also use a wood-cleaning product. Water with a few drops of Castile soap or dish soap is also effective. Mop the floor using only a microfiber mopping cloth to avoid excessive moisture.
Before vacuuming hardwood flooring, be sure that the model has an on-off brush roll feature. Don’t keep the brush roll (used for cleaning carpets) active as it can cause scratches on the floor.
4.4. Can I do it after the handover?
Yes, DIY installation is an option you can consider. If you’re considering DIY installation, it’s best you go for a model that can be installed without glue, staples, or nails. However, we recommend hiring a professional contractor to install your hardwood flooring. It’s not only easier, but you will protect your thousand dollars investment from any damage your inexperienced hands might unintentionally do.
4.5. Cost
Depending on your choice of wood type and labour costs, you can expect hardwood floors to cost you between $10 and $40 per lineal meter. Labour adds around $25 to $40 per square metre.
4.6. How long does it last?
With proper maintenance, hardwood floors last decades. They usually require refinishing every 10 years to maintain their lustre. You can expect your hardwood floors to last the life of your home.
5. Engineered Timber Flooring
Engineered timber flooring (engineered hardwood flooring) is made from several layers of wood pressed together, with the actual hardwood laid on top and on the bottom of the core layer. For example, engineered hardwood flooring comprises 7 to 9 layers, with the top layer being 100% wood, while the other layers are plywood.
5.1. Types and Materials
Based on texture, engineered hardwood flooring options include distressed, hand scraped, smooth, and wire brushed. Based on the wood species, there are oak engineered wood, carbonised bamboo wood, maple engineered wood, American cherry, Santos mahogany, and walnut, to mention a few.
5.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of engineered hardwood flooring:
- It’s less susceptible to moisture damage because of its multi-ply construction
- Versatile and can be used in basements and upper-story floors
- Flexible installation, as it can be installed directly over concrete subfloors or radiant heating systems without negative effects
- Light resistant and withstands abrasion, reducing scratches
- Mould resistant and non-allergenic
- It’s less expensive than solid hardwood flooring.
The disadvantages of engineered hardwood flooring:
- Unlike hardwood flooring, it can’t be sanded and refinished
- Entire block must be replaced if damaged
- Unlike tiled and cement floor, if poorly installed, it can’t be fixed without pulling out a significant part of the floor
- Underlay is required during installation
- Unlike natural wood floors, it doesn’t add as much resell value to your home.
5.3. Maintenance
You can maintain your engineered hardwood flooring by simply sweeping it regularly to remove dirt, dust and other debris. Mop your floors periodically, ensuring that your mop is slightly damp rather than wet. Although engineered hardwood flooring is more water-resistant than solid hardwood flooring, you still need to be careful to prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
Occasionally, deep clean using specified wood-cleaning products, to remove built up dirt and grime. The top layer is susceptible to scratches, but you can repair minor scratches using a wax repair kit or a cotton cloth with some rubbing alcohol.
5.4. Can I do it after the handover?
Yes, you may install your engineered hardwood flooring after your builder hands the house over. However, note that it requires highly advanced skills, and it’s sometimes best left in the hands of qualified floor installation professionals. Also, damage created during installation is difficult to sand and cover up. So, I’ll recommend that you hire flooring pros.
5.5. Cost
The cost of engineered hardwood is typically less expensive than hardwood flooring. It ranges from about $35 to $95 per square metre depends on the quality and the thickness.
5.6. How long does it last?
Typically, engineered hardwood flooring lasts between 20 and 30 years. It could last much longer, depending on some factors such as the thickness and type of hardwood top layer of the floor, the quality of the engineered wood flooring product that was used, and how well-maintained the flooring is.
6. Vinyl
Vinyl now offers much more than a cheap and cheerful flooring. Also known to be resilient flooring, vinyl will provide you with a flexible floor surface that’s durable, maintenance-free, and can also mimic wood and stone.
6.1. Types and Materials
There are two main types of vinyl flooring – Vinyl Roll Flooring, also known as vinyl sheet flooring, and Luxury Vinyl Tiles (LVT). A range of vinyl flooring products are available within these categories. So, you can find a vinyl floor that is best suited to your lifestyle and budget. Vinyl roll is perfect for areas subject to moisture, such as the bathroom, kitchen and laundry.
Luxury vinyl tile is a high-end version of vinyl. It’s a multi-layered, waterproof, resilient flooring available in either rigid or flexible vinyl tiles or planks. Just like vinyl roll, you’ll find that LVT is a practical flooring option. It offers you an array of choices in designs and styles, from classic to trendy designs.
6.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of vinyl flooring:
- Easy to install, requiring no saw or hammering
- It’s affordable, and cheaper to maintain when compared to other flooring options
- Beautiful and unique with convincing wood-like, stone and marble finishes
- Highly durable and water-resistant
- Scratch and stain resistant
The disadvantages of vinyl flooring:
- Once installed, vinyl floors can be tough to remove
- It can be of inconsistent quality; focus on the thickness and construction to determine quality
- May contain asbestos which has been linked to serious diseases, including cancer
6.3. Maintenance
To avoid damage, use rugs in high-traffic areas, and put protective felt tips on the base of furniture legs. When you need to move your furniture, make use of sliders or a sheet of plywood.
Avoid using abrasive materials when cleaning vinyl flooring, including scrubs, harsh detergents and chemicals, solvents, as these can cause scratches and damage the surface of the vinyl. Rather, simply vacuum or use a dry mop to remove any surface dust and dirt.
To deep clean, make use of a homemade solution of one cup of white vinegar mixed with a gallon of hot water. You can add a few drops of mineral oil to increase shine. If you’re using a commercial cleaner, ensure that it’s specifically designed for vinyl floors.
6.4. Can I do it after the handover?
Most vinyl flooring products are DIY friendly. Tiles and planks are easier to install, requiring no sawing or hammering. Several luxury brands offer “self-adhesive” vinyl that can be installed by simply removing the backing and pressing into place on a properly prepared subfloor.
6.5. Cost
Good quality vinyl tiles are inexpensive. Normally it is between $10 to $40. However, some luxury vinyl can also cost more than $80.
6.6. How long does it last?
Vinyl floors can last anywhere from 5 to 25 years, depending on their quality and how they’re installed and maintained.
7. Mechanically Polished Concrete
Mechanically Polished Concrete is a new, trendy design that has, over the last decade, become one of the most common flooring solutions for luxury home construction. It’s highly attractive for its wide variety of achievable finishes.
7.1. Types and Materials
There are 3 main styles of polished concrete floor finishes, and they’re differentiated with regard to the amount of concrete material removed from the surface of the concrete slab. They include:
- Cream polished concrete. New concrete will be poured on the surface and then is polished. No concrete is removed from the floor surface, creating an organic or marble-like appearance. This is the most common form of installation for new residential construction.
- Salt and Pepper polished concrete. Here the surface of the concrete is lightly ground, exposing the smallest aggregate in the concrete mix. It’s popularly used in commercial or industrial applications.
- Aggregate exposed polished concrete. In this method, the surface of the concrete is heavily ground, consistently exposing the largest aggregate in a concrete mix. It has a terrazzo-like appearance and is commonly used in luxury residential projects.
Each of the above types can have matt, semi-gloss polish and gloss finish.
7.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of polished concrete flooring:
- Highly durable and difficult to chip or scratch
- Easy to maintain
- Cost effective with low maintenance cost compared to other flooring options
- Versatile, and can simulate the look of different pricier materials
- Water-resistant, Scratch resistant chemical resistant
- Long lasting
The disadvantages of polished concrete flooring include:
- Concrete cracks due to its concrete nature
- May be uncomfortable to stand on because of its hardness
- It doesn’t retain heat well, and can get quite cold during winter, but no more so than ceramic tile or natural stone flooring
- Slippery when it is wet
7.3. Maintenance
Routine maintenance involves frequent dust mopping to remove dirt and grime accumulation that can erode the surface of polished concrete. Frequent wet mopping with clean water is also required. You’ll have even greater success using a floor cleaner. However, use only neutral-PH cleaners on polished concrete. Cleaners that are too acidic or too alkaline will deteriorate the concrete and dull the shine of the floor. It’s best to use very soft pads on polished floors to clean the surface without scratching or etching.
7.4. Can I do it after the handover?
Yes. As long as your new house is built on a concrete slab, it can be polished. Your builder can specify the concrete slab as 32 MPA, which will ensure a harder finish. However, typically, most polished concrete flooring is done before any necessary doors or door tracks are fitted.
7.5. Cost
Polished concrete flooring will cost you between $60 and $100 per square metre, depending on the complexity of the residential project.
7.6. How long does it last?
When properly maintained and installed, a polished concrete floor will last well over 20 years.
8. Bamboo
Although classified as hardwood flooring, bamboo flooring is in a class of its own. With a hardness similar to that of oak, it provides an eco-friendly option for your home.
8.1. Types and Materials
Because bamboo is a variety of grass, it grows much faster than wood. This makes it a renewable material, which can be harvested every five years. Wood, on the other hand, takes about 20 years before it can be harvested. This makes bamboo an eco-friendly flooring material. While there are hundreds of varieties of bamboo, most bamboo flooring is made using Moso bamboo.
8.2. Pros and Cons
The advantages of bamboo flooring include:
- Easy to maintain
- It can be refinished by sanding it down and applying a new coating seal
- It’s durable, and suitable for areas with high traffic
- DIY-friendly, and can be easily installed
- Pest resistant and non-allergenic
The disadvantages of bamboo flooring:
- Scratch prone
- Limited in style, and may not suit all interior decor settings
- Moisture sensitive
- Low-quality bamboo can contain traces of urea-formaldehyde, which is toxic
- It has an unreliable grading system.
8.3. Maintenance
Clean your bamboo floor at least once a week using a PH neutral wood floor cleaning spray and microfiber mop. Avoid acidic, abrasive and cleaning products containing ammonia, as they can irreparably damage your bamboo floor.
Any spills or liquid should be wiped away promptly using an absorbent cloth to avoid damage from moisture. Bamboo floor is susceptible to scratches and dents. So, avoid dragging furniture, heavy, or sharp objects over your floor. Consider using doormats at all exterior entrances, and removing your outdoor footwear.
8.4. Can I do it after the handover?
Yes. DIY installation is possible. For DIY installation, it’s best you go for one of the click-lock floating bamboo flooring options, in which no nails or glue are involved.
8.5. Cost
Bamboo is similar to hardwood flooring, costing between $35 and $65 per square metre on average.
8.6. How long does it last?
It can last over 50 years if properly maintained. However, the average lifespan ranges from 20 to 25 years with normal family wear-and-tear.
Conclusion
As there are many types of floors to choose from, it’s important to consider several factors when choosing to help you make the right choice. These include the purpose of the room, your budget, the aesthetic you’re going for, the amount of maintenance required, and so on.
Each type of floor has its own pros and cons, so by identifying your specific requirements, you’ll be able to pick a flooring option that will last a long time, while looking and performing at its best.
