If you have a home that was built in the 60’s or 70’s and have not done any serious renovations or decorating, you probably have a variation of floor coverings.   Linoleum in your kitchen, a thick pile carpet or even a shag carpet in your bedroom or family room, and vinyl tile in your den.  In the redecorating process, there are currently many options to choose from.  Below we will list several choices with some of the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors come in a vast array of designs and colors.  Natural hardwood is installed in an unfinished state and then refinished and stained to accommodate any décor.  Oak is the most popular hardwood, however, mahogany, teak, yellow pine, and many other woods are readily available.  Hardwood has become the flooring of choice in quality homes in all rooms, including kitchens.  Bathrooms generally still have tile floors.  Keep in mind that hardwood floors will show signs of wear in heavy traffic areas and areas that get wet, such as near a kitchen sink.

Engineered Floors

Engineered floors are basically pre-finished hardwood floors to be used the same as unfinished hardwood floors.  They are factory stained and finished.  Generally, they have a harder finish than floors refinished in the home.  The disadvantage is that they cannot be easily repaired or refinished if damaged.

Laminate Floors

Laminate floors have become very popular in the past few years.  They come in a variety of “wood like”  and “patterned” finishes.  They are more durable than hardwood, less expensive, and easily installed.  It is an excellent alternative to hardwood for both home and commercial applications.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is the successor to ceramic tile.  Ceramic tile has been the main surface on bath floors since indoor plumbing.  It largely replaced vinyl tile kitchen floors post 1970.  Porcelain tile while appearing to be similar to ceramic tile has a few qualities that ceramic tile does not have.  It is stronger, and the color goes through the tile rather than a thin veneer finish.  It also appears to have more of a stone like quality.  Generally, it is more costly than ceramic tile.

Carpet

Carpet is still a popular choice especially in bedrooms.  There is a multitude of styles and colors to choose from.  We recommend a relatively low pile carpet with a tight weave and dense pad. A plush carpet with a thick pad will show wear much sooner.

Vinyl Floor Covering

Vinyl floor coverings, which include vinyl tile, linoleum and congoleum, are still available, however, they are not the most stylish or versatile.  An upgrade to ceramic or porcelain tile would be a wise investment due to the durability factor.  For a little more money you can improve the quality of your floor covering and your home and get additional years of usage.

Natural Stones

Natural stones such as granite and marble are very attractive options.  These would be used mainly on kitchen floors, entry hall floors, bath floors, and shower floors.  They will, of course, enhance the beauty of your home.  However, there are two disadvantages to natural stone.  The first is the extreme cost as compared to alternative flooring options.  The second is that natural stone is porous and needs sealants to maintain the natural finish.