When it comes to upgrading your space, flooring plays a key role in both the function and aesthetic of your home. With so many flooring types and styles available, it can be difficult to decide which one is best for you. Each material offers its own benefits, maintenance requirements, and price point, making the selection process an important part of any home renovation project.
In this blog, the flooring specialists at Zelta Floor & Design outline six different types of flooring materials, including details about where they work best, how durable they are, and their estimated installation costs. We’ll also touch on how you can mix and match flooring materials across your home to create a well-balanced flow, without sacrificing character.
Six Common Types of Flooring Materials
*Disclaimer: All average costs listed below are based on a 500 sq ft space. Prices vary depending on quality and finish. We encourage you to use our Flooring Calculator to estimate your specific flooring costs.
Solid Hardwood
Solid hardwood flooring is recognised for its natural, genuine appearance and extended lifespan. Made from a single piece of hardwood, such as oak, maple, or walnut, this floor material can be sanded and refinished multiple times over the years.
- Durability: Solid hardwood is highly durable in the right conditions but can be sensitive to moisture. It’s best suited to dry, stable environments.
- Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, and other low-moisture areas.
- Installation cost: The average cost for solid hardwood is approximately $9.00 to $13.00 per square foot.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is similar looking to real wood, though better resistant to moisture and temperature changes. It features a hardwood veneer, layered over a base of plywood or fiberboard for added strength and stability.
- Durability: More stable than solid hardwood and can be installed in high moisture areas.
- Best for: Kitchens, basements, and condominiums (especially where humidity fluctuates).
- Installation cost: Around $8.00 to $11.00 per square foot. It’s a budget-friendly flooring alternative to solid wood.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is a synthetic kind of flooring material that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile. It features a photographic layer topped with a clear protective wear layer, making it scratch- and fade-resistant.
- Durability: Highly resistant to wear, laminate flooring is ideal for busy households with kids, larger parties, or pets.
- Best for: Family rooms, hallways, and budget-friendly renovations.
- Installation cost: Approximately $6.00 to $8.00 per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVF)
Luxury vinyl is a popular flooring choice, beloved for its waterproof qualities and realistic finishes. Available in planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT), it offers the look of wood or stone with minimal upkeep required.
- Durability: Waterproof, stain-resistant, and resilient underfoot, LVF works well in nearly any room.
- Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, laundry rooms, and rental properties.
- Installation cost: Roughly $5.00 to $8.00 per square foot.
Carpet
Carpet offers warmth, softness, and acoustic benefits. With many colours, textures, and fiber types available, it’s still a preferred choice for comfort-focused areas in the home.
- Durability: Varies by material. Wool offers luxury and insulation, while nylon and polyester are known for resilience and stain resistance.
- Best for: Bedrooms, home offices, family rooms, and stairs.
- Installation cost: Typically, prices are $4.00 to $7.00 per square foot, including underlayment.
Carpet Tile
Carpet tiles are individual square pieces that fit together to cover a room. They’re an excellent floor option for spaces that require flexibility or frequent replacement.
- Durability: Durable and easy to replace if damaged. Often used in commercial or multi-use residential spaces.
- Best for: Basements, playrooms, home gyms, or offices.
- Installation cost: Generally, $5.50 to $7.50 per square foot, depending on quality and style.
Mixing and Matching Flooring Types
It’s quite common for more than one type of flooring to be featured in modern homes. Combining materials like hardwood in main living areas and tile or vinyl in wet zones can offer the best of both practicality and design.
When mixing flooring types, consider the following:
- Stick with similar undertones to maintain consistency across the home.
- Use transitions between rooms to define spaces clearly.
- Keep high-traffic and moisture-prone areas in mind when selecting more durable floor types.
This approach to flooring allows homeowners to balance comfort, durability, and budget while maintaining a cohesive visual flow.
Finding the Right Flooring for Your Home
Each flooring material comes with its own strengths, and understanding your household needs is the first step to choosing the right one. From the warmth of carpet to the resilience of vinyl or the classic look of hardwood, there’s a flooring type that fits every space and every lifestyle. At Zelta Floor & Design, we help homeowners choose the best flooring options and professionally install them for long-lasting performance. If you’re remodeling one room or upgrading your entire home, our experienced team will work with you from start to finish.
Are you ready to choose and combine new flooring materials for your home? Explore our wide catalogue of the different flooring types we offer or contact us today to book a consultation with a Zelta Floor & Design expert!
