When re-flooring your home, there are so many options, making it hard to make that final decision! While searching for a new floor replacement in your home, you’ll need to consider the benefits of each type for specific rooms. With house flooring materials that include laminate, hardwood, pre-finished hardwood and even engineered hardwood floors there is no doubt that you’ll need to put your best thinking cap on when learning more about the types of house flooring!
Types of House Flooring Materials
- Vinyl
- Ceramic
- Hardwood
- Laminate
- Linoleum
- Porcelain
- Engineered Hardwood
- Bamboo
- Pre-finished Hardwood
- Cork
- Stone
- Concrete
With all of these options, how can you narrow down your search?
You need to factor in where you will be placing the floor since the material is highly dependent on which room you want to lay it down in. I’ll narrow it down for you and present the options that are usually the floor(s) of choice for most homeowners:
- Laminate
- Hardwood
- Engineered Hardwood
- Pre-finished Hardwood
- Ceramic
- Vinyl
- Cork
1. Laminate
- There are so many different colours and styles. This material can look like stone, ceramic or even mimic hardwood.
- Laminate is extremely resistant to stains and scratches, which makes it perfect for areas with heavy traffic and is especially helpful if your house has pets or children constantly running throughout it.
- Laminate is cheaper than hardwood and can cost around $5-$15/square ft.
- Laminate can also last 20+ years!
- Not ideal for bathrooms or other areas that can be damp.
2. Hardwood
- Hardwood looks very beautiful and gives your house a charming, comfortable vibe. It’s also available in a range of colours that can match any room perfectly.
- Hardwood can be easy to scratch, so it isn’t recommended for areas that could be prone to heavy foot traffic.
- Hardwood requires resealing about every 3-4 years unless it has been given a factory-sealed finish, in which case it could last longer.
- Hardwood is also very eco-friendly when compared to other types of flooring.
- Hardwood can collect dirt and debris more easily and can also cost you around $5-$20/square ft.
3. Engineered Hardwood
- Engineered hardwood looks virtually the same as hardwood.
- Engineered hardwood has an enhanced internal balance, which reduces the warping and twisting of the boards. It is fairly resistant to humidity.
- Engineered hardwood is ideally placed in basements or cottages because it looks like hardwood but can go where hardwood cannot.
- Engineered hardwood can vary in price but can range around $2-$20/square ft
4. Pre-finished Hardwood
- Pre-finished hardwood can look just like any other kind of hardwood, which is great if you want the look without spending as much money.
- Pre-finished hardwood is fairly durable and can last 20+ years.
- Pre-finished hardwood is quite sturdy and can resist moisture and stains easily.
- Pre-finished hardwood can vary in price and can range around $4-$10/square ft.
- Pre-finished hardwood is ideal in most areas surrounding your home because it is shockingly resistant to scratches when compared to regular hardwood.
5. Ceramic Tile
- Ceramic tile is most practically placed in bathrooms as it is resistant to moisture and scratches.
- Ceramic tile also looks great in kitchens and comes in a variety of styles and colours.
- Ceramic tile is very easy to clean, but the grout between the tiles can get dirty so frequent cleaning is recommended for long-lasting results.
- Ceramic tile can be cold to the touch though, so in a bathroom, it can be good after a shower but in the morning can be a little shocking on the feet – placing bath mats around your sink and toilet might be preferred.
- Ceramic tile can cost anywhere from $1-$20/square ft.
6. Vinyl
- With vinyl flooring there is an enormous amount of variety to choose from. It comes in both sheet style and tile.
- A vinyl floor is best placed in a bathroom because it is quite thick.
- Vinyl is extremely easy to install, but it doesn’t look as nice as the other preferred floor types.
- Vinyl can cost $2-$10/square ft.
- Vinyl is also susceptible to scratches, stains and wear and tear. Vinyl isn’t typically long-lasting so low-traffic areas are recommended to make your vinyl floor last as long as it can.
7. Cork
- Cork flooring looks really magnificent and unique! Very ideal for bedrooms because it is softer than other flooring and is a good substitute if you’re used to carpet in your bedroom.
- Cork can also be put in the bathroom but will need a protective sealant to make it resistant to dampness, which can be an additional cost.
- Cork is also eco-friendly and hypoallergenic!
- Available in interlocking planks for a floating floor appearance or in tile style – it is also available in many different styles and colours.
- Although cork seems pretty fantastic, it can be costly which can be a deal breaker for people who are considering it.
- Cork ranges in price from $7-$20/square ft.
Types of House Flooring Ideas: Choosing the Right Colour and Pattern
Embarking on the journey of selecting the perfect flooring for your space is akin to painting on a blank canvas. The colours and patterns you choose are more than just surface details; they are expressions of your personality and the ambiance you wish to surround yourself with. Let’s navigate this colourful landscape together, unravelling the nuances of colour psychology and pattern dynamics to ensure your space truly mirrors your envisioned style and desired atmosphere.
The Power of Colour
Colour isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s deeply intertwined with our emotions and can significantly affect the mood of a room. Understanding colour psychology becomes your first step in making a space that not only looks stunning but also feels right.
- Warm Tones: Reds, oranges, and yellows can inject energy and warmth into your space, making it feel more welcoming and intimate. Ideal for living rooms and kitchens, they spark conversation and create a cozy ambiance.
- Cool Tones: Blues, greens, and purples can transform a space into a tranquil sanctuary, offering a sense of calm and relaxation. Perfect for bedrooms and bathrooms, these hues soothe the soul and promote serenity.
- Neutrals: Black, white, grey, and beige provide a versatile backdrop that allows your furniture and décor to shine. They’re fantastic for those who wish to regularly update their space’s look without changing the flooring.
Embracing Patterns
The pattern of your flooring can dramatically alter the perception of your space. Patterns can guide the eye, create illusions of space, and add character and depth.
- Stripes and Lines: Horizontal stripes can make a room appear broader, while vertical stripes elongate a space. Choose wisely based on your room’s dimensions and desired effect.
- Geometric Patterns: From hexagons to herringbone, geometric patterns are in vogue, offering a modern and dynamic flair to your space. They’re perfect for making a bold statement.
- Natural and Organic: For those seeking a softer, more earthy vibe, organic patterns that mimic stone, wood, or floral designs can create a harmonious and inviting environment.
The Final Brushstroke
As your guide through the world of home renovation, it’s crucial to remind you that these decisions are deeply personal. While trends and guidelines provide a roadmap, your space should reflect who you are and what you love. Whether you’re drawn to the understated elegance of neutral tones or the bold vibrancy of geometric patterns, the final design is a testament to your unique taste and the ambiance you aim to cultivate.
Remember, the foundation of your space sets the tone for all who enter. By thoughtfully selecting the colours and patterns of your flooring, you infuse life, personality, and energy into your space, making it not just a house, but a home filled with stories and memories waiting to be made.
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Look at all of these options! Hopefully, all of these listed types of house flooring will give you some inspiration and help you make your final decision. From eco-friendly flooring to heavily engineered flooring, at least you know which style might fit better for the different rooms in your house. If all of these options are simply too overwhelming and you’d like some help with your flooring installation, give HPT a call! Call us NOW at 416.494.9095 or email Brian@HomePaintersToronto.com! And don’t forget to follow us on all our social channels below!
