How to Choose the Right Flooring Materials for Each Room

In your home, the flooring undergoes the most wear and tear among interior surfaces. It gets all the traffic and the dirt, grime, and spills that come with living in your home. Still, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to flooring. What we mean by that is that, depending on the room, different flooring materials are just better than others.

At 7th State Builders, we work with homeowners in Maryland to remodel and build their dream spaces. Often, this means considering what types of flooring to recommend for which project (or even multiple ones). That is why we’ve put together this simple guide to help you choose the suitable flooring materials for each room.

Flooring Materials By Room

A home’s flooring is more than just a cosmetic upgrade; it’s an investment in the comfort and functionality of your space. The right flooring can elevate the look of a room, provide practical benefits, and even increase the value of your property. However, with countless options available, selecting the ideal material for each room can take time and effort.

Living Room: Comfort Meets Style

Your living room is often the central gathering space in your home. Because of this and the traffic it gets, the top choices for living room flooring are hardwood and laminate flooring. Both hardwood and laminate flooring provide enduring appeal and can be tailored to suit different design preferences. Here is a breakdown of what makes them the best choice and why:

1. Hardwood
   • Best for: Classic elegance, durability, and increased home value.
   • Why: Timeless appeal, durability, and the ability to complement various design styles.
2. Laminate
   • Best for: Affordability, versatility, and attractive options on a budget.
   • Why: Cost-effective, easy to install, and available in various styles.

Hardwood offers a natural, high-end look, while laminate provides budget-friendly versatility without compromising aesthetics.

Kitchen: Durability and Ease of Cleaning

The kitchen is not only a high-traffic area but prone to spills and stains. For this reason, durability and easy maintenance are crucial for flooring. If you are remodeling your kitchen or just replacing the floor, here are the two top options:

Bathroom: Moisture-Resistant and Safe

In the bathroom, water resistance should be your top priority. That is why the best options for bathroom flooring are the following:

1. Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
   • Best for: High moisture areas, durability, and easy maintenance.
   • Why: Resistant to water, durable, and available in various styles and designs.
2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
   • Best for: Affordability, water resistance, and comfort underfoot.
   • Why: Resistant to moisture and scratches and easy to clean, with various styles.

Both ceramic/porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring provide excellent solutions for bathroom flooring. They both offer practicality, water resistance, and versatility in design. Consider your preferences, budget, and desired aesthetic when making a choice.

Bedroom: Comfort is Key

In the bedroom, comfort and coziness are paramount. The top two most popular flooring options for bedrooms are:

1. Carpet
   • Best for: Comfort, warmth, and noise reduction.
   • Why: It provides a soft and warm surface, is comfortable underfoot, reduces noise, and comes in various colors and textures.
2. Hardwood
   • Best for: Elegance, durability, and timeless appeal.
   • Why: It adds a classic and elegant look, is durable, and can be easily cleaned. It also complements various bedroom styles.

However, we need to mention some caveats. Ultimately, choosing carpet and hardwood flooring depends on your aesthetic preferences. However, we can tell you that hardwood flooring with area rugs is generally preferable. Carpet flooring is more challenging to maintain and holds on to dust and allergens. Therefore, we don’t recommend it generally, but it can be more cost-efficient. In addition, carpets do have more options that allow for better durability. Just something to consider!

Other Rooms to Think About

While the above rooms are generally the main areas of focus, here are some tips about the other spaces you might want to think about:

• Dining Room: Spills are bound to happen here, so you need an elegant and easy-to-clean flooring material. We recommend the same flooring as the kitchen. However, many people like to use area rugs to define the space. Just make sure it’s easy to clean!
• Entryways & Hallways: Most likely, these will match your living room flooring choice. Nonetheless, if it is a designated area and you can choose a different look, especially near the front and back doors, consider tile. It will take on the initial wetness and dirty better when people enter.
• Basement: Basements are prone to moisture issues, so moisture resistance is crucial. Consider materials like luxury vinyl, engineered wood, or epoxy flooring for a basement. These options provide moisture resistance while also being comfortable underfoot. Adding area rugs can make the space feel cozier.
• Home Office: You’ll want a flooring material that combines functionality and style for a home office. Hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, or cork flooring can work well. Consider an area rug under your desk and chair to define your workspace and add comfort.

7th State Builders Can Help You Choose!

Choosing the right flooring for each room is sometimes simple; other times, you might need help deciding. That is why we are here. When remodeling a home, we bring options that fit your lifestyle and budget. It’s not just about considering the spaces but your family’s actual needs. It is also a long-term investment, so it’s essential you take the time to weigh your options.

If you are ready to transform your home with new flooring, contact us today. We are here to offer years of expertise and personalized advice to make your flooring selection process even easier!

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On December 5, 2023   /   Basements, Bathrooms, Design, Kitchens