Comparing the Different Flooring Type

November 20, 2019 | Andy Shafer

Today, Let’s do some comparing the different flooring type by going over the several different options that you, as a homeowner or contractor, have to fulfill your flooring needs.

LVT Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is a beautifully engineered piece of flooring that combines both aesthetics with high functionality. This is a huge reason why LVT has become such a huge hit within households everywhere.

This is where the high-functionality comes from in LVT.

Waterproof – Not water-resistant, merely repelling droplets…I mean zero-damage. None whatsoever. You could pour a jug of water on LVT, leave for a vacation, come back, and the piece would be good as new. You could technically put it in your bathroom. Some would frown at it, this being an extremely unconventional approach to bathroom design, but heck, I say go for it. Literally, go against the grain.
Durability – Another functionality characteristic, LVT doesn’t just Kung Fu the crap out of the water, but also scratches and dents. Plus, it’s strong. So, the next time you decide to juggle a few cans of green beans. And then time kinda stands still as you watch one go amiss, propelling towards your new floors. It’s going to take a little more than green beans and water to damage this flooring type. A hammer, sure. But I’m sure you’ll find other ways to blow off steam than taking a hand tool to your new floors.
Additional Details – I’d just like to point out, or reiterate rather, that because LVT is water’s nemesis, this flooring is perfect for dang-near any space.

Bathrooms? Check.
Kitchens? For sure.
Basements? Have at it.
Laundry room? An excellent pick.
It’s an excellent flooring type for any room in your household.

Side note: If you’re worried about sound, LVT usually has a sound muffling cork backing. I’m telling you, LVT virtually has no cons.

Hardwood Flooring

Ah, the veteran of the group. There’s something naturally rich about using solid wood for your floors. It’s genuine and authentic! And I personally think it gives off the impression of good taste, but that’s me.

Now, where there are some extreme advantages to using this flooring type, there are also some disadvantages that may or may not sway your opinion. In any case, it’s still a fantastic choice for your floors.

Waterproof – 100%…NOT WATERPROOF.
Durability – Here’s the category where some of the drawbacks nastily congregate. Hardwood tends to be very easily scratched. If you’ve ever moved in or out of a place that sports hardwood floors then you no doubt know exactly what I’m talking about. It can also be dented and quite easily I might add. Better practice your juggling skills outside, people.

BUT…because of this solidness, this flooring type can be refinished. Therefore making it an extremely lasting product. All it takes is a nice dose of care and less chaos.

Additional Details – This is a favorite for many folks. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that most home buyers often look for this sort of feature. But, you’ve been warned. Because of its surface, this flooring type isn’t extremely pet-friendly. It should not be anywhere near water prone areas It’s immensely difficult to install yourself. Tongue and groove can make a day go south really, really quick.

Laminate Flooring

This flooring type sometimes takes a bad rap for being cheap or too ordinary. But I’ve always adhered to the school of thought that there’s literally beauty in everything, so no matter.

There are definitely some positive sides to laminate, some unbeknownst to others. First off…the funds.

Waterproof – As far as to complete, 100% water-eradicating measures, no. But, this flooring type is definitely moisture-resistant. Would I trust it in my bathroom, around the shower? No. Absolutely not.
Durability – The haters can say what they want about laminate, but as far as it’s strength, it’s pretty resilient. It is primarily scratch & dent resistant AND extremely long-lasting. There’s a reason, among others, why you may walk into a particularly older home, look down, and see laminate, virtually unharmed.
Additional Details – It goes without saying that this is an extremely affordable option compared to the other options. Unlike regular hardwood floors, laminate is pretty pet-friendly and installation is quite simple, as well.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone tile is definitely a fan-favorite, particularly marble. There’s just something about the gentle swirls and patterns that make a room look grand, alluring, elaborately illuminating.

I’ve witnessed customers quite literally lose their breath when they walk into an entryway that contains stone tile because the look seriously hits you.

Waterproof – Again, folks, we have a winner. Although, any element of tile is going to be 100% waterproof. It’s still a helluva trait, wouldn’t you agree.
Durability – It’s EXTRA durable. And can simply last a lifetime. If you’re like me and absolutely adore the stone look then it’s for you. When it comes to tile, it’s a matter of preference, a choice between color or design, not durability. The next two choices are the same. Phenomenal strength with the capability of lasting a decade.
Additional Details – This flooring type excels in natural or high-end looks because of its appearance. Rarely used in kitchens, but definitely ideal in bathrooms.

If you think you’d ever replace your flooring after choosing this, think again. It’s disastrous and definitely more work than it’s worth.

Porcelain Tile Flooring

High. Quality. Honestly, that’s as much as anyone can say about porcelain. I mean, it’s porcelain.

Waterproof – YEP.
Durability – Short of a jackhammer, you’re not getting through porcelain. Juggle away.
Additional Details – Very, very low maintenance. Cleaning will be quick and easy. Perfect for every room in the household, and if you feel unsure about putting this down in a particular room, I’ll give you some consolation. I’ve seen porcelain tile in laundry rooms. Have fun with this flooring type.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

This is probably your most common type of tile flooring. But that shouldn’t account for anything. If anything, you should see this is as a tried-and-true flooring type that has greatly revolutionized the above-ground foundation a.k.a. where you put your feet. Beautiful bit of material that continues to stun and amaze homeowners not just across the nation, but worldwide.

Waterproof – Still shaking your head at that word? I know, right? Ludicrous. But yeah, again, water is no match for this tile.
Durability – Scratch-proof, so you can keep your cat.
Additional – As previously mentioned, ceramic isn’t considerably less-expensive than porcelain. A huge plus, for sure. It’s also easy to install, easy to maintain, and perfect for bathrooms.

Carpet Flooring

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve always had mixed feelings where the carpet is concerned. I enjoy and appreciate the comfort, depending on the setting.

For example, in a basement filled with comfy couches, a big screen, maybe a pullout recliner, for some reason carpet sounds much more fitting to me. Soft feel good on the feet. BUT, there are some monstrous drawbacks to this flooring type.

Waterproof – Yeah…..no.
Durability – It kind of goes without saying that as far as stains go, this flooring type is a magnet. It’s inevitable, really. Keeping carpet clean is like trying to keep your shoes dry during torrential rainfall. Dang near impossible.
Additional Details – I’ll state the obvious. Carpet is not to be trusted near any water-source areas.

You are turning a house into a home that involves a multitude of things. Most of them deriving around family and the love shared between its members. The beauty of the process is living through the moments that cultivate that love within a household.

Contagious laughter, heartfelt conversations, congratulatory celebrations, and cherished achievements are ever-lasting memories that contribute to this harmonious transition.

Materials play their part in making a house. But it is that glorious, heart-consuming love shared by the people within it that makes it a home.

Well, folks, I hope this flooring type comparison has given you a bit of insight, and if you are in the decision-making process, it proves to be a worthy resource. Your home, as we so often like to stress at Advantage Design + Remodel, is your most important asset.