Not all Floor coverings are created equal. There’s plenty to consider, from your personal style to comfort and durability. With so many choices out there, it can be hard to know where to start when you’re planning to install new floors in your home.

One big factor to consider is the return on your investment. After all, if you’re going to spend the money to redo your floors, you’ll want to choose styles and materials that will pay you back some day. When it comes to resale value for your home, consider these choices to get the best bang for your buck.

Solid Hardwood

Glossy expanses of hardwood Flooring are highly coveted by home buyers, and well installed wood floors can boost your overall property value by up to 2.5% when it comes time to sell. This is because real wood is a highly durable material. It can be sanded and refinished to provide decades of life, even after normal wear and tear has given it a few dings and scratches. In fact, some varieties of hardwood look better over time as they mellow in the sunlight.

Engineered Hardwood

While traditional hardwood flooring is one of the more expensive options, engineered hardwood offers the same great look at a lower price point. It’s made by applying a thin veneer of real hardwood over a plywood base that you can’t see. It’s a highly stable flooring that looks just like solid wood, even though it can’t be sanded more than once or twice. It’s the look that counts to the 54% of one buyers willing to pay more for wood floors, so it can provide great ROI if the engineered wood is still in good shape when you sell.

Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

In rooms where wood isn’t the best choice — think bathrooms and kitchens, where water damage could be a concern over time –porcelain or ceramic tile is the winner when it comes to adding value. Porcelain costs a bit more but is a highly durable surface thanks to the glass and mineral combination that make up these tiles. Ceramic tiles offer a similar look for less money up front, and thick tiles offer strength as well. These are the best choices in rooms where waterproof surface is a must.

Getting the most for the money you spend on flooring comes down to a few factors: looks, durability and cost. Solid wood, engineered wood, porcelain and ceramics all hit the sweet spot of providing lasting beauty that will increase your home’s future resale value, so they deserve a close look when you shop for your next remodeling project.

LUXURY VINYL FLOORING

luxury vinyl flooring is durable and easy to maintain, but this pet-friendly flooring also resists pet claw scratches. And since it’s 100-percent waterproof, worrying about pet accidents is a thing of the past. Choose from a wide variety of styles designed to complement any décor. You can get it in sheets or planks and it is a very durable option, which is why we include it in this list. It is not your great grandparent’s vinyl floor.

The durability, practicality, and value of vinyl flooring have made it a popular choice in a variety of residential and commercial installations. Many of the advantages are shared by both the common forms of vinyl flooring—sheet vinyl and vinyl tiles/planks. But there are also key differences between the two types, making each particularly well suited for certain applications. Since this flooring is also moisture resistant, it is great for kitchens and bathrooms and a great selection for pet lovers. This floor provides thousands of color and design options as well.