Your home is your castle. But this isn’t the Middle Ages, so your palace is going to need flooring. Hardwood, laminate, vinyl or tile: With so many choices, where do you start?
Installing a new floor is a big-ticket home improvement, so budget is certain to factor into your decision. But you should also consider how much foot traffic, sunlight, and wear and tear your flooring will endure.
For example, some engineered woods, along with a few solid-wood types of flooring, aren’t as resistant to moisture as vinyl or laminate flooring—a serious drawback in a bathroom or busy kitchen. Ceramic tile would be a better choice for durability, but it can be expensive and requires labor-intensive installation.
To determine how much flooring you’ll need, measure the room’s square footage by multiplying its length times its width. Variations can occur from one batch to the next, so buy the flooring you’ll need all at once. If you’re looking for information about flooring, Consumer Reports is your best resource. Consumer Reports’ flooring reviews will give you honest buying advice that you can trust. Use our flooring buying guide to discover which features are most important to consider. We also provide unbiased Ratings and flooring reviews to help you choose the best flooring for your needs.