Flooring Selections: What to Know Before You Choose

Flooring is typically one of the first interior selections homeowners make because it plays such a major functional and aesthetic role in the home. Flooring covers a large surface area and helps establish the overall tone of the interior design, which is why many other selections—such as cabinetry, paint colors, and trim finishes—often follow the direction set by your flooring choice.

When thinking about flooring, it’s helpful to consider the different areas of the home and how they will be used. Some homeowners prefer a single flooring material throughout most of the house to create a simple, cohesive look. Others choose to vary flooring types depending on the room’s function—for example, durable flooring in entryways and living areas, and softer materials in bedrooms.

Common flooring types used in homes include:

• Hardwood flooring
• Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank (LVT/LVP)
• Carpet
• Tile (tile selections for bathrooms will be discussed further during the tile and shower finish selections)

Each flooring material has its own characteristics related to durability, comfort, maintenance, and appearance.

When selecting flooring, homeowners should consider:

Durability and Wear

Some areas of the home receive more foot traffic than others. Entryways, kitchens, hallways, and living spaces may benefit from highly durable materials that resist scratches, dents, and everyday wear.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Different flooring materials require different levels of upkeep. Hardwood may require refinishing over time, carpet may require periodic deep cleaning, and LVT is often chosen for its ease of maintenance.

Material Quality

Flooring products come in a wide range of quality levels, which can affect longevity, comfort underfoot, and overall performance.

Comfort

Carpet provides softness and warmth, while hard surfaces like hardwood or LVT offer durability and a clean aesthetic.

In-Floor Heating Compatibility

If your home includes radiant in-floor heating, certain flooring materials perform better than others. Hard surfaces such as tile, engineered hardwood, and many LVT products tend to transfer heat effectively, while thicker materials like carpet may reduce heat transfer.

Budget Considerations

Flooring costs can vary widely depending on the product, quality level, and installation requirements. While pricing varies significantly between brands and materials, some general guidelines can be helpful when planning within your allowance. Luxury vinyl flooring is often more cost-effective than hardwood while still offering durability and a wide range of design options. Carpet is generally one of the more economical flooring choices, although prices can increase depending on the fiber type, quality, and padding selected. Hardwood flooring tends to be one of the higher-end options due to both material and installation costs.

Because of these variations, we recommend using your flooring allowance as a guide and working with our team and suppliers to find options that align with both your design goals and budget.