The foundation of any room is its floor

One mistake many homeowners make is to overlook their flooring options. But if you have a small room you'd like to make look bigger, a loud room you want to make quieter, or a high traffic area you'd like to keep cleaner, the right flooring can make all the difference.

Here are common flooring options:

Hardwood
This lasts longer than many options, although it will need to be refinished periodically. It comes in a wide variety of colors and grains and can be installed in strips, planks, or parquet squares.

Ceramic tile
Valued for its durability and low-maintenance, this is best for any moist, heavy-traffic areas like bathrooms, entryways, and kitchens. They are available in a huge variety of colors, patterns, and shapes.

Stone tile
If you want a unique, beautiful floor, stone tiles are a great option. But be aware, they have many drawbacks. Sliced out of boulders, they come in inconsistent sizes and shapes and can have imperfections that leave them prone to warping or breaking. Plus, they are very expensive.

Vinyl
Found in nearly every home in America, vinyl floor coverings are durable and inexpensive. They are available in sheets and tiles, smooth or knobby.

Laminate flooring
A relatively new product that's skyrocketing in popularity, laminate flooring grew out of the countertop business. It's manufactured by laminating a photograph of wood grain, stone, or another surface, directly to a flooring material. It can be installed in hours and is extremely durable. Most people use laminate flooring in kitchens and foyers.

Average flooring costs:

  material     cost per
square foot		     cost to install
           
Laminate $18-$45 + $27-$36
Hardwood $27-$45 + $18-$45
Vinyl Sheets $10-$35 + $2
Vinyl Tiles $9-$36 + $1
Ceramic Tiles $10 on up $10 on up
Stone Tiles $10 on up $10 on up

Regardless of which option you choose, good flooring materials can be ruined by poor installation. So make sure your installer is qualified.


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