Choosing new floors should be the exciting part of a renovation, but it usually just turns into a headache of comparing endless floorboard types. It’s hard to know if that “waterproof” plank will actually survive your kitchen or if you’re just paying for a brand name. That’s why we have come up with this guide.
Below, we will compare 12 popular types of flooring materials to help you find the most suitable one according to your needs. Plus, we will also share the tips to select the right flooring and common mistakes to help you with it as well. Let’s start with a quick comparison table.
Table of Contents
Floorboards Types Comparison Table
Flooring Type | Durability | Cost Range | Water Resistance | Best For |
Hardwood Flooring | Very high | High | Low | Living rooms |
Engineered Hardwood Flooring | High | Medium–High | Medium | Kitchens |
Laminate Flooring | Medium | Low | Low | Budget upgrades |
Vinyl Flooring | High | Medium | Excellent | Kitchens and bathrooms |
Tile Flooring | Very high | Medium | Excellent | Wet areas |
Stone Flooring | Very high | High | Excellent | Luxury interiors |
Linoleum Flooring | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Eco homes |
Carpet Flooring | Low | Low | Poor | Bedrooms |
Bamboo Flooring | High | Medium | Moderate | Sustainable homes |
Concrete Flooring | Very high | Medium | Excellent | Modern homes |
Cork Flooring | Medium | Medium | Moderate | Quiet spaces |
Rubber Flooring | High | Medium | Excellent | Gyms |
We have sold and fitted all these flooring types in hundreds of actual houses. After this vast experience, we recommend balancing style, durability, and comfort for daily living when making this decision.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
12 Common Floorboard Types Explained
Now that you have an overview of the floorboard types, let’s explore these one by one in detail below.
Hardwood Flooring
One of the most popular and traditional flooring options for houses is hardwood flooring. It is made from hardwood such as oak, maple, walnut, or cherry.
The average cost of hardwood flooring is $3 to $14+ per square foot. Durability is one of the huge merits. It can last between 30 to even 100 years. It is ideal for living rooms, dining rooms, and hallways.
Pros | Cons |
Natural and timeless appearance | Sensitive to moisture |
Can be refinished multiple times | Can scratch in busy areas |
Strong resale value for homes | Higher cost compared to other flooring types |
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
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It is similar to solid hardwood except that it is layered. The upper layer is real wood, and the bottom layers are plywood. It gives the flooring more stability as the temperatures or humidity vary. It is mostly used in kitchens or apartments. Its average cost per square foot is $3 to $16.
Pros | Cons |
More stable than solid hardwood | Limited refinishing options |
Easier installation | Still vulnerable to standing water |
Slightly more affordable |
Laminate Flooring
It is one of the trendy floorboard types. It can be designed to resemble wood or stone. It is made of several layers of man-made material and a design layer on top.
Laminate floor costs $1 to $6 per square foot on average. It can be installed quickly, making it suitable for rental properties.
Pros | Cons |
Budget-friendly | Not waterproof |
Easy installation | Cannot be refinished |
Scratch resistant | Shorter lifespan than hardwood |
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring has become better nowadays. Contemporary ones, such as luxury vinyl planks, appear too realistic. The biggest advantage is water resistance. It is also a very practical choice for families with kids or pets. Its average cost per square foot is between $2 to $10.
Pros | Cons |
Waterproof | Can feel artificial compared to real wood |
Easy to maintain | Hard to repair individual sections |
Comfortable Underfoot |
Tile Flooring
Tiles are also popular for flooring. These are generally made of ceramic or porcelain. You can get them in multiple designs and sizes. The average cost per square foot of tile flooring is $1 to $30+, depending on the material.
A lot of people compare porcelain with other tiles when it comes to flooring. If you are also comparing options, explore this porcelain vs non-porcelain tiles comparison guide.
Pros | Cons |
Water resistant | Hard Underfoot |
Easy cleaning | Cold surface in winter |
Long lifespan | Installation requires skill |
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring is perceived as a high-value floorboard type. It includes marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, etc. It is ideal for high-end houses. It gives a natural and beautiful appearance. It costs $6 to $20 per square foot on average, depending on the stone.
Pros | Cons |
Luxurious appearance | Expensive installation |
Extremely durable | Needs sealing to prevent stains |
Unique textures and patterns | Can be slippery when wet |
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum floors have also been in the spotlight as a natural flooring option compared to synthetic floors. It is commonly created using linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. Its average cost is $2 to $7 per square foot.
Pros | Cons |
Made from natural materials | Sensitive to moisture |
Durable with proper care | Can fade over time |
Budget-friendly | Needs professional installation |
Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring is soft and warm. It is popular for bedrooms. It also helps minimize noise in multi-floor homes. It is hard to wash, so it is not the best fit in the house with pets and children. It costs $1 to $12 per square foot.
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable underfoot | Traps dust and allergens |
Good insulation | Difficult to clean |
Noise reduction | Wears out faster than hard floors |
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo has been an alternative to people who wish to have greener flooring. It is similar to hardwood. It looks like a wood plank, but surprisingly, it is grass. It can cost you between $2 to $15 per square foot.
Pros | Cons |
Eco-friendly | Not ideal for humid areas |
Strong | Can scratch if not maintained |
Attractive natural look | – |
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
Concrete Flooring
The next on our floorboards types list is concrete flooring. It has gained its own popularity in contemporary and industrial fashion homes. Polishing or staining the surface can be used to achieve alternative appearances. Concrete flooring cost per square foot range is between $2 to $.15.
Pros | Cons |
Extremely durable | Hard surface |
Easy cleaning | Can feel cold |
Customizable finishes | Requires professional installation |
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is produced using the cork of cork oak. It is slightly cushioned and soft. It is most often used in noisy places such as bedrooms or home offices. It usually costs $2.50 to $12 per square foot.
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable underfoot | Requires sealing |
Good sound insulation | Can dent under heavy furniture |
Hypoallergenic |
Rubber Flooring
The last type we have is rubber flooring. It is made of recycled or synthetic materials. It is highly durable, so it is ideal for high-use areas like gyms, schools, and hospitals. Its cost ranges between $2.50 to $14.50 per square foot.
Pros | Cons |
Can absorb shock | Higher price than expected |
Slip resistant | Slight rubber smell when new |
Very durable |
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After exploring these floorboard types, many homeowners start comparing real flooring options and designs that fit their space. Looking at examples from George’s Living flooring and stairs can help you see how different materials, finishes, and layouts actually work in living areas.
Contact Us for a Project Consultation
Why pay more? At George Living, we cut out the middlemen to bring you premium furniture, flooring, doors, windows,marble and tiles and more—all at prices up to 40% below retail. With 20+ years of experience and 600 consultants, we provide complete, custom project solutions, from initial design to final delivery.
What is the Best Way to Select the Flooring in Your House?
When selecting flooring, it is not only about the looks. There are also a number of practical considerations that are equally important.
● First, consider the room usage. For areas with heavy use, materials like tile, vinyl, and rubber are ideal.
● Next is moisture consideration, especially for bathroom and kitchen floors. In these cases, prefer LVP or tile flooring.
● Budget also matters. The laminate and vinyl are generally affordable choices.
● Another thing people often forget is comfort. Bedrooms are much more pleasant with less hard floors, such as carpet or cork.
● The last component of the puzzle is maintenance. Certain floors require frequent sealing or refinishing, whilst others require occasional cleaning.
● One clever solution would be to select floorboard types by room rather than use the same material in all the rooms.
Floorboard Suggestion Based on Room Type
The floorboard selection is greatly influenced by the space. Different rooms have different needs. For example, for the kitchen and bathroom, you need something moisture-resistant, for the home gym, something durable, and for the living room, something beautiful.
To make this decision easier, we have summed up everything in the table below.
Room | Recommended Flooring | Why It Works Well |
Living Room | Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, Bamboo | Durable, attractive, and adds long-term value to the home |
Kitchen | Vinyl, Tile, Engineered Hardwood | Handles spills, moisture, and frequent foot traffic |
Bathroom | Tile, Vinyl, Stone | Highly water-resistantand easy to clean |
Bedroom | Carpet, Cork, Bamboo | Soft underfoot and comfortable for relaxing spaces |
Dining Room | Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, Laminate | Stylish appearance with good durability |
Hallways | Hardwood, Tile, Vinyl | Strong enough for heavy daily traffic |
Basement | Vinyl, Concrete, Rubber | Performs better in areas with possible moisture |
Home Office | Cork, Hardwood, Laminate | Comfortable for long periods and easy to maintain |
Home Gym | Rubber, Cork | Shock absorbing and slip resistant |
Laundry Room | Tile, Vinyl | Resistant to water leaks and easy to maintain |
Common Mistakes When Selecting Flooring Materials
We have seen a few repeated mistakes over the years in the flooring selection homeowners made. To help you avoid the common ones below, so you don’t make them.
● Choosing flooring only for looks: Showrooms render each floor flawless. Real life is different. Think about your actual life. If you’ve got kids sliding down hallways or a dog with zero respect for personal space, those ‘dream’ floors will be scratched to bits in a week.
● Ignoring the Moisture: Hardwood and laminate warp and buckle when they get damp. Consider moisture and then choose. We recommend LVP or tiles for places with high-humidity.
● Buying based on price alone: It’s attractive to grab the cheapest option, but remember, they don’t last long. Investing a bit more now usually saves you a full replacement down the road.
● Using the same floor in the whole house: A carpet might be ideal for a bedroom, but it is a nightmare in the kitchen. Decide wisely.
FAQs
Which Floor Is Best For Homes?
It really comes down to the room. Hardwood for your main living areas, carpet for the bedrooms, and high-traffic spots like the mudroom go with luxury vinyl; it’s basically bulletproof.
What Are The 5 Main Types Of Hard Flooring?
These include: wood, vinyl, tile, laminate, and engineered planks. However, you can always get creative with stone or even concrete if that’s your vibe.
What Is The Best Home Floor For Ballet?
You’ll want a sprung subfloor topped with professional Marley vinyl for a ballet floor. It’s the only way to get that perfect mix of ‘give’ and grip that keeps your joints safe while you dance.
What Is The Most Affordable Flooring?
Sheet vinyl is usually your best bet if you’re watching your wallet. It’s only about $1 to $2 per square foot, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver in wet spots like the bathroom.
Conclusion
Once you know what each floorboard type offers, the selection process becomes much more straightforward. Some are durable and moisture-resistant, while others are environment friendly and affordable. Choose the one that matches your needs.
Still confused about different materials? Reach out to George Living. Share your budget and needs with us, and we will suggest the most suitable option for you. Not only that, but we will also help you with it;s purchase and installation if you want as well.
