Hardwood and luxury vinyl stand out as the go-to choices for flooring in new homes, prized for their charm, long-lasting nature, and value for money. Red oak, in particular, is a popular hardwood pick, due to its robustness and elegance. Luxury vinyl has gained remarkable traction owing to its flexibility in design and cost-effectiveness, offering a high-end appearance without putting a strain on your finances.
The current preference sways toward lighter wood tones, such as white oak or walnut. Moreover, there’s a growing interest in larger-format tiles or stones arranged in elaborate designs, reflecting a trend toward maximalist installations.
Let’s dive into the most popular 7 flooring types in new homes and some eco-friendly trends.
1. Prefinished hardwood flooring
When it comes to flooring choices for new homes, prefinished hardwood flooring reigns supreme so far. Crafted from solid wood, it embodies exceptional strength and resilience, lending an immensely coveted aesthetic appeal to spaces. Its enduring nature promises a long-lasting flooring solution that maintains its appearance over time.
The diverse styles available in prefinished hardwood offer distinctive characteristics to homes. Variations like ingrown bark infuse a natural, authentic ambiance, while hand-scraped surfaces meticulously craft a flawless wood effect, elevating the overall visual appeal of the flooring. However, it’s essential to weigh the nuances when considering this flooring type.
The pros of prefinished hardwood flooring for a new home
On the positive side, prefinished hardwood flooring is extremely durable and has a timeless appeal, significantly enhancing a property’s value when put on the market. Its authentic wooden charm creates an inviting atmosphere, which is highly appreciated in contemporary home design.
The cons of prefinished hardwood flooring for a new home
Still, there are certain drawbacks to bear in mind. The upfront cost tends to be higher compared to alternatives like laminate or luxury vinyl. More than that, maintaining its condition demands refinishing every 7-10 years for optimal protection, and requires specific cleaning products and methods (a hardwood floor mop and cleaner, adding a bit of maintenance to the equation).
2. Unfinished hardwood flooring
Unfinished hardwood floors share many benefits with prefinished ones, but they need finishing after installation. This extra step takes effort but results in a smoother, more consistent look.
What’s good about unfinished hardwood is the chance to pick the stain and color after installation, giving you more control over the final look. Plus, finishing after installation seals every cut, giving top-notch protection to your floors.
The pros of unfinished hardwood flooring for a new home
On the upside, you can customize the color of unfinished hardwood floors to match your taste. And after installation, the finishing process keeps the floors well-protected.
The cons of unfinished hardwood flooring for a new home
But there are downsides, too. Like prefinished hardwood, it’s pricier compared to laminate or luxury vinyl. Also, you’ll need to finish it after it’s installed, which adds to the cost and time before you get your final floors.
3. Engineered hardwood flooring
Engineered hardwood stands out as a favored flooring option for modern homes due to its exceptional durability, fortified by additional protective wood layers that ensure a smooth and enduring finish.
Made by a real wood surface and a cross-layered softwood core, this flooring type is known to be very resilient against impacts – something highly praised in bustling households. Popular choices include oak, hickory, maple, walnut, and cherry because they can be incorporated into various design styles.
The pros of engineered hardwood flooring for a new home
The perks of choosing engineered hardwood flooring in a new home go beyond its durability. Its resilience against impacts offers peace of mind in busy living spaces, while the wide range of available colors and stains allows for customization to suit many design preferences.
The cons of engineered hardwood flooring for a new home
While robust, engineered hardwood is prone to scratching, emphasizing the need for protective pads under furniture to maintain its appearance over time. Also, this flooring choice requires careful consideration in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear.
4. Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring has 4 layers of melamine-based materials fused together, with one layer replicating various surfaces like hardwood, tile, or stone. This unique construction makes laminate a suitable option for all homes, depending on the chosen style.
The pros of laminate flooring for a new home
For a new homeowner, laminate flooring is a designer’s delight. That’s because it has a wide array of materials, textures, and surfaces, so it can be included in almost any desired design theme. Moreover, it’s a notably cost-effective flooring solution compared to other materials, offering both versatility and savings.
Its durability is a standout feature, especially in areas prone to moisture like kitchens and bathrooms where some variants can be safely installed. Resistant to staining, most laminates can be easily maintained with routine sweeping, vacuuming, or a simple swipe of a damp mop.
The cons of laminate flooring for a new home
Laminate can create a hollow sound when walked upon, requiring the use of specialized underlayment during installation to mitigate this issue and act as a moisture barrier. In case of damage, replacing sections might be needed since sanding and resurfacing are not viable options for repair.
5. Tile flooring
Tile, once confined to kitchens and bathrooms, has become a favored flooring option for entire homes due to its durability, sophistication, and adaptability for customized patterns. Renowned for its ability to withstand heavy traffic and moisture-rich environments, tile is gaining popularity for its versatility across living spaces.
The pros of tile flooring for a new home
Among the advantages of tile flooring for a new home is its extensive range of choices, spanning ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, offering more design possibilities than ever.
Tiles can be tailored to fit various layouts and configurations, accommodating surfaces ranging from smooth to textured rustic finishes. This allows homeowners to achieve diverse visual aesthetics. More than that, tile is water-resistant and extremely resilient, standing strong against high foot traffic.
The cons of tile flooring for a new home
Still, the grout lines between tiles are susceptible to staining and can prove challenging to keep spotless. Repairing broken tiles might be difficult, often requiring complete replacement. Furthermore, tile’s poor sound absorption can lead to increased room noise levels. Its cold and hard surface can be uncomfortable to stand on for longer periods, and fragile items like glasses or dishes are more prone to breakage when dropped on this type of flooring.
6. Luxury vinyl planks
Luxury vinyl planks are a contemporary flooring choice for new homes, presenting a modern take on the traditional hardwood look without the associated expenses or demanding upkeep.
As a synthetic material, this flooring option is known for its exceptional waterproof properties. Going for a product with a thick wear layer ensures protection against water damage and the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic.
With a slightly textured surface, vinyl planks deliver both the look and feel of genuine wood underfoot.
The pros of tile flooring for a new home
Luxury vinyl planks provide a similar look to hardwood but spare homeowners from the additional maintenance and higher price tags typically associated with genuine wood floors. Moreover, their suitability for high-traffic areas is a plus, and the soft feel underfoot adds to the comfort factor. The authentic, grained appearance makes them even more appealing.
The cons of tile flooring for a new home
Cleaning these planks requires specific tools like a microfiber mop and vinyl floor cleaner.
7. Carpeting
Carpeting keeps its status as a top choice for many new homeowners mainly because it’s such a good-looking and comfortable surface for walking and standing. Also, carpet is very good in insulating rooms, retaining heat within their fibers.
The pros of carpeting for a new home
The benefits of carpeting for a new home lie in the diverse composition of either natural or manufactured fibers. Wool is a prevalent natural fiber that naturally repels allergens, showcasing hypoallergenic properties. It’s also popular for its luxurious appearance.
Meanwhile, the majority of wall-to-wall carpets present manufactured fibers for better durability. Common options like nylon, polyester, and polypropylene come with many advantages: nylon boasts durability, stain resistance, and easy maintenance, while polyester mirrors many of nylon’s positive attributes and proves beneficial for allergen-sensitive homeowners.
Carpeting’s top surface, known as ‘pile’, has loops that can be cut or uncut, providing homeowners with a wide selection of thicknesses and visual styles to suit their preferences. Its sound-dampening ability makes it an optimal choice for rooms dealing with sound-related issues, such as echoing or amplified noise due to architectural elements.
In high-traffic areas, carpets with more durable, stain-resistant fibers pre-treated with protective chemicals ensure easier cleaning and maintenance. Compared to more permanent flooring options, carpeting offers relatively easy removal and replacement when necessary.
The cons of carpeting for a new home
Not all carpet fibers offer the same longevity, stain resistance, or ease of maintenance, so choosing the right type that matches the home’s traffic volume is key. Maintenance can be more challenging compared to other flooring options, potentially requiring some special cleaning methods like steam treatments.
Also, certain carpets may contain volatile organic compounds, releasing them into the air, particularly during installation, which might pose concerns for those sensitive to airborne allergens and pollutants. Researching the VOC composition before purchase is advisable for sensitive people.
8. Eco-friendly trends
The eco-friendly flooring market is growing in popularity with options such as cork, bamboo, linoleum, and specific carpet varieties.
- Cork is similar to wood when it comes to versatility. It also allows for various finishes with paints and stains to seamlessly integrate into any home setting.
- Bamboo is another favored choice due to its durability, hassle-free maintenance, and easy installation. It stands out for its sustainability as a fully matured bamboo tree takes merely 3 to 5 years to grow, significantly quicker than an oak tree. Similar to cork, bamboo boasts a wide color range, offering flexibility to match diverse design aspirations.
- Linoleum flooring resembles vinyl in durability and water resistance. It distinguishes itself by being crafted from natural elements like linseed oil, cork dust, tree resins, wood flour, and ground limestone.
However, while these recycled materials offer ecological advantages, they might not provide the utmost comfort when walking barefoot. Consider placing them in areas where barefoot walking isn’t the norm for optimal use.
Choosing the right flooring
Choosing the right flooring for a home goes beyond mere aesthetics. It takes into account other essential features like durability, maintenance needs, and finance.
- Durability is a main factor for the most used floor areas in a home. Hardwood floors are great for withstanding daily wear and tear, renowned for their resistance to staining and damage. Varieties like oak and Brazilian cherry offer added toughness, providing resilience against potential damage.
- When it comes to maintenance, while a glossy finish on wide plank hardwood might be visually striking, it requires periodic sweeping and mopping. On the flip side, vinyl floors offer a visually pleasing surface that’s simpler to clean, with the added advantage of reducing the likelihood of dish breakage upon impact.
- For those with budget constraints, there are some affordable hardwood options: red oak, hevea, or acacia. Their natural defects, from wormholes to mineral streaks on the boards, contribute to their appeal for those seeking a more natural wood floor at a budget-friendly price point.
Keeping up with the trends is essential as flooring preferences evolve. Right now, lighter wood finishes and styles featuring large-format tiles or stones are in vogue. Functionality also plays a crucial role, with high-end brands including authentic textures and sound reduction technology, ensuring both aesthetics and performance.
If you need guidance with hardwood flooring for your new home, reach out to a professional. At First Atlanta Flooring, our skilled team has extensive experience in all aspects of hardwood flooring. For any queries or concerns regarding our products and services, feel free to get in touch, and we’ll respond promptly to assist you.