For example, “floating” floors-typically laminate-consist of interlocking floorboards that use no adhesives this easy-to-install design is popular with DIYers. Ceramic or porcelain tile requires a stiff, flat surface underneath to prevent cracking.ĭifferent types of flooring are installed in different ways, some of which are DIY-friendly. Solid wood flooring, for example, cannot be installed directly over concrete and is a poor choice for humid areas such as basements and baths. The type of flooring you choose will be determined in part by where you plan to install it, and over what type of surface. Installed cost: $2 to $6 per square foot. Top-of-the-line LVF can cost as much as or more than the best solid wood and laminate floors, though it costs less to install. Higher quality LVF can do a good job of mimicking the look of stone, tile, or wood.Ĭons: Installing traditional vinyl is seen as a budget play, and even the best LVF still looks like vinyl up close. Regular vinyl comes in rolls and is glued in place LVF typically comes in tiles or planks that click together for easy installation. Both are made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), but LVF is thicker and more rigid, and it typically has more protective top layers. This flooring type comes in two main varieties: traditional vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring (LVF). It’s also waterproof, so it’s a great alternative to tile in wet rooms such as baths and kitchens, where it provides a forgiving surface underfoot. Pros: Vinyl flooring is especially good at fending off wear, dents, scratches, discoloration from sunlight, and stains. Installed cost: $4 to $9 per square foot. (According to the National Wood Flooring Association, wear layers of less than 2.5 mm usually can be recoated but not completely refinished.) If you anticipate that you may need to refinish your engineered wood flooring, check with the manufacturer or retailer before you buy. Depending on the thickness of the top “wear layer,” some engineered wood flooring can be refinished once or twice, and some cannot be refinished. Well-installed, high-quality engineered wood can be as durable as solid wood.Ĭons: Engineered wood performed about the same in our denting and wear tests as did solid wood and laminate, but fewer engineered wood products earned top marks for wear. This flooring uses a thin veneer of real wood or bamboo over structural plywood, making it a cost-effective choice. Pros: Because engineered wood is made of thin layers of wood sandwiched with adhesives, it can withstand higher levels of humidity and is less likely to expand and contract than solid wood flooring. “Though supply chain woes are not what they were during the pandemic, it can still be more profitable to ship cars and appliances than flooring, which could decrease the supply options of flooring available or drive up the cost.” "A large quantity of hardwood, marble, and porcelain is produced in or sourced from Europe and Asia’s forests and quarries, requiring transport via shipping containers," says David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack, which connects consumers to home service professionals. While experts say supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic have largely dissipated, they add that the availability of building products like flooring is bound to fluctuate. No matter what you choose, it’s wise to have a backup choice. “The average hardwood plank is now 7 to 7½ inches wide.” “We’re also seeing wider products and longer lengths,” he says. Among solid hardwoods, domestic species like white oak, red oak, walnut, and maple are growing in popularity, says Brett Miller, a spokesperson for the National Wood Flooring Association. Sustainable flooring options include linoleum, bamboo, hempwood, cork, and even cement tiles made with carbon recovered from factory emissions. High-end vinyl planks can imitate tropical woods like koa, mango, and teak, or wide, hand-hewn hardwood boards. For example, today’s porcelain tile can closely mimic the look and texture of wood, though it’s far more durable. Laminate floors, which can mimic the look and properties of many materials, can work almost anywhere-as long as you like the look.Īdvances in flooring materials have broadened options at a range of prices. Solid hardwood and engineered wood floors add warmth and "give" to hangout and lounging areas, such as bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, and dens. Porcelain tile suits rooms where things get busy, wet, and messy, like entries, mudrooms, playrooms, and baths. When choosing new flooring for your home, remember that each type-from hardwood to vinyl-has its place.
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