FLOORING TYPE

PROS

CONS

CARE

COST

Bamboo

- More quickly renewable resource than wood.

- Strong.

- Clean, contemporary sensibility.

- May darken or fade when exposed to sunlight.

- Cannot be left wet.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Keep Pet claws trimmed.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

$4 - $8 per square foot, installed.

Carpet

- Soft, quiet warm underfoot.

- Easiest and most cost effective floor covering to replace or upgrade.

- Brings in color and texture.

- Stain-resistant fibers available.

- Can stain.

- Low-quality carpets may quickly show wear.

- Clean spills immediately.

- Vacuum low-traffic areas at least once or twice a week. Vacuum high-traffic areas more often.

- Use deep-cleaning hot water extraction cleaning system every 12-18 months.

$3 - $10 per square foot, installed.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

- Durable.

- Water and stain-resistant.

- Wide choice of colors, textures, and shapes.

- Porcelain color extends trough tile body – scratches or damage less likely to show.

- Grout lines can be hard to clean.

- Low-quality tiles may chip.

- Fragile items dropped on the surface probably will break.

- Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet.

- Difficult to repair.

- Regularly sweep tiles or use a vacuum without a beater bar.

- Regularly damp-mop the floor with a cleaner recommended by the tile and grout manufacturers. For more shine, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.

$3 - $20 per square foot, installed.

Cork

- Soft, warm, natural.

- Resists mildew.

- Sleek, contemporary look.

- Stain and water-resistant.

- Easy to clean.

- Polyurethane finishes reapplied about every seven years.

- UV-cured acrylic finishes are not as long-lasting.

- Wax reapplication every 6 to 12 months.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Clean up spills immediately. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. To restore luster, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for refinishing.

$4 - $9 per square foot, installed.

Engineered Wood

- Shrinks and expands less than solid wood.

- Quick installation time.

- Some can be installed below grade.

- Prefinished so stain and protective finishes are more consistent and hard.

- Typically can be refinished only once or twice.

- Off-brand products may have voids in core, which weakens wood surface.

- Ends may split on off-brand products.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

Never wax or use oil soap.

$4 - $18 per square foot, installed.

Hardwood Wood – Solid

- Wear-resistant.

- Long-lasting.

- Provides a warm look.

- Can be refinished.

- Vulnerable to moisture.

- Soft woods, such as pine, may dent easily.

- May darken with age.

- Some finishes wear unevenly and are difficult to repair.

- Can shrink and expand, creating gaps or warping.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

$6 - $20 per square foot, installed.

Laminate

- Durable, affordable.

- Easy to clean and maintain.

- Resists stains.

- Wide range of colors and designs.

- Resembles natural materials.

- Excellent choice for do-it-yourself applications.

- Can be scratched.

- Cannot be refinished.

- Be cautious when purchasing off-brand products; the top layer may peel or separate from the core.

- For installations in high moisture rooms, select laminates designed for this use.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Don’t refinish or sand.

$3 - $10 per square foot, installed.

Linoleum

- Made of natural raw materials.

- More durable than vinyl.

- Color extends through entire material.

- Can be hand-cut for intricate patterns and installation artistry.

- Should be resealed annually.

- Cannot be left wet.

- May scuff if not well-polished.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Polish periodically to bring back shine and protection against stains.

$6 - $9 per square foot, installed.

Stone

- Extremely durable.

- Timeless and classic design.

- Beautiful, natural aesthetic.

- Higher cost than many flooring materials.

- Some varieties, such as marble and limestone, readily absorb stains and dirt.

- Difficult to repair.

- Dark, glossy surfaces show footprints and can be slippery.

- All stones should be sealed.

- Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor with a clean nontreated mop or broom. Or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Wipe up spills immediately. Damp-mop floors using cleaners recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh chemicals.

$8 - $50 per square foot, installed.

Vinyl

- Durable.

- Water-resistant in sheet form.

- Easy to clean.

- Comfortable.

- Less expensive than most flooring choices.

- Difficult to repair.

- Less expensive grades may discolor.

- In tile form, moisture can get into seams between tiles.

- Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar.

- Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

$1 - $7 per square foot, installed.