11 Types of Flooring And Their Pros & Cons

1. Hardwood Flooring

Advantages

• Comes in a range of shades and finishes to suit different interior décor styles.
• Easy to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping should be enough.
• Doesn’t trap dust, pollen, dander or other allergens.
• Strong and durable.
• Modern hardwood floors can be re-sanded and stained to match current trends.

Disadvantages

• Expensive.
• Low resistance to atmospheric changes. (It expands in summer and contracts in winter)
• Susceptible to moisture damage.
• Doesn’t retain heat.
• Scratches easily.

2. Laminate Flooring

Advantages

• Inexpensive compared to wood.
• High-end laminate can look and feel like authentic hardwood with sharper high-definition imaging, deeper embossing, and improved seaming mechanisms.
• Easy to maintain and resists scratches and dents.
• Unlike marble and wood, laminate does not fade when exposed to sunlight, thus retaining its original beauty.

Disadvantages

• Low-end laminate does not look & feel like wood and will be smooth & slippery.
• Contains formaldehyde and other harmful chemicals that can affect the environment.
• Cannot be sanded and refinished.
• Prolonged exposure to standing water can damage it.
• Can chip easily.

3. Engineered Wood Flooring

Advantages

• DIY-friendly.
• Has real hardwood top layer.
• Greater resistance to moisture and water than real wood.
• Less likely to warp.
• Multiple installation methods.

Disadvantages

• Can’t be refinished more than once.
• Not fade-resistant.
• Wide variation in quality.
• Can sound hollow underfoot.
• Emits VOCs.

4. Vinyl Flooring

Advantages

• Best known for its waterproof properties, vinyl is ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements which are prone to moisture and humidity.
• Can endure high traffic for a long time without incurring damage.
• As it is relatively inexpensive, it makes a great substitute for high-cost hardwood.
• DIY-friendly.
• Softer than wood or tile, making it easier to stand on for a long time.
• Need only occasional sweeping and mopping to keep clean.

Disadvantages

• As vinyl is a relatively soft flooring material, sharp objects and heavy furniture can gouge or scratch it, leaving ugly dents and marks.
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is more expensive than laminate.
• Lower return on investment vs wood.

5. Concrete Flooring

Advantages

• Highly durable and resistant to impacts or dents.
• Usually seen in patios, car parking areas, and garages, it’s now used in interior flooring and paving as well.
• Available in stained, colored, stamped, and customized designs.
• Possesses high thermal mass, which can be used to reduce the energy demand for thermal comfort.
• Non-absorbent so it resists dampness and mold.

Disadvantages

• Uncomfortable to stand or sit on for too long.
• Unsuitable for use in coastal or riverside areas, where ground moisture can damage stain or coating.
• The manufacturing process requires a significant amount of energy, which releases much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• Over time, concrete cracks, requiring patching or replacement.

6. Tile Flooring

Advantages

• Available in a range of colors, designs, textures, and types, tiles are extremely versatile and suit different interior décor styles.
• Ceramic tiles are resistant to high temperatures and do not damage or rot when exposed to harsh chemicals or extreme weather.
• Some types of tiles are glazed or coated with liquid glass to guard against stains, making them easier to clean.
• Waterproof.

 Disadvantages

• Being very hard and close grained, tiles are easily susceptible to cracks and chipping.
• If there are cracks, dips or any other type of damage, you might have to replace the entire floor because finding the exact tile is often difficult.
• Cold and slippery, which is a definite safety concern if you have kids, pets, and elderly people living with you.
• A lot of prep work is needed before installation and high attention to detail is needed for the installation.

7. Cork Flooring

Advantages

• Made from the bark of the cork oak tree, this material is environment friendly, biodegradable and does not contain harmful chemicals.
• Has a soft, cushiony surface that is gentle on your feet and knees.
• Made up of several tiny air-filled chambers, cork acts as a barrier against noise and helps with soundproofing.
• Can be refinished periodically to give it a new look.
• Doesn’t trap dust, hair, pollen or other particles that aggravate (or cause) allergies and asthma.
• Contains a waxy substance called suberin that repels small insects, thus promoting a healthy environment.

Disadvantages

• Because of the soft and cushiony texture, sharp and heavy objects can pierce the surface and scrape the material.
• Unsuitable for homes with pets, as cat and dog nails can scratch and dent it.
• Excessive humidity can cause cork to plump or curl up, which may cause the tiles to pop out.
• Direct exposure to sunlight can discolor that part of the floor.

8. Bamboo Flooring

Advantages

• Made from natural vegetation, bamboo is an eco-friendly and sustainable flooring material.
• Can be refinished to regain its original look.
• Easy to clean. Regular vacuuming and occasional mopping using an alkaline-free solution is enough.
• Natural and un-carbonized bamboo (with proper harvesting and processing) can be as durable as hardwood.

Disadvantages

• Not suitable for high-humidity areas, as bamboo is prone to mold and other problems caused by moisture.
• Susceptible to scratches caused by heavy furniture and sharp pet claws.
• Often contains adhesives made up of VOCs that are harmful to your surroundings.

9. Carpet Flooring

Advantages

• Adds warmth, color, and comfort to a room.  
• Can provide added insulation for heat and is great for soundproofing.
• Soft and warm on feet.
• Multiple colors, materials, designs, weaves, and thickness options.
• The most cost-effective flooring option on the market.
• Stain-resistant varieties are available.

Disadvantages

• Holds dust and other allergens.
• Conducive environment for dust mites and other pests.
• Can retain moisture creating mold that can be toxic for those with allergies.
• Difficult to clean.
• Captures stains and odors, particularly in households with pets and children.
• Shows wear pattern.

10. Linoleum Flooring

Advantages

• Affordable and easy to install.
• Eco-friendly.  It's made from linseed oil and cork.
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns.
• Requires little maintenance.
• Can last for decades if cared for properly.

Disadvantages

• Does not increase home value.
• Easily dented or cut.  Because it comes in sheet form, the entire floor would have to be replaced if damaged.
• May darken or turn yellowish when exposed to sunlight.
• Not suitable for moisture prone-areas.

11. Stone Flooring

Advantages

• Bold and elegant.
• Long-lasting and durable.
• Waterproof.
• Natural beauty and quality that can not be achieved with most types of flooring.

Disadvantages

• Expensive.
• Hard to install.
• A lot of prep work is needed before installation.
• Cold and slippery.
• Difficult to maintain.