Hasty Flooring decisions can lead to years of regret. The 1960s-era homeowners who added carpeting to bathrooms soon discovered that their new floor coverings soaked up water and moisture like sponges. Fortunately, a little research can help you avoid making an equally bad decision.

Before you choose your new floor, consider the advantages and disadvantages of these common flooring types.

Hardwood

• Pros: Hardwood flooring adds beauty to your home and may even increase its resale value. The durable floors can be sanded and refinished multiple times and may last 30 years or longer.
• Cons: Hardwood floors aren’t a good choice for moist areas and can be scratched or dented if you’re not careful.
• Care: Daily dust mopping and weekly cleaning with appropriate cleaner.

Carpet

• Pros: Judging by the horrified reaction of buyers on house hunting shows, you might think that most homeowners would rather live in than a cave than in a home with carpeting. In fact, carpeting makes up 51 percent of the U.S. flooring market, according to The Carpet and Rug Institute. The floor covering is an excellent choice if you want a softer surface that complements your décor.
• Cons: Carpeting isn’t recommended for moist areas and can stain easily.
• Care: Regular vacuuming, spot stain removal and shampooing as needed.

Stone

• Pros: Stone floors add a little luxury to your home and are an excellent choice for high traffic or moist areas, such as foyers, kitchens, bathrooms and patios.
• Cons: Some types of flooring stain easily or may require regular sealing. Stone can be hard underfoot and may not be a good choice for children’s playrooms.
• Care: Dusting, wet mopping and sealing (if needed).

Tile

• Pros: Low-maintenance ceramic or porcelain tile flooring is waterproof, available in many finishes and colors, and can even mimic the appearance of stone or wood.
• Cons: Tiles can break if you drop something hard on them.
• Care: Regular sweeping and damp mopping.

Laminate or Vinyl Planks

• Pros: Both laminate flooring and vinyl planks enhance the appearance of your home without breaking your budget. These materials can be manufactured to resemble wood, stone or tile.
• Cons: Laminate flooring is fairly scratch resistant but vinyl flooring may dent or tear if you happen to drop a cast iron skillet or another heavy item on it.
• Care: Sweeping or vacuuming daily and weekly cleaning with a laminate or vinyl cleaner.

Careful consideration of your choices is the key to finding flooring that looks good and offers a great value. Still, have a few questions about flooring? Your Express Flooring sales representative can help you narrow your options.