Flooring matters more than you think
Flooring is one of the largest surfaces in your home, and it affects everything from the look of a room to how comfortable it feels underfoot. The wrong flooring can make a room feel cold, loud, or hard to clean. The right flooring ties the room together and holds up to the demands of daily life. But with so many options—hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, tile, carpet—it's easy to get overwhelmed. Each material has strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on the room's use, moisture level, and traffic.
Our crew at NoCo Home Services has installed flooring in every type of room, from basements to bathrooms. We've seen what works and what doesn't. This guide breaks down the most popular flooring materials, explains where they perform best, and gives you the trade-offs to consider. By the end, you'll know which flooring is right for your living room, kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms. We'll also cover preparation and installation so you know what to expect.
Hardwood and engineered wood
Solid hardwood flooring is made from a single piece of wood, typically 3/4-inch thick. It can be sanded and refinished multiple times, which makes it a long-lasting option. It works best in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where moisture is not a concern. Hardwood expands and contracts with humidity, so it needs an acclimation period before installation. It should not be installed in basements or bathrooms where moisture levels are high. The cost of hardwood varies by species, with oak and hickory being common choices.
Engineered wood has a thin layer of real wood on top of a plywood or composite core. It is more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood, which means it can be installed in basements and over concrete slabs. Engineered wood can be floated, glued, or nailed down, depending on the product. It can only be sanded and refinished once or twice, depending on the thickness of the wear layer. Both hardwood and engineered wood add warmth and value to a home, but they require care—spills should be wiped up quickly, and high heels can dent the surface.
Luxury vinyl and laminate
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) are waterproof, durable, and comfortable underfoot. They are made from multiple layers of PVC with a printed design layer and a clear wear layer on top. LVP mimics the look of hardwood, while LVT mimics stone or tile. These floors are ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and mudrooms because they resist water and scratches. They can be installed over most existing floors, including tile and concrete, as long as the surface is flat. LVP and LVT are quieter than tile and warmer underfoot.
Laminate flooring is made from a high-density fiberboard core with a photographic image layer and a clear wear layer. It is not waterproof, but some products are water-resistant. Laminate is a budget-friendly option that looks like wood or stone, but it can swell if water sits on it for long. It works best in living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where spills are rare. Laminate is easy to install with a click-lock system, making it a popular choice for DIYers. The main trade-off is that laminate cannot be refinished—once the wear layer is damaged, the planks must be replaced.
Tile and natural stone
Ceramic and porcelain tile are hard, durable, and waterproof. Porcelain is denser and less porous than ceramic, making it a better choice for high-moisture areas like showers and entryways. Tile comes in a huge range of sizes, colors, and patterns, from subway tile to large-format slabs. It is easy to clean and does not harbor allergens, which makes it a good choice for households with allergies. The downsides are that tile is cold underfoot, hard on dropped dishes, and can be slippery when wet. Radiant floor heating can help with the cold.
Natural stone flooring—such as slate, travertine, marble, and limestone—offers a unique, high-end look. Each piece is different, with natural variations in color and texture. Stone is durable but requires sealing to prevent staining. It is also porous, so acidic spills like lemon juice or vinegar can etch the surface. Stone is best suited for bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens where the look matters more than low maintenance. Installation of tile and stone requires a flat subfloor and proper thinset application. Grout should be sealed to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
Carpet and specialty options
Carpet remains a popular choice for bedrooms and family rooms because it is soft, warm, and quiet. It reduces noise and provides a comfortable surface for sitting or playing on the floor. Carpet fibers are made from nylon, polyester, or wool. Nylon is the most durable and resists crushing, while polyester is softer and more stain-resistant. Wool is natural and luxurious but more expensive. Carpet requires regular vacuuming and professional cleaning every 12 to 18 months. It is not suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or basements where moisture is a concern.
Specialty flooring options include cork, bamboo, and rubber. Cork is soft, warm, and naturally antimicrobial, making it a good choice for playrooms or home gyms. Bamboo is a grass that is harder than many hardwoods, but it can be prone to scratching and moisture damage. Rubber flooring is durable, slip-resistant, and comfortable underfoot, ideal for home gyms or laundry rooms. Each of these options has a specific use case, and your contractor can help you decide if they fit your needs. When choosing flooring, consider the room's traffic, moisture, and how you use the space. Our crew at NoCo Home Services can help you select and install the right floor for every room.