Flooring Guide

Choosing the right floor relies on assessing your wants and needs. The “wants” part of the equation is usually easier since you’ve probably seen different floor materials that really appeal to you. However, don’t forego the “needs” analysis. The practical considerations are also important factors in making the right flooring decision. Each type of surface comes with its own individual advantages and disadvantages. Consider the following points and questions to help narrow your focus. You may already have a preconceived idea of the type of flooring you want, but not all materials are suitable for every application.

The function and location of the room will have some bearing on the best surfacing to use. For example, you don’t want carpet in the kitchen or dining room due to the propensity for spilled foods and liquids. In contrast, solid wood floors are not suitable for basements due to the moisture issues associated with below-grade (below ground level) rooms. Also, rooms or spaces that adjoin entry doors from the outside are more prone to seeing a lot more dirt and grit than an upstairs bedroom. No floor will last forever if the grit isn’t regularly swept up, but some materials do better than others in this situation. Either decide on a floor that is easy to maintain, or commit to the upkeep required to maintain more delicate surfaces in these situations. Don’t forget about the garage either – it’s a room too. There’s even specialized surfacing for the garage to help dress it up and help make it a more inviting space than just a place to park your car. The bottom line here is to choose a surface that’s suitable for the function and location of the room. See the Flooring Types – Pros and Cons page for more information on room suitability.

Do you have children, elderly or disabled family members? Do you have pets? How you and your family live makes a difference in choosing a floor type. Children usually cause more wear and tear from spills, running around, and banging and playing with toys. Some of the laminate products might be better in this scenario than site-finished solid wood flooring due to the optimal wear characteristics of laminate. These products have factory-applied coatings that are designed to be very durable and scratch-resistant. The surface finish of a site-finished wood floor (one that’s sanded and top-coated in your home) doesn’t have the same durability characteristics as those factory-finishes. That being said, a lot of the engineered wood floors (wood flooring that’s pre-finished at the factory) are made with very durable surface coatings, similar to laminate. For the elderly or family members with wheeled walkers or wheelchairs, grout seams associated with tile flooring may be an annoyance or even a hindrance. The wheels could catch or “clunk” as they pass over the grout, especially wider grout lines. Pets, like cats and particularly larger dogs have claws and shed. Hard surfaces work well for cleanup from pets that shed whereas carpeting might retain pet hair and dander. On the other hand, claws can also scratch wood floors. If you have big dogs with big claws, tile or wood/laminate flooring with the most durable surface finishes (like aluminum oxide) may be your best bet.

Carpeting can harbor or hold allergens that are more easily cleaned up from harder surfaces. Carpet and other floor materials can contain higher VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that might contribute to adverse health effects, particularly with those who are more sensitive to airborne allergens and contaminants. In these situations, look for products that have lower VOC emissions. As an example, Armstrong® products that meet criteria for low-VOC emissions carry their FloorScore™ certification. The Carpet and Rug Institute identifies low VOC products with their Green Label designation.

Some materials have higher maintenance needs than others, especially if you want them to last and maintain their aesthetic appeal. Wood floors should be swept or vacuumed often to avoid the dulling and scratching that comes with ground-in dirt. Stone or tile is fairly durable, although their finish will eventually succumb to a lack of regular sweeping. Standing water is better handled by vinyl or tile floor, in comparison to wood flooring. Think of mudrooms and bathrooms in this case. Melted snow from boots and shoes can go unnoticed for a while, and you don’t want to have to constantly check the mudroom to mop up any water.

If you like the look of Brazilian Cherry but don’t need to have real solid wood to make you happy, compare laminate with wood floors. You might be surprised to find a laminate that’s a close match to real wood but for less money. If you’re remodeling or building a new home you can apply the savings to something that provides greater service and satisfaction in the long term… such as upgraded appliances or cabinets.

If at all possible, visit several showrooms or building supply outlets that sell the types of materials you’re interested in. Looking at pictures, websites, and brochures is one thing, but actually seeing them and standing on them in person can help solidify your flooring decision. This is particularly true with laminate floors, where you can really see if the appearance is close enough to the real thing for you or not. Take some carpet or floor samples home with you (the kind you don’t have to return) and subject them to your own trials. See if they meet your standards for things like stain resistance, denting, and scratching. Drop things on them and check the results. Snap together a couple of pieces of laminate and then let some water sit on the seam for a while. How does it hold up?