What Type Of Flooring Is Right For Your Home?

When it comes to flooring, you've got a number of options. Even though it's just what you walk on, it can really make a huge difference in your home in terms of style and feeling. It can also make a huge price difference - once you start shopping, you'll notice that prices are dramatically different. Here are the most popular options and their pros and cons.

Hardwood
Definitely the most popular type of flooring is hardwood. Hardwood gives you a classy look and you've got lots of different looks to choose from. Another reason people like this option is because it is extremely durable. The only downside of hardwood is that it's a bit pricey. Although prices have come down in recent years, it still costs more than most other options. Another benefit of choosing hardwood is that you can use recycled timber, which makes your home more environmentally friendly.

Carpet Gives You A Comfy Feel
Carpet has always been a favorite type of flooring because it makes any room seem comfortable. There's nothing like finishing a basement with carpeting to give it a warm, homey feel. The only trouble with carpet is that it's tough to clean. With hardwood, you can just go over it once in a while with a vacuum and you're done. Carpet has to be deep cleaned from time to time. It collects dirt, debris and pet hair that can actually cause allergic reactions. Although still very popular, lots of people are ripping out their carpet in favor of hardwood or laminate.

Laminate - Durable And Inexpensive
Laminate is an increasingly popular option. Some people refer to it as "fake hardwood." This makes it sound cheap and low quality, but actually it's one of the best options in terms of durability. Laminate is made from several different materials bonded together by high pressure. It can then be made to look like hardwood flooring. With laminate, you get the look, feel and durability of hardwood. But the major advantage is the price. It costs a fraction of what you can expect to pay with real wood.

Ceramic Tile For A Classy Look
Ceramic tile is an option that's considered even classier than hardwood. There are a variety of different materials that you can use including glazed, mosaic, quarry, porcelain and more. Ceramic is popular because it's elegant and easy to clean. This is the option for people who want something really stylish and unique.

Linoleum
Linoleum is another popular option. It's made from a mixture of cork or wood dust and various oils. This is an environmentally friendly option that's beautiful, comfortable and very inexpensive. The only problem with linoleum is that it doesn't respond well to moisture, so it isn't always advisable for bathrooms and basements.

If you're not sure which one's right for you, you can always talk to a flooring service professional and get their opinion. They can give you more details on the pros and cons of each option and help you decide which is best for you.