Which Type of Flooring Is Right for You?

Flooring is one of the most essential components of your home. Not only do your floors literally support you, they also have a big impact on the look, feel, and function of every room. There is a wide variety of flooring materials on the market to choose from, so it’s important to do your research to determine which type will best bring your space together the way you envision it.

To help you make the right decision, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of the most common and popular types of flooring!

Laminate

Pros of Laminate Flooring

• Cost Effective: While the cost can vary based on thickness and print image quality, all laminate options are highly affordable. The low cost also makes professional installation cost-effective too.
• Design Variety: Laminate’s image layer can imitate the look of many different, more expensive, materials, such as hardwood, concrete, and natural stone.
• Low-Maintenance: The wear layer of laminate flooring is stain-resistant and easily cleaned with a broom, vacuum, mop, or laminate cleaner. No waxing is required.

Cons of Laminate Flooring

• Vulnerable to Moisture: Too much water saturation will warp laminate quickly, making it impractical for areas like the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room. You must also use caution when cleaning.
• Cannot Sand or Refinish: Laminate cannot be touched up like wood flooring. If it suffers too much damage (deep scratches, heavy wear), it must be replaced entirely.
• Lesser-Quality Look: From afar, laminate can pass for various other materials. Up close, however, it’s easy to tell it’s a fake.

Vinyl

Pros of Vinyl Flooring

• Easy Installation: Vinyl flooring is DIY-installation friendly. Most either click and lock into place or use self-adhesive.
• Low-Maintenance: Vinyl is resistant to moisture, as well as most scratches and dents. This durability makes it easy to care for. At most, it usually needs just a quick sweeping, vacuuming, or mopping.
• Affordable: The cost of vinyl is comparable to laminate, though it does run a little higher. Compared to wood though, it’s a much cheaper option ($2-5 per square foot vs. $5-10!). It’s also less expensive to clean and maintain vinyl flooring.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring

• Inconsistent Quality: Some brands of vinyl are more prone to damage than others. It’s always best to do your research and understand the quality of the product you’re getting. Cheaper is not always the best way to go. Remember, our experienced flooring experts at Conway are always happy to help if you are in need of guidance!

Tile

Pros of Tile Flooring

• Durability: Tile floors are seriously tough to crack. They’re also non-absorbent, making them very resistant to stains and moisture. With quality installation, tile flooring can last you decades.
• Versatile Design: Modern tiles can be printed or embossed to take on the look of many different desirable materials, such as wood or stone. They’re also available in a wide variety of colors, which can be mixed and matched. You can even have tile cut into various shapes, such as triangles, rectangles, or planks.
• Low-Maintenance: Because it is non-absorbent, tile doesn’t hold onto moisture, most stains, or allergens like dust or hair. Anything that falls on it can be easily wiped away.

Cons of Tile Flooring

• Uncomfortable: Tile is hard underfoot. It can be uncomfortable to stand on for extended periods. Its hardness can also make it slippery, leading to falls, and cause objects that fall against it to break.
• Cold: Just like it doesn’t absorb moisture or stains, tile doesn’t absorb heat either. Especially in the winter, this can be uncomfortable and shock your feet when you first step on it. For this reason, we always recommend in-floor heating when installing a new tile floor.

Hardwood

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

• High Value: People are willing to pay top dollar for a home with hardwood floors. Installing them now will pay off with a great ROI down the road if you sell.
• Elevated Look: Wood has a warm, natural look to it that makes your space feel elegant and inviting. There’s also a variety of aesthetic options via different types of wood and stains. Plus, if your style changes, you can sand and refinish hardwood floors to change with it.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

• Cost: Hardwood flooring has a high ROI, but the upfront costs are also high. It’s typically the most expensive of your options.
• Vulnerable to Moisture & Scratches: Too much moisture can warp and discolor wood. Over time, it is also prone to being scratched. This sometimes requires a little extra care or refinishing.

Whichever type of flooring you decide is best for you and your home, Conway Furniture can hook you up! Our flooring department houses a wide selection of different materials, designs, and customizable options. Our professionals can help you choose the right product and, if you’d like, provide expert installation as well.

Contact us today to learn more about our premier flooring services!