Different Flooring Types

A Brief Guide on Different Flooring Types

A Brief Guide on Different Flooring Types

Homeowners have a wide array of flooring types from which to choose. Flooring represents a big investment.
Indeed, cost influences most homeowners’ choices. However, homeowners should also consider durability,
maintenance, and moisture ratings. Keep reading for a brief guide on your main flooring options.

Carpeting

Carpeting is a popular choice because it’s soft underfoot. It also cuts down on noise. For these reasons,
carpeting is especially ideal in the bedroom or any space where you want a cozy feel.

Carpeting comes in two types of pile – cut and loop. With cut-pile carpets, the individual fibers stand
straight up. This style is generally softer. With loop-pile carpets, the fibers loop over. Loop-pile carpets
aren’t as soft as cut-pile, but they’re more durable. Loop-pile carpets are ideal for high-traffic areas,
such as a family room.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood flooring is prized for its natural beauty. The color and grain of hardwood flooring imparts
warmth. Builders usually install hardwood flooring throughout the house. However, moisture is an issue for
hardwood, so they often switch to another flooring option for areas such as the bathroom or kitchen.

Manufacturers choose from different hardwoods for flooring. Some hardwoods are harder than others, which
makes them last longer. Homeowners can choose different finish options, which not only affect the appearance
but also the durability of the floor. Hardwood floors last a long time because you can sand and refinish
them.

Engineered Wood Flooring

A close relative to hardwood is engineered wood flooring. While hardwood flooring consists of solid wood
planks, engineered hardwood features a base of plywood topped with a real wood veneer. The construction makes
engineered wood less susceptible to changes in humidity, so this flooring works even in bathrooms and
kitchens.

Contractors can choose from different installation methods for engineered wood flooring, including nails
and glue. Engineered wood usually comes prefinished.

Clay Tile Flooring

For an upscale option, try clay tile flooring. Clay tiles are durable and low-maintenance. They stand up well to
both moisture and foot traffic. Therefore, they’re ideal for foyers, laundry rooms, kitchens, and bathrooms.
Clay tile flooring is good for households with pets.

Manufacturers make clay tiles in an almost infinite range of sizes, colors, styles, and shapes. They
designate the different tiles according to intended use – quarry, paver, patio, or glazed. Glazed tiles are
typically the ones builders use in houses.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone tiles are a little less common than clay for flooring, but they are an option. Not all stones are
suitable for flooring. Manufactures use marble, slate, limestone, travertine, granite, and sandstone. The
type of stone drives its suitability for use in different areas. Granite is impervious, while sandstone is
fairly porous. The other stones fall between those two.

Contractors usually have to treat natural stone with a sealing agent to keep them impervious to moisture.
Granite is the exception. Builders can use natural stone tiles anywhere they’d use clay if the tiles have
been treated.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a popular budget option. It’s exceptionally durable and low-maintenance. Laminate is
also relatively easy to install, which makes it ideal for do-it-yourself projects. Laminate is suitable for
high-use, high-moisture areas.

Similar to engineered wood, manufacturers start with a base layer of plywood. However, they top the
plywood with a photograph that gives the flooring its color and pattern. They finish the laminate with a
plastic coating. Laminate can simulate another material or feature its own unique appearance.

Vinyl Flooring

Known as a resilient flooring, Vinyl is flexible and slightly soft to walk on. Vinyl flooring
is also durable and low-maintenance. It’s suitable for any area in the house, but it’s ideal for kitchens,
dining rooms, and entryways.

Vinyl comes as sheets and as tiles. Manufacturers back the vinyl layer with a layer of felt and another of
foam, which adds cushioning.