Are you thinking of updating your home to sell or to fall back in love with where you live? Maybe you are one of the unfortunate souls who are renovating due to the after effects of Snowmaggedon. Either way, follow along as we discuss the latest options in flooring.
“What types of flooring materials should I put in my home if I’m planning to sell?”
Oh boy…that is the million dollar question! If you are considering selling right after remodeling or 3-5 years down the road, take note as there is usually not one right answer. But there are most definitely some wrong ones. As a homeowner, you have what may seem like endless possibilities when it comes to types of flooring materials. Some of the choices are wood, vinyl, laminate, tile, and carpet. Those choices alone can be overwhelming, especially since every option has its own set of pros and cons.
The first step in choosing the best types of flooring is determining the specific needs of your space. Does it get a lot of foot traffic? Is it a high moisture area? (e.g., don’t install carpet in the kitchen or bathroom — that’s just an open invitation for mold and stains). Additionally, you’ll want to balance what works best with your style and budget.
To get you started, we’re going to walk you through the benefits and drawbacks of some of the most popular types of flooring for each room of your home.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwoods are classic, durable, and ageless. Available in a variety of colors and types of wood, it can be refinished and re-stained as needed. Typically, hardwoods are not recommended for areas prone to moisture, but many brands now claim to have scratch and water-resistant options. Though expensive, hardwoods are popular for their timeless elegance, durability, and high return on investment. They also look great when paired with a gorgeous rug! There are generally two types of hardwood flooring:
1. Solid hardwood flooring is constructed from one solid piece of 100% hardwood. Because of this, it can be sanded and re-finished many times over its lifespan. It is milled with interlocking tongues and grooves on opposite edges and is always nailed down to a sub-floor. Solid hardwood is generally considered the “gold standard” in flooring.
2. Engineered hardwood flooring is comprised of a top layer of hardwood veneer over a plywood, hardwood, or HDF (high-density fiber) core. It’s quite durable and can even be re-finished once or twice before the top veneer layer is exhausted. Engineered hardwood is usually less costly than solid hardwood. It’s also easier and less expensive for DIYers to install.
Laminate Flooring
If you want a flooring product that looks like real tile, wood, or stone but has a more affordable price point, take a look at laminate. Laminate flooring mimics the look of other flooring materials, but its interlocking tongue-and-groove assembly makes the installation process far simpler. Laminate can’t be refinished like hardwood flooring. However, the higher quality stuff is durable enough to hold up to wet areas and wear and tear and typically requires less maintenance than other types of flooring. This makes it a popular choice with homeowners.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl has come a looooong way, baby! Made out of synthetic materials, such as fiberglass, PVC, and plasticizers, vinyl flooring is stain and scratch-resistant, waterproof, and highly durable. Vinyl is available in tiles, sheets, or planks as well as a variety of styles and colors. It is also easy in to install directly over most existing floors, making it a beautiful and economical choice for many homeowners. A popular trending option is luxury vinyl plank, or LVP. This is because it imitates the look of hardwood floors. Vinyl tile, another homeowner favorite, mimics the look of more costly stone like travertine.
When comparing vinyl flooring, take note of the top surface, or wear layer, of the flooring, typically a clear coat of polyurethane. This layer generally has a thickness ranging between 4 and 40 millimeters. It is what makes the flooring scratch-resistant or waterproof. A thicker wear layer is generally more sensible for high traffic or high moisture areas.
Tile Flooring
When it comes to a room that gets wet often, like a kitchen, laundry room, bathroom, or basement, tile may be the winner. A durable, low-maintenance option, tile is available in an endless variety of colors, patterns and textures.
Porcelain tile is the most durable and longest lasting. It’s higher density makes it more water-resistant than ceramic tile, but it also tends to be more expensive.
Ceramic tile is a mixture of water, sand, and clay, and is tough enough for most interior spaces. Compared to porcelain, ceramic tile is more porous and has a higher absorption rate. This means that it may chip or damage more easily than porcelain tile.
Natural stone tile is beautiful, elegant, and expensive. It’s a bit less slippery than other types of tile and offers a reasonable amount of insulation, helping your home stay warmer in winter and cooler in summer. While durable, some types of natural stone are quite brittle and scratch or chip easily. Other types of natural stone are porous and require regular maintenance to prevent water damage or staining.
Selecting the best flooring type for your home should be based on a combination of your goals (are you selling soon or staying long-term?), the way you live in, the use of your space, and your budget. And do not forget, especially if you are selling, select flooring that is characteristic of your neighborhood!
Pro tip: if you’re planning to sell your home soon and want to use laminate, invest in high-quality boards. Low-quality laminate tends to look more artificial and can be a turn-off to potential buyers.
940.765.2684 | poshhomestaging.com | allison@poshhomestaging.com
