Upgrading Your Flooring: Choosing the Right Materials for Your Home

Posted by Nearly Services on November 3rd, 2023

When remodeling your home, upgraded floors can make a dramatic difference visually and functionally. With so many flooring options now available from hardwoods to luxury vinyl planks, how do you determine which material is best for each space in your home? 

Consider how flooring needs differ room by room based on traffic, moisture levels, acoustics and decor styles. Use this overview of popular flooring types to select the ideal materials to upgrade each area of your home.

Entryway Floors

The entryway sees heavy foot traffic and needs a floor that can withstand constant wear. Many homeowners opt for hardwood with its durable finish and classic, welcoming look in foyers. Oak and maple woods bring warmth. Darker stains hide scuffs. Limit water exposure by adding mats.

Tile is another sturdy option, providing easy cleaning and a polished look. Textured materials like slate bring interest while hiding dirt. Ensure slip-resistance with some texture. Marble or stone floors make opulent first impressions but require sealing.

Living Room Floors  

As primary gathering spaces for leisure, living rooms need floors that are comfortable, attractive and sound-absorbing. Thick plush carpets dampen noise and soften falls, especially in homes with kids and seniors. Choose soft, stain-resistant styles.

For durable hard surfaces, hardwood excels in living rooms. Hickory and walnut look rich. Distressed woods add texture. Area rugs layered over hardwood floors allow flexibility to update styles.

Vinyl plank mimics real wood with waterproof durability. New schedules and routines mean new stains and spills on the daily. Vinyl stands up to messes while keeping the look you love.

Kitchen Flooring

Kitchens demand the most durable, water-resistant flooring in your home. Tile is naturally waterproof and adds classic kitchen style. Mosaics make artistic backsplashes while larger tiles lend seamless appeal. 

Stone like slate and limestone performs well but requires sealing. Concrete flooring also withstands kitchen demands with a modern, industrial vibe. Sheet materials like linoleum work for budget-friendly kitchen makeovers.

Bathroom Flooring 

In steamy bathrooms, flooring needs water, mold and mildew resistance. Tile ranks best for waterproof durability and easy cleaning. Mosaic, stone and glass tiles add artistry while larger tiles expand the space visually. Include anti-slip mats.

Another great bathroom option is vinyl plank, combining waterproof and home remodeling service slip-resistant qualities for safety. Groutable luxury vinyl tiles mimic stone looks. Sheet vinyl remains budget-friendly. Limit porous woods or carpets in humid bathroom zones.

Bedroom Flooring

Bedrooms need floors tailored to their quieter, cozier atmosphere focused on restful sleep and dressing. Plush carpets muffle noise and feel heavenly underfoot - ideal for a relaxing master suite. Durable nylon or wool rugs hold up to traffic over time.

Hardwoods also give bedrooms refined style. Hickory and maple have lighter natural hues. Wide planks expand smaller rooms. Use area rugs to soften wood’s harder feel underfoot. Bamboo and cork add earthy, muted looks suitable for bedrooms.

Home Office Flooring

Update home offices and studies with flooring that aids concentration and productivity. Low-pile carpets absorb ambient noise from households. Patterns add interest without being distracting. 

For non-slip hard surfaces, luxury vinyl plank provides cushioning that’s comfortable when sitting for long hours. Vinyl requires less maintenance than real wood. Tile in earth tones fosters focus without being totally muted.

Basement & Laundry Room Flooring

Basements and laundries need extremely durable, moisture-proof floors able to withstand heavy appliance use and occasional flooding. Epoxy coatings create glossy, seamless waterproof protection. Tile performs well, just ensure slip-resistance.

Budget-friendly sheet vinyl fends off wetness too. Concrete sealer and paint refresh cracked floors affordably. For basements, waterproof luxury vinyl plank adds cozy, warmer looks that are still durable.

Outdoor Living Area Flooring

Patios, decks and porches demand weather-resistant floors that stand up to sun, rain and temperature swings. Composite decking with concealed fasteners lasts decades, resisting warping. Preserved hardwoods like ipe also handle outdoor abuse. 

Concrete pavers hold up for decades. Protect poured concrete with sealers and anti-slip finish. Stone, brick and porcelain pavers add style, just ensure proper base and drainage underneath.

With the wide range of attractive, high-performing flooring materials now available, you can upgrade any room in your home. Take time to assess each space’s unique needs based on foot traffic, weather risks, acoustics and decor. With the right flooring choice, you can completely transform the feel of your rooms for years of enjoyment.