Call UsThe Best Flooring Options for Your Home
Different types of flooring will play an important role in your home, impacting both its appearance and how it works.
The right flooring options not only boost the look but also matter for comfort, durability, and upkeep. With so many materials and styles to pick from, it can be a bit daunting, but it's key to choose the best option for flooring that fits your lifestyle and taste.
This guide will look at different types of flooring options for your new home, from classic timber to handy tiles, helping you make a smart choice that looks great in your space. Let’s explore your flooring options!
How to Choose the Best Option for Flooring
Choosing the right flooring is an important decision that affects your home’s style, comfort, and use. Here are some important things to think about when it comes to types of flooring for your floor plans
Lifestyle & Usage
Consider how you use each room. High-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms need tough materials like tiles or laminate, while bedrooms are great with soft carpet. Keep in mind pets or kids, as you’ll want flooring that’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
Aesthetic Appeal
Flooring sets the mood for your home. Timber floors have a classic look, while tiles gives a modern feel. Pick a flooring style and colour that goes well with your décor and helps the flow between rooms
Durability & Maintenance
Durability is key, especially in busy areas. Vinyl or tile are great for kitchens and bathrooms as they resist scratches and moisture. Think about how much time you want to spend cleaning; low-maintenance options like laminate or engineered wood can be perfect for busy homes.
Comfort & Acoustics
The feel of the flooring matters for comfort. Carpets are soft and warm, while timber can help reduce noise. Choose materials that balance comfort and practicality for your space.
Climate & Environment
Your local climate should also guide the types of flooring you decide on. In warmer places, tiles keep your home cool, while carpets or timber with underfloor heating are great for colder areas. Eco-friendly options like bamboo or recycled timber are also worth considering.
Budget
Flooring materials vary in cost, including installation and upkeep. Natural stone or hardwood can be expensive, while laminate or vinyl can mimic their look without the high price tag.
Room-Specific Needs
Each room has its own needs. Bathrooms and kitchens require water-resistant materials like tiles or vinyl, while living areas can use versatile options like engineered wood. Choose based on what each room needs.
By keeping these factors in mind during your housebuilding process, you can find flooring options that look fantastic and suit your lifestyle, budget, and home perfectly.
8 Popular Types of Flooring
Choosing from different types of flooring can be tough with so many materials and styles out there. Each type has its own pros and cons, and often the best pick when building your first home depends on your lifestyle, budget, and the needs of each room. Let’s look at some top flooring choices and what makes each special.
Laminate
Laminate flooring gives you the look of timber without breaking the bank. It’s scratch-resistant and easy to clean, making it a favourite for busy homes with kids and pets. Although it’s not as tough as real wood, it’s a low-maintenance and wallet-friendly option.
Pros of Laminate Flooring
- Looks like timber or stone but costs much less
- Scratch-resistant and tough enough for busy areas
- A quick sweep or mop is all it takes to clean
- Comes in many colours, textures, and finishes to fit any style
- Easy Installation the click-and-lock system makes it great for DIY projects
- Many modern options have water-resistant coatings, perfect for kitchens and entryways.
Cons of Laminate Flooring
- Some options are resist to water but too much moisture can cause swelling or warping
- It looks like natural materials but may not have the same texture and warmth as real wood or stone
- Usually lasts 10–20 years, which is shorter than premium flooring like timber or tile
- You can’t refinish individual planks; damaged areas might need full replacement
- Can sound hollow underfoot unless installed with the right underlay
- Often made from synthetic materials, which may not be the best for the environment.
Tiles
Tiles are a flexible and strong choice, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor spaces. With a wide range of styles, colours, and finishes, tiles can match any décor.
Pros of Tile Flooring
- Very strong and long-lasting, able to handle heavy traffic and wear over time
- Perfect for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens thanks to their moisture and spill resistance
- Easy to clean; stains and dirt usually don’t get in
- Available in endless colours, patterns, sizes, and finishes to match any design choice
- Tiles don’t trap dust, pollen, or other allergens, making them a clean option
- Great for areas that get hot, like kitchens or outdoor spaces
- Many tiles, like ceramic or porcelain, come from natural materials and can be recycled.
Cons of Tile Flooring
- Tiles can feel chilly underfoot, especially in cooler places, unless you use rugs or underfloor heating
- Hard and unforgiving, may not be comfy for standing long and doesn’t cushion falls
- Glossy tiles can be quite slippery when wet, raising the risk of accidents
- Getting them professionally installed can be pricey due to the detailed work involved
- Grout lines might stain or discolour over time, needing regular cleaning or resealing
- Though durable, tiles can crack or chip if heavy items are dropped or if the subfloor isn’t even
- Tiles are heavy and might not be suitable for upper floors without stronger subfloors.
Carpet
Carpet adds softness and warmth, making it the best option for flooring in bedrooms and living areas.
Pros of Carpet Flooring
- Carpet offers a soft, cosy feel underfoot, making it perfect for bedrooms and living spaces
- It helps absorb noise, cutting down sound between rooms for a quieter home
- With a huge selection of colours, textures, and patterns, there's a carpet to match any style
- Carpet is slip-resistant and provides cushioning, which helps lower the chance of falls, especially for kids and older family members
- Usually more affordable than other flooring options, both in materials and installation
- It acts as an insulator, keeping the warmth in during colder weather, which can help lower heating bills.
Cons of Carpet Flooring
- Carpet needs regular vacuuming and occasional professional cleaning to keep dust, dirt, and allergens at bay
- Spills can be tough to clean up, especially on lighter carpets
- Carpets tend to wear out quicker than hard flooring and might need replacing every 7–10 years
- They can trap allergens like dust, pollen, and pet hair, which may be a problem for allergy sufferers
- Carpet isn't ideal for wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms, as it can soak up moisture and grow mould or mildew
- High-traffic spots may show wear, like flattening or fading, which can affect the overall look.
Timber
Known for its strength and natural beauty, timber flooring is a classic choice that brings warmth and charm to any home.
Pros of Timber Flooring
- Timber flooring brings a stylish look that fits many home styles and boosts property value
- Quality hardwood floors last a long time and can handle everyday wear, especially in low-traffic areas
- Easy to look after with regular sweeping and some mopping; spills are easy to wipe up
- Allergen-friendly timber doesn’t hold dust, pollen, or other allergens, making it a healthier choice for those with allergies
- Scratches, stains, and wear can usually be fixed by sanding and refinishing, bringing the floor back to its original charm
- Versatile timber flooring goes well with almost any interior design and can be tailored with different stains and finishes.
Cons of Timber Flooring
- Timber flooring has a high initial cost compared to options like laminate or vinyl
- Not great for wet areas like bathrooms or laundries, as it can warp or swell when it gets damp
- Requires regular polishing and refinishing to keep looking good and to guard against scratches
- Softwoods or untreated timber can easily get scratched or dented by heavy furniture, pet claws, or high heels
- Timber may expand or contract with temperature and humidity changes, which can cause gaps or warping if not installed properly
- Timber floors can make noise louder, especially in multi-level homes, unless they are paired with rugs or soundproofing underlays.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a tough and budget-friendly option, good for kitchens and bathrooms.
Pros of Vinyl Flooring
- Is budget-friendly, giving you the look of pricier materials like wood or stone without the hefty price tag
- It's tough against wear, scratches, and stains, making it perfect for busy areas and active families
- Many vinyl options are waterproof, so they work well in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries
- Cleaning is a breeze with just a quick sweep or mop; it needs less care compared to other flooring types
- Vinyl feels softer underfoot than tiles or timber, making it a more comfy surface to walk or stand on
- There’s a huge range of designs, colours, and finishes that imitate natural materials, giving you plenty of options to match your décor
- Vinyl planks and sheets are easy to install, often making it a DIY job, which helps save on labour costs.
Cons of Vinyl Flooring
- Long exposure to direct sunlight can lead to fading over time
- Some vinyl products are made from materials that aren’t recyclable, which might clash with eco-friendly values
- Heavy furniture or sharp objects can leave dents or scratches on the surface
- In sheet vinyl, visible seams might take away from the look in larger rooms
- Vinyl flooring usually lasts between 10–20 years, shorter than materials like timber or tiles
- If vinyl planks or sheets get damaged, they often need to be replaced because they can’t be easily repaired or refinished.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is a modern and stylish choice, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional timber.
Pros of Bamboo Flooring
- Is a sustainable choice as it grows quickly and regenerates without needing to be replanted, making it good for the environment
- High-quality bamboo flooring is tough and can handle wear, making it ideal for busy areas
- It has a natural and modern look, with a range of colours and finishes to suit different styles
- Generally more budget-friendly than traditional hardwood while looking quite similar
- Strand-woven bamboo better resists moisture and warping compared to many hardwoods, which is great for humid areas
- It’s easy to clean with regular sweeping and the occasional mop; spills can be wiped up easily
- Bamboo flooring doesn’t trap dust or allergens, helping to create a healthier indoor space.
Cons of Bamboo Flooring
- Even though it’s more moisture-resistant than hardwood, too much water can still cause damage or warping
- Unlike some hardwoods, bamboo can only be refinished a few times before wearing down
- Although it’s durable, bamboo can still scratch or dent from heavy furniture or pet claws
- Some bamboo flooring uses adhesives that release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can affect indoor air quality
- Long exposure to direct sunlight can make bamboo flooring fade over time
- Bamboo can expand or contract with changes in temperature and humidity, so it needs careful installation to prevent issues like buckling.
Build a Beautiful Home With Eden Brae
Whether you like the classic look of timber, the cost-effectiveness of vinyl, the eco-friendly nature of bamboo, or the strength of tiles, each has its own perks and things to think about. By looking at your lifestyle, maintenance needs, budget, and what each room requires, you can pick flooring options that fit your home and support your family’s daily life.
Eden Brae Homes knows how important these types of flooring choices are and offers beautiful home designs that show how the right flooring can enhance your space. Our display homes feature carefully selected materials and finishes, including different types of flooring, giving you plenty of ideas and the help you need to create your dream home.