When replacing your floors, finding the right type of flooring material may feel daunting. This article lists some of the pros and cons of different flooring materials.
Hardwood Flooring Material
Hardwood has been in use as a flooring material for many years. It’s preferred by many homeowners because of its attractive appearance and durability.
Pros:
- It increases the value of your property
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Quality hardwood flooring has a long lifespan
- It will easily complement any furniture in your home
- It can be stained to change its appearance
Cons:
- Expensive to buy and install
- More difficult to install than some other flooring materials
- Hardwood floors have low water-resistance
Hardwood flooring will cost you from $6 -$22 per square foot to buy and install.
Vinyl Flooring Material
This flooring material is made from PVC and other synthetic materials. It is easy to install and comes in different styles, like tiles and planks.
Pros:
- Comes in many different colors
- It is easy to fix compared to hardwood flooring
- Easy to maintain
- Vinyl flooring is water-resistant
Cons:
- Not as durable as hardwood
- Not eco-friendly
It costs $2-$8 per square foot to install vinyl flooring.
Tiles
Tile is a popular flooring material in many homes because it’s available in various options such as glass, marble, and ceramic. You can install in every part of the home, including the kitchen and bathroom walls and floors.
Pros:
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Comes in different colors and styles
- Water-resistant
- Chemical resistant
- Durable
Cons:
- Difficult to install on your own
- Some tile cracks easily
- Cold on your feet
- It can be slippery
Tiles will cost you about $15 to $20 per square foot.
Laminate
While it may look like vinyl flooring, laminate is made from wood materials. Many homeowners choose it as a more affordable alternative to hardwood flooring. Laminate flooring manufacturers produce many different styles, so you’re sure to find one that works with your home.
Pros:
- It is a cheaper flooring option compared to hardwood and tile
- Its appearance can be customized
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It has a lower value to homebuyers should you decide to sell the property
- It is not water-resistant
- It is not easy to replace one section of laminate if it is damaged
When buying laminate flooring, you’ll spend anywhere from $3 to $8 per square foot.
Once you decide on the right flooring material, hire a professional flooring contractor to install it in your home.
Rhode Island Real Estate Inspection Services provides home inspection services to all of Rhode Island. Contact us to book your inspection.