It’s finally yours—the dream home you’ve always wanted. Now it’s time to decorate to your own personal tastes. Choosing the right kind of flooring for your house is part of the renovation process, but what you like may not necessarily be the best option for the property.
Pros and cons of popular flooring options depend on property location, the way the house is built, the type of wear and tear the floor will get, and of course, how much you’re willing to spend. Chances are, if you’re in the process of buying a newly constructed smart home, your choices range from carpeting to wood, ceramic tiles, and vinyl flooring.
Carpeted floors are warm and fuzzy and perfect for those of us who like walking barefoot throughout the house. The benefits of carpeting include
Depending on quality, carpet tiles are generally cheaper than full rolls, on average costing somewhere between $2.50 and $11 per square foot for materials and installation labor. Carpet tiles are also a good DIY project (but you must be careful when lining them up against each other). Tiles come in many different styles, shapes, thicknesses, and colors.
Carpeting also has its drawbacks, especially if you live in a tropical climate or near a beach. Moisture and humidity cause problems when trying to keep your carpets mold-free. Carpet fibers hold onto mold and fungi. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says moisture levels in houses should be between 30 and 50 percent humidity. Mold and moisture in the home are usually found in bathrooms and kitchens (not good areas for carpet unless you want mushrooms growing from the carpet fibers!).
Other cons of carpeting
Wood flooring has come a long way from the days of untreated planks you see in older houses. Today’s wood flooring has its ups and downs but, in the end, adds a sleek and classic look to living rooms and bedrooms. The good news about wood?
Wood floors are durable—they can handle pets and kids, spills, and heavy traffic. Wood is less likely to become damaged than ceramic tiles.
Wood is generally easy to clean and maintain. Because of the protective topcoat, spills are easy to mop up. Well-maintained wooden floors will last a long time, and they are sustainable. Sanding and refinishing a hardwood floor may be a DIY project if you are tool-handy (but it might be best to hire a professional for this job).
Wooden flooring is beautiful, with many kinds of finishes and colors. The classic look of wood is, well, classic! It’s an investment, too, especially when the house is on the sales market.
Wooden flooring has a few downsides. The cost of real hardwood or engineered wood flooring is generally much higher per square foot and installation than other types of flooring.
Scratches are visible on wooden floors with high-gloss or semi-gloss finishes. Buff and coat products are available to help remove scratches, but it takes some time and effort to get that done.
Depending on the type of wood you use, it may show a lot of dents, like from wearing high heels on it or if you drop something heavy.
Moisture can severely damage untreated wood flooring, and it may be a problem for treated planks, too. Don’t use wooden flooring in bathrooms, where spilled or spraying water and dampness is likely.
Noises sound louder on wood (unlike carpeting). Squeaky floors may be charming but they can also be annoying.
Wooden floors can buckle when exposed to moisture and humidity.
It might look like wood but it’s actually vinyl! Luxury plank vinyl flooring is a popular choice for new builds and home renovations. Luxury vinyl planks are great for homes with active kids and pets because they are thicker and stronger than traditional vinyl flooring. On the plus side, DIYers with experience can lay these floors themselves by clicking the pieces together–they don’t need nails or glue. But these floors can get pricey. On average, the cost of luxury vinyl planks (installed by a professional) may be from $3,000 to $16,000.
Vinyl flooring is arguably the most popular type in many older homes, but new houses use it too. Vinyl is affordable, durable, water-resistant, and easy to care for. Installing vinyl flooring can be a DIY job (if you can lay it straight), and it’s easy on bare feet. Vinyl flooring comes in all sorts of patterns, colors, textures, and designs.
Vinyl has its negative points, too. It generally won’t last as long as tile or hardwood, and it’s hard to remove from subflooring. Vinyl may tear, dent, puncture, and fade (especially in bright sunlight). It can also be difficult to keep looking good. Vinyl flooring emits volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and is not biodegradable. When it comes to the home’s resale value, vinyl flooring is usually not a selling point.
Ceramic tiles come in many styles and colors. On the upside, ceramic tiles are long lasting, easy to clean, and water-resistant. They won’t hold bacteria or mold, and they can handle very hot (or cold) temperatures. Ceramic floor tiles are more generally affordable than layered stone or porcelain.
The downside of ceramic tiles is that they are cold on bare feet, can crack or chip under heavy impact, and the grout can chip and crack. Grout needs periodic cleaning and maintenance. Even the most durable tile is not a good choice for outdoor areas prone to inclement weather.
Installing tile can be tricky—it’s best done by a professional. Specialty tiles, especially custom-made pieces, can get pricey.
>> Click for a fun video short!
Flooring is a long-term investment, no matter what kind you choose for your home. But the best investment is having what you want, can reasonably afford, and what feels good under your feet. After all, dream homes are only perfect when you’re happy living there.
And here’s the thing: we love talking about floors (yes, really!). Whether you’re deciding between plush carpet, sleek wood, or durable vinyl, or you’re just ready to step into your next chapter, our One Community Real Estate® team is here to help.
So, if buying or selling a home is on your horizon, or if you just want to swap flooring stories, we’d love to hear from you.
~ Leigh Brown and your One Community Real Estate® Team
hello@leighsells.com | 704-705-7036
Our REALTORS® embrace the role of those who sell, who lead & who influence our communities as your Real Estate Advocates. #onecommunity
Guest Blogger: Teri Silver
Teri Silver is a journalist and outdoor enthusiast. She and her husband live on 5 acres with a vast lawn, three gardens, a farm, a pond, many trees, and a lot of yard work! The best parts of the year are summer and fall when home-grown veggies are on the dinner table.
Strategic leader, biz owner, keynote speaker & author helping professionals lead boldly, grow businesses, and serve with purpose. Faith-driven & fearlessly real.
