Choosing the right type of flooring is crucial to your home’s functionality and beauty. The floor is constantly exposed to wear and tear, especially in the busiest areas of the house, like the kitchen and hallways. Therefore, the materials should be highly durable and wear-resistant.
There are many flooring types you can use for your home, ranging from high-end to budget-friendly ones. Since the options seem endless, you can narrow them down according to your needs and preferences. Here are the top eight practical flooring types to take your home’s durability, functionality, and style to the next level.
1. Epoxy Flooring
Epoxy is a floor type with high durability and foolproof waterproofing. It’s the most suitable flooring type for garages due to its strength and grease resistance. Having it installed by experts guarantees longevity without spending extra on maintenance in the long run.
On top of its unmatched durability, epoxy flooring can give your garage a modern look. You can fully customize its design by hiring professional installers offering a wide range of custom finishes. When installed, regular sweeping and mopping are enough to maintain its finish.
2. Carpet
Carpet is a practical and cozy flooring option for living areas, bedrooms, and nurseries. It’s suitable for family homes catering to young kids and the elderly. Plus, it’s one of the most affordable choices.
Installing carpet flooring for high-traffic areas like hallways and staircases reduces noise, keeping your home peaceful and relaxing. It also provides enough traction to prevent slipping and other injury-causing accidents.
Some of the most durable carpet materials are nylon and polyester. These synthetic fibres can withstand heavy traffic while providing comfort.
3. Laminate
Laminate flooring is a popular choice in DIY home improvement projects due to its ease of installation and affordability. It’s one of the cheapest flooring options for revamping interiors on a budget.
The most practical option for DIYs is peel-and-stick laminate flooring. Each plank has a self-adhesive backing, so there’s no need to purchase glue. It can adhere to smooth concrete floors, well-prepped subfloors, and even dated tile floors.
4. Hardwood
Hardwood is a classic flooring type for various home styles. It’s a perfect option for main living areas and entryways due to its warm and welcoming visual appeal. Despite being expensive, its longevity is worth investing in since it can last a hundred years with proper maintenance.
The only downside of hardwood floors is the lack of waterproofing. Therefore, you can only use them in dry areas. Avoid installing them in bathrooms and mudrooms. While you can install hardwood flooring in the kitchen, you may need to reseal it to avoid warping and discoloration.
5. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers the aesthetic appeal of hardwood with the added durability of synthetic materials. This flooring material is moisture-resistant and perfect for kitchens and basements.
Plus, it’s more affordable than hardwood, making it a popular choice in budget-friendly home renovations.
The best feature of engineered hardwood flooring is its organic appeal. Its topmost layer is authentic hardwood, sealed with a clear acrylic coating for added protection.
You can see and feel the natural wood grain, making it a timeless design choice. It provides a balance of practicality and beauty.
6. Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl flooring is the next best alternative to engineered hardwood. It’s affordable, durable, and easy to install.
Unlike hardwood floors, vinyl is fully waterproof, making them suitable for moisture and liquid-prone areas like the kitchen and laundry.
This flooring type comes in various designs to fit any home style. It also has a wood grain texture mimicking a hardwood floor. Due to its durability and aesthetics, you can install vinyl flooring in various parts of your home, including hallways and entryways. It can withstand frequent wear and tear and is easy to clean and maintain.
7. Natural Stone Tiles
Natural stone flooring is a luxurious yet practical bathroom, kitchen, and laundry flooring choice. However, you can also install it in any part of the home if you’re aiming for a rustic yet elegant look.
Due to their visual appeal and durability, granite, slate, travertine, and limestone are some of the top options.
Most natural stone tiles are liquid-resistant, highly durable, and long-lasting. Natural stone provides a timeless design, perfect for your forever home.
9. Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tile flooring is a mid-range choice for bathroom floors. It costs slightly higher than ceramic tiles but is way more durable and waterproof since porcelain tiles are denser and less porous.
Therefore, they’re less prone to cracking and expanding when exposed to water.
The most crucial factor in choosing porcelain tile flooring is the installation. Hiring an expert installer is your best bet to ensure longevity. While some homeowners decide to tackle it themselves, it requires expertise to avoid cracking and guarantee durability.
Conclusion
When selecting the most practical flooring types, consider these factors: durability, longevity, and aesthetics. Your floor should withstand wear and tear, resist water and moisture, and create a relaxing and visually appealing ambiance, making your home stylish and functional.
