Best Flooring For Your Home in 2024

You need flooring that balances style, durability, and practicality. We get it. You want something that not only looks great but can also withstand the daily hustle and bustle of your life. 

Whether it’s the comfort of carpet for your cozy spaces or the resilience of tile for your busy areas, we’ve got you covered. 

Let’s break it down, type by type, to find the best fit for your home.

Key Notes:

• Carpet: Best for comfort in bedrooms and playrooms; challenging to clean.
• Engineered Hardwood: Moisture-resistant; ideal for kitchens and basements.
• Tile: Water-resistant and durable; perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Vinyl: Durable and cost-effective; great for busy households.

1. Carpet

Carpet is the best choice for bedrooms, family rooms, and playrooms because it provides a soft, comfortable feel as well as excellent insulation.

Variety

With carpet, you can match your entire home’s design scheme because it is available in numerous materials, colors, and styles. You can choose from different fibers like wool, nylon, or polyester, which all come in various colors.

However, the downside to carpet flooring is that it can be challenging to clean and may stain easily, making it less durable than other flooring options.

2. Engineered Hardwood

Over the years, engineered hardwood has become more popular than solid hardwood because you get the same look without paying the price.

Engineered hardwood is made from layers of wood or plywood topped with a hardwood veneer, which makes it more stable and less prone to warping than solid hardwood.

Moisture Resistance

It is suitable for kitchens and basements because it’s less susceptible to moisture damage and gives you the beauty of hardwood with added durability.

3. Solid Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a timeless choice that adds value to homes. Its natural beauty and elegance make it a preferred option for many homeowners. 

It’s also the most durable flooring option, with a lifespan of up to 100 years with proper care and maintenance.

Domestic vs. Exotic

Domestic hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry come from North America and are popular because they’re easy to find and usually cheaper. Plus, their familiar grain patterns fit nicely with a lot of home styles.

On the other hand, exotic hardwoods like Brazilian cherry and teak come from tropical places. They stand out with their unique colors and cool grain patterns and are super sturdy. Exotic woods can really make a statement, but they cost more and might need extra care.

4. Tile

Due to its water resistance, tile is ideal for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It’s also a popular pick because it is durable, low-maintenance, and can mimic the look of wood or stone.

When it comes to tile flooring, you’re spoiled for choice, with options including natural stone, porcelain, ceramic (glazed or unglazed), and glass tiles. 

5. Laminate 

Laminate flooring mimics the look of hardwood, tile, or stone but comes at a lower price. 

It features layers of fiberboard with a high-resolution photographic finish and a protective wear layer.

Another reason laminate is a good option is that installing it yourself can cut costs even more. The best method for a DIY laminate flooring project is the Click-and-Lock Installation.

Read more: How to install laminate flooring

6. Vinyl 

Vinyl flooring comes in luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). 

LVP mimics hardwood, while LVT resembles high-end stones, offering a high-end look without the high-end price.

Vinyl is known for its durability, water resistance, and ease of maintenance, making it great for busy households.

Flooring Fit For Every Need

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I determine the right amount of flooring material to purchase?

When buying flooring material, accurate room measurements are key. It’s a good idea to involve a professional who can account for necessary extras like cuttings and potential waste. 

Most types of flooring require purchasing a bit more than the actual area you’ll cover to ensure a smooth and complete installation. Think of it as a just-in-case buffer that could save you a lot of hassle later.

Can different flooring types be combined in an open floor plan?

Absolutely! Mixing flooring types within an open floor plan is a great way to define different areas while keeping the overall flow of your space. 

Use transition strips to connect different materials and take a moment to consider the overall design to ensure everything feels harmoniously integrated. 

What is the best way to maintain my new floors to ensure longevity?

Each type of flooring might have specific care instructions, but generally, the basics are quite similar: regular sweeping and prompt cleaning of spills are essential. 

Depending on the flooring, you might also want to use specific care products like wood polish for hardwood or laminate cleaner for laminate floors.

Conclusion

Your decision-making process has now been simplified and all you have to do is consider what works best for your homes. Remember to consider the cost, durability, maintenance, and ease of installation of your chosen flooring types.

From the comfort of carpet to the elegance of hardwood and the practicality of vinyl, there’s a flooring option to suit every need and style. For personalized advice, consult flooring professionals who can help you make the best choice for your needs.

Written by Billy Guteng. June 17, 2024

Billy is a content writer for Kukun. He was born in France, and has lived in multiple cities around the world ever since. He loves art, design and architecture as well as construction and real estate.