Types of Flooring and Their Pros and Cons

Picking out your home’s flooring is one of seemingly endless choices you have to make when building or renovating a home. Each flooring type comes with its own set of pros and cons in Pennsylvania, which tends to make the decision harder. Here’s a closer look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of the most popular flooring materials:

• Tile: Tile comes in a variety of styles and materials, including porcelain, stone, concrete and ceramic. It’s a nonporous and durable choice that comes in plenty of shapes, sizes, colors and designs. If you want a truly unique floor, particularly in your kitchen or bathroom, tile is an excellent choice. You may find that it’s too cool for bedrooms and other “cozy” living areas, unless covered with an area rug. Most tiles have very specific care instructions, so make sure you research what your specific flooring type requires as far as care and maintenance. For example, some stone tiles are extremely porous, making them unsuitable for high-traffic areas or places where children live.
• Hardwood: Hardwood floors are a perennial favorite choice, thanks to their gorgeous luster, long lifespan and classic look. Hardwood flooring usually offers the highest return on your investment available, but bear in mind that it will get scratched, scraped and dented over time. To really preserve your hardwood floors, you’ll need to get them refinished every three to five years—make sure you have the budget for that.
• Concrete: Concrete flooring has become increasingly popular in the past decade, especially for industrial chic spaces. Concrete offers durability, but it is also a porous and cool material. It will likely increase the ambient noise and echoes in your home if you choose this route.
• Carpet: Carpeting is a classic for a reason—it’s warm, it muffles sound and it’s pleasant to walk on. Carpeting is great for bedrooms and family areas—anywhere you and your guests might take their shoes off. Today’s carpeting includes plenty of stain-resistant options to help you keep your floors looking better for a longer time.
• Vinyl and laminate: Sheet vinyl or laminate flooring provides the look of hardwood, tile and more at a fraction of the cost. These flooring options come in glue-down or “click” options, which are easy to install and maintain. They’re available in myriad design and style options as well, allowing you to customize your space for a lot less money. We recommend using this flooring type in high-traffic areas, if you’re not installing hardwood, carpet or tile throughout your home.

WSL Incorporated can help you choose the right flooring type for your home. We’re a full-service design and build company that has over three decades of experience designing and building custom homes, right down to the last detail. Not sure if you want to spring for hardwood or go for a laminate version? Can’t decide if the kids will ruin that pretty white carpet in the media room? We’ll help you create your dream home and refine your vision—call us today to learn more about various types of flooring and their pros and cons, and to get started on your Pennsylvania flooring project!