5 flooring ideas for your home – and their pros and cons

Johannes van Graan Johannes van Graan
House in Kitaichinosawa, Mimasis Design/ミメイシス デザイン Mimasis Design/ミメイシス デザイン Nowoczesna kuchnia Drewno O efekcie drewna
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Regardless of whether you’re in love with modern design, contemporary, rustic, Scandinavian, or any of the other options, your choice in style will undoubtedly reflect in your house’s look and feel – and that includes the flooring surfaces. Design magazines and –websites inform us which flooring materials are better suited for which designs (such as timber or terracotta tiles that are mostly opted for rustic designs). And once you consult an expert such as an Interior Designer or Architect, chances are great that you’ll be introduced to a whole new world of flooring material colours, patterns, and textures. 

But do you do your homework before going floor shopping? Are you aware of the different types of flooring options so you can decide which ones are best for your house and lifestyle?

Don’t fret if you haven’t given it any thought – that’s what homify is here for…

1. Wood

Hardwood floors were considered very trendy in the 1970s and -80s, but have become popular again in recent years. With a choice of being either solid or engineered (with the wood basically being assembled over an artificial core), hardwood is available in various options like maple, walnut, pine, oak, cherry, and many more. 

The pros: Opt for hardwood floors in your home and you’ll immediately up your property’s resale value. Thanks to the different types of woods and finishes, hardwood floors can be customised to complement just about any style or space. And don’t forget about wood’s incredible insulation properties. 

The cons: Hardwood floors can be costly to install. Plus, they are easily damaged or stained, which would mean a hefty bill to either have the hardwood resurfaced, or get new wood installed. 

2. Ceramic tile

Natural materials like clay, sand and water produce ceramic tiles, with these elements moulded into a tile shape and baked at very high temperatures. Available in glossy and matte finishes, ceramic tiles are popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. 

The pros: Due to their high resistance to wear and tear, ceramic tiles are ideal for busy households with children and pets. They are also very easy to clean and can be chosen in numerous designs and colours. 

The cons: With enough exposure to sunshine, ceramic tiles’ pattern can fade over time. While they are resistant to damage, they can be very slippery. And since ceramic gets quite cold in wintertime, this is not the ideal option for bathrooms and other areas where one tends to walk barefoot. 


3. Concrete

Concrete used to be more popular as a wall material, yet it has shown up in more flooring surfaces. Available in a range of colours and textures, concrete can ensure some warmth to a space, which is why it’s more common for living rooms, kitchens, and other entertainment / socialising areas. 

The pros: One of the most durable materials, concrete is also perfect for insulation and helps to reduce heating and cooling costs. It’s easy to clean and as it’s not combustible, ups a house’s fire protection. 

The cons: On the odd chance that your concrete floor does suffer damage, know that it’s going to be costly to repair – a small patch is not going to cut it. And big rooms with concrete floors tend to get quite loud due to sound easily bouncing off the floor surfaces. 


4. Vinyl

Vinyl is a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens. Available in both sheet- and tile form, vinyl can perfectly resemble wood, yet can also be manufactured in bright colours and patterns. 

The pros: Perfectly water resistant, vinyl can easily be cleaned by sweeping or mopping (stains are quickly removed via some soapy water or vinyl cleaner). This material also stays warm in the winter and doesn’t damage easily. 

The cons: The chemicals that are used to manufacture vinyl flooring release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can harm one’s lungs and cause eye irritation. Thus, for any damaged area, the entire floor will need to be ripped out instead of fixing just the one damaged spot.  


5. Laminate

Like vinyl, laminate floors can beautifully resemble wood. This is thanks to a high-resolution image being printed onto the laminate and glued onto the fibreboard underneath. 

The pros: Laminate installation is quite easy and inexpensive, as the sheets are designed to easily fit together without nails or glue. Cleaning is also a breeze – simply sweep or mop the laminate now and again to keep it looking brand new. 

The cons: Laminate floors can suffer water damage, making it a no-no for areas prone to water usage (like bathrooms or laundry rooms). And although the material can resemble wood, it doesn’t have the same resale value as real wood. Also, it must be replaced completely after being worn down over time. 

From one surface to another, we’re going to show you 7 incredible materials to transform your walls


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