How to Choose Flooring: 4 Key Questions

Before installing new floors it's important to know how to choose flooring in the first place. Consider the floors just as much as the walls, furnishings, and artwork. The right flooring choice not only enhances the beauty of your home but also provides essential functional benefits. However, different areas of the home often require different flooring materials.

With so many options on the market, choosing the right flooring can feel overwhelming. To make the process easier, consider the answers to these four key questions that can guide you on how to choose flooring for your space.

1. What Type of Flooring Makes the Biggest Impression?

Certain parts of your home, like dining rooms or foyers, are designed to make a statement. When it comes to creating a lasting impression, nothing is more luxurious and elegant than genuine hardwood flooring. With its natural warmth and timeless beauty, hardwood offers a level of sophistication that is hard to replicate.

Popular hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, and walnut each have distinctive colors and grain patterns, adding unique character to your home. While vinyl and other materials can mimic the look of hardwood, they don’t match the feel and premium appeal of the real thing.

Best for: Living rooms, dining rooms, entryways
Consider: Hardwood requires regular maintenance and has a higher upfront cost compared to other materials.

2. What Material Best Suits Your Budget?

While genuine hardwood makes a strong visual impact, it comes with a higher price tag. If you’re working within a tighter budget, vinyl flooring is an excellent alternative. Vinyl is available in sheet, tile, and plank forms, and offers a wide variety of styles at a fraction of the cost of hardwood.

Sheet vinyl typically offers the lowest cost per square foot, while vinyl plank may be easier and less expensive to install. Vinyl plank flooring also tends to be more durable, making it a smart long-term investment for homeowners on a budget.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners
Consider: Balance material cost with installation fees. Vinyl plank may have higher initial costs than sheet vinyl but lower installation expenses.

3. What Everyday Threats Will Your Flooring Face?

In high-traffic areas like kitchens, living rooms, or hallways—especially homes with children or pets—your floors are likely to endure a lot of wear and tear. Choosing flooring that can withstand spills, scratches, and heavy foot traffic is crucial for these spaces.

While hardwood can be refinished to remove scratches or dents, it’s more prone to staining. If you’re looking for a scratch- and stain-resistant option, wood laminate flooring is a great alternative. Laminate features a top coat of aluminum oxide that is easy to clean and provides added protection against daily wear.

For moisture-prone areas like bathrooms or kitchens, vinyl flooring is a better option. It’s waterproof (not just water-resistant), making it ideal for spaces where spills or humidity are common.

Best for: High-traffic areas, kitchens, bathrooms
Consider: Opt for waterproof materials in moisture-heavy environments.

4. How Much Cushioning Power Would You Prefer?

Comfort is key in spaces where you’ll spend long periods standing, such as the kitchen or hobby room. For these areas, you’ll want a flooring material that provides cushioning to reduce strain on your feet and joints.

Cork flooring is an excellent option for comfort. Its porous structure, filled with tiny air pockets, acts as a natural cushion. Cork is available in both solid and laminate forms, offering a comfortable yet durable surface. It also provides a softer landing for individuals prone to falls, making it a good choice for families with young children or elderly members.

Best for: Kitchens, hobby rooms, playrooms
Consider: Cork is softer underfoot but may not be as durable in high-traffic areas.

Get Expert Guidance at Rejuvenation Floor & Design

Choosing the right flooring material depends on your space, budget, and lifestyle needs. If you're still unsure how to choose flooring for your home, the experts at Rejuvenation Floor & Design can help. We’ll walk you through the pros and cons of various options and guide you in selecting the perfect flooring for your home. Contact us today to explore our wide selection of colors, styles, and materials.