Flooring Types: 12 Different Types of Flooring for Your Home

Your floors are more than just another surface to walk on; they help set the tone of your entire home. Whether you’re trying to modernize your space or achieve a more cozy, rustic feel, choosing the right flooring can make a huge difference.

From hardwood to tile, the options can seem endless. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each flooring type, helping you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Vinyl Flooring

Choosing the right vinyl flooring comes down to how you install vinyl and the materials used. Sheets are 100% synthetic material and contain no wood. Tile and planks are long-lasting and have a realistic , wood-like appearance.

Sheet vinyl flooring installation is easy because it’s water-resistant and affordable. Unfortunately, sheets can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), be difficult to repair, and tear easily. Tile and planks can also be cold to the touch if installed over concrete floors.

Best For: Bathroom, kitchens, and high-traffic areas

Periodic maintenance: Mop with warm water and a mild detergent

Average Price: $5 per square foot

Top Features:

• Easy installation
• Water resistance
• Durability

Hardwood Flooring

Made of 100% hardwood milled from real lumber, hardwood flooring will never go out of style. Whether you’re trying to modernize your space or make it look timeless, solid hardwood flooring leaves a lasting impression. Types of hardwood flooring include finished and unfinished.

When installed properly, solid hardwood floors add substantial value to homes and can be continuously sanded and refinished. However, the cost of hardwood flooring can be expensive. Solid hardwood can also be prone to water damage depending on where it’s installed.

Best For: Above ground level, high-traffic areas, and high-humidity areas

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a dedicated hardwood floor cleaner

Average Price: $15 per square foot

Top Features:

• Long lifespan
• Easy maintenance
• High value

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring is a more eco-friendly and flexible alternative to traditional hardwood. Unlike solid hardwood, engineered flooring contains a real-wood veneer on top of a plywood base layer. This gives it a realistic look and allows more expansion and contraction than hardwood.

Engineered hardwood flooring is easier to install than solid hardwood and is compatible with radiant heating. However, it’s not ideal for a DIY project, can be as expensive as solid hardwood, and can’t be refinished as often.

Best For: Basements, kitchens, and bathrooms

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mod and use a mild cleaning solution

Average Price: $10 per square foot

Top Features:

• Noise reduction
• Scratch and dent resistance
• Eco-friendly

Laminate Flooring

Laminate is one of the most budget-friendly flooring options. Made from wood materials, the fiberboard core contains an image of wood grain beneath a transparent wear layer. Types of laminate include planks, tiles, and squares.

Not to be confused with vinyl, laminate flooring offers the look of real wood at an affordable price. It’s also easy to install and generally eco-friendly. However, laminate can’t be refinished and adds little value to homes. Cheaper options can also look and feel fake.

Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, and basements

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and laminate floor cleaner

Average Price: $5 per square foot

Top Features:

• Easy installation
• Low maintenance
• Budget-friendly

Hybrid Flooring

Hybrid floors feature a composite core board with an acoustic underlay. They also sport a commercial-grade protective coating with a printed layer.

Like vinyl and laminate, hybrid flooring is low maintenance and waterproof. It’s on the more expensive side, and lower-quality wood patterns don’t always replicate the look of natural wood.

Best For: Commercial spaces and high-humidity areas

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner

Average Price: $20 per square foot

Top Features:

• Waterproof
• Low maintenance
• Durability

Carpet Flooring

Carpet flooring often gets overlooked for trendier options such as wood, but it’s a comfortable and budget-friendly choice for bedrooms and family rooms.

Carpet remains superior in terms of warmth, softness, and sound insulation. However, it doesn’t add much value for home buyers, requires professional cleaning, and can hold dirt and other allergens more than other flooring types.

Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and basements

Periodic maintenance: Deep clean with a carpet cleaner or hire a professional

Average Price: $7 per square foot

Top Features:

• Noise reduction
• Comfort and warmth
• Budget-friendly

Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo functions similarly to hardwood due to its sturdiness. It’s also a renewable material, making it perfect for eco-conscious homeowners. Types of bamboo flooring include horizontal, vertical, and strand-woven.

Bamboo is also highly durable, less expensive than hardwood, and relatively easy to maintain. However, bamboo doesn’t do well in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and basements. It’s also easy to scratch and show wear and tear.

Best For: Living rooms and bedrooms

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a bamboo-specific cleaner

Average Price: $10 per square foot

Top Features:

• Eco-friendly
• Low maintenance
• Budget-friendly

Linoleum Flooring

Another distant cousin of vinyl, linoleum flooring is made to last. It’s made of natural materials such as linseed oil, jute, cork powder, and wood flour. Varieties include sheets, tiles, and planks.

Linoleum can be installed in virtually any part of the house. If you need kitchen floor ideas, linoleum is very resistant to water and scratches and does not emit VOCs. Still, it can be susceptible to dents from furniture legs and may darken or turn yellow if exposed to direct sunlight.

Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, and high-humidity areas

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner

Average Price: A$4 per square foot

Top Features:

• Eco-friendly
• Low maintenance
• Water resistance

Stone Flooring

One of the oldest flooring types, stone flooring has lasted this long for a reason. Stone floors are made of natural rock, including marble, granite, slate, and sandstone.

Stone floors are always in style, whether placed indoors or outdoors. They can also be energy-efficient, keeping rooms cool or warm depending on the season and climate. However, stone is prone to water damage and can be slippery when wet, which can lead to accidents. If you select a stone floor you may need to seal it for proper protection; we recommend checking with the manufacturer for detailed information.

Best For: Outdoor areas, commercial spaces

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone

Average Price: $5 per square foot

Top Features:

• Timeless appearance
• Durability
• Temperature control

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring often gets overlooked as a flooring option. Made of recycled rubber from tires, sports equipment, and shoes, rubber floors are water-resistant and can even act as a flame retardant.

It is important to note that rubber flooring can contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) which can contribute to health issues; be sure to select a low-VOC or solid rubber option to enjoy the benefits of rubber flooring, while helping to mitigate potential health risks.

Rubber is also perfect for shock absorption and withstanding heavy foot traffic. However, it can take longer to install and can cost more than other materials.

Best For: Garages, home gyms, and high-impact areas

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a mild detergent and warm water

Average Price: $10 per square foot

Top Features:

• Durability
• Flame retardant
• Shock absorption

Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is one of the newest flooring types to arrive on the market. Like other renewable materials, cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree.

Cork material naturally repels insects as well as mold and mildew. It’s also a slip-resistant option for older adults. Unfortunately, cork isn’t as durable as other materials and can be prone to damage. Like linoleum, it’s also prone to fading under direct sunlight. If you select cork flooring it will need to be sealed to protect its longevity.

Best For: Home gyms, basements, and bathrooms

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp mop and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for cork floors

Average Price: $10 per square foot

Top Features:

• Insect repellant
• Slip-resistant
• Eco-friendly

Tile Flooring

Tile has been popular for a long time thanks to its various style options and other benefits. Common types of tile flooring include ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, and slate.

If you need ideas for bathroom floors, tile is a great choice—it’s water-resistant and easy to maintain. However, tile can be expensive compared to other flooring types. It can also be prone to cracks and chips.

Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, and high-humidity areas

Periodic maintenance: Clean with a damp, warm mop and mild detergent

Average Price: $20 per square foot

Top Features:

• Easy to repair
• Durable
• Water resistance

How To Choose the Best Flooring Type for Your Needs

New flooring isn’t just an aesthetic upgrade. You should also think about how you intend to use the spaces in your home, how the climate fluctuates in your area, and whether you plan to sell in the future. Other important factors include:

• Budget: Cost is a major consideration for most homeowners. While calculating the cost of materials and labor, don’t forget to factor in the removal of your previous flooring.
• Comfort: While hard floors are good for busy households, they’re not always the most comfortable. Find a balance between the two that suits you, such as carpet in bedrooms and tile or hardwood in the kitchen and living room.
• Durability: Different types of flooring require more maintenance than others. Consider the amount of foot traffic in your home and the flooring best suited for withstanding high-impact activity.
• Style: Nobody knows your personal taste better than you. From colors to textures, the possibilities are endless. Take your current decor into consideration, along with any new design plans, as you consider the best flooring type for your home.

You’ll also want to think carefully when choosing a flooring contractor; they should be licensed, insured, and able to provide references.

Install Your Floors the Right Way With Mr. Handyman^®

Once you’ve found the perfect type of flooring for your home, give Mr. Handyman a call for professional flooring installation. Our experts have years of experience installing virtually all types of flooring and can even help you decide which type of flooring would be best for your home. Give us a call or request service.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Handyman is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Mr. Handyman location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Flooring Types FAQs

Mr. Handyman has been helping homeowners repair, maintain, and enhance their spaces for over 25 years! We are the one-stop solution for everything on your to-do list. This includes answering your questions about home repairs, maintenance, and improvements. Here are answers to some of your most frequently asked questions about flooring types.

What flooring type is best?

The best flooring type is subjective and largely depends on your budget, how you utilize each space in your home, and personal preference. Carpet is a popular choice for noise reduction, while stone can increase your home’s value.

What are the three basic types of flooring?

The three most popular flooring types are hardwood, vinyl, and carpet. Hardwood and vinyl add value to your home, while carpet remains a great option for comfort and reducing noise.

What is the disadvantage of vinyl flooring?

Vinyl flooring’s has two distinguishing disadvantages. For one, it can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air at room temperature. For the other, it also tears easily and can be difficult to repair.

What is better: Vinyl or laminate flooring?

Whether vinyl or laminate is the better flooring option for your space will ultimately depend on your needs and lifestyle. However, high-quality vinyl tends to outperform laminate when it comes to durability and water resistance.

Which lasts longer: Vinyl or laminate?

Vinyl flooring tends to last longer than laminate flooring due to its synthetic makeup, which can better protect against moisture and wear and tear; it can also better withstand heavy foot traffic. Most vinyl flooring will last 10-20 years or longer with proper care, while laminate flooring will generally last for 5-10 years; however, some high-quality laminates are available that can last up to 15 years.

What is the most popular flooring in homes today?

Hardwood remains the most popular flooring type. It’s resilient, strong, and has a timeless aesthetic. Buyers looking to eventually sell their home often invest in solid hardwood floors to increase their property’s value.