Flooring Types Pros and Cons | Hardwood, Vinyl, Tile, Slate & More

Last Edited: 4/12/24


Pros and Cons of Flooring Types

Shopping for new flooring can be overwhelming. It’s difficult to decide between so many different material options, styles, and designs. Some flooring options are better than others for specific purposes, and the choice will depend on your taste, budget, lifestyle, and current décor. We recommend evaluating all the pros and cons of flooring types before you head to the store to view samples. Use the guide below to make an informed decision.

What Flooring Should You Buy?

In order to fully weigh the pros and cons of the flooring types we’re about to explain, make sure you have an answer to each of these questions:

• What’s my budget? The answer to this question will help you narrow down your options.
• Where will the floor be installed? The location of your flooring will limit your options – bathrooms, for example, require moisture-resistant flooring.
• How durable do I want the floor to be? Do you have dogs running around? You might want to shop for durable flooring options that won’t scratch over time.
• Do I want the floor to be eco-friendly? There are many great options for eco-friendly or sustainably sourced flooring materials.
• Am I installing it myself? Some types of flooring require professional installation. Decide who will install it to guide your flooring decision.
• Do I want radiant floor heating? Not all flooring types are compatible with radiant floor heating.

Flooring Types: Pros and Cons

We wish there was a flooring option that checked all the right boxes: affordable, durable, easy to clean, realistic-looking (like wood, slate, etc.), and easy to install. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case, but there’s definitely an option that’s best for you!

Flooring manufacturers have subcategories under each flooring material category. For example, in the vinyl flooring category, many manufacturers offer both luxury vinyl flooring and vinyl composite tile. Each type may be slightly different, but the larger categories will be the focus of the following guide. Use it to narrow down your decision, and then get out there and enjoy exploring each type for yourself!

Laminate Flooring Pros and Cons

Commonly confused with vinyl flooring, laminate flooring is made from wood materials. The fiberboard core contains an image of woodgrain printed beneath a transparent wear layer.

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Easy to install
• Durable
• Typically considered eco-friendly
• Compatible with radiant heating

• Cheaper options look and feel fake
• Low value for home buyers
• Can’t be refinished
• Photo patterns are repeated

Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

We all know the luxury of hardwood floors. They are made of 100 percent hardwood milled from real lumber.

• Can be sanded and refinished
• Luxurious look and feel
• Reclaimed options for eco-friendliness
• High value for home buyers

• Expensive
• Difficult DIY installation
• Susceptible to water damage
• Some types are not very durable
• Incompatible or, at best, risky with radiant heating

Engineered Hardwood Flooring Pros and Cons

This type of flooring contains a real-wood veneer on top of a plywood base layer. This gives it a realistic look and allows more expansion and contraction compared to hardwood.

• Real wood look and feel
• Easier to install than hardwood
• Higher value than laminate for home buyers
• More eco-friendly than solid wood
• Many types compatible with radiant heating
• Available in two formats – one can attach directly to the subfloor or a floating snap-in option which can be installed over any hard surface

• Not a DIY job for most
• Cost similar to real wood floors
• Can only be lightly sanded when refinishing
• Susceptible to water damage

Sheet Vinyl Flooring Pros and Cons

Unlike laminate flooring, sheet vinyl flooring contains no wood materials. It is a 100-percent-synthetic flooring material that checks a lot of the right boxes for homeowners.

• Available in multiple price ranges
• Easy to install
• Highly water resistant
• Easy to care for

• Like paint, it can off-gas VOCs
• Not very eco-friendly
• Difficult to repair
• Low value for home buyers
• Can tear if items are dragged across the surface
• Not recommended with radiant heating

Luxury Vinyl Tile and Plank Flooring Pros and Cons

This is a realistic tile and plank appearance, long-lasting, and available for residential and commercial spaces.

• Very versatile – can be used in virtually any room
• Realistic wood plank or stone tile appearance
• Easy to maintain
• Glue-down adhesive or floating snap-in option
• Many different colors and styles are available
• Long-lasting
• suitable for damp or moist environments

Tile Flooring Pros and Cons

Tile has been popular for a long time thanks to its various style options and other benefits.

• Great look
• Many colors and styles are available
• Durable
• Water-resistant
• Easy to repair
• Eco-friendly options
• Compatible with radiant heating

• Expensive
• Difficult DIY installation
• Some types prone to cracks or chips
• Typically cold to the touch

Carpeting Flooring Pros and Cons

An inexpensive and versatile option, homeowners love carpets for many reasons. Thanks to technology and manufacturers committed to providing a superior product, carpet has come a long way in recent years.

• Inexpensive
• Warmth and softness on your feet
• Good sound insulation
• Eco-friendly options

• Low value for home buyers
• Holds onto dirt and allergens
• Requires professional cleaning
• Not recommended with radiant heating
• Difficult to install

Slate and Travertine Flooring Pros and Cons

Slate and travertine are natural flooring materials, that come in different grades and finishes, and discounts are often available for slate that does not perfectly match or isn’t perfectly flat.

• Durable and long-lasting
• Good value for home buyers
• Luxurious
• Good color selection
• Eco-friendly
• Easy to repair
• Compatible with radiant heat
• This flooring can be placed anywhere throughout the home

• Expensive
• Cold to the touch
• Difficult DIY installation
• Heavy (requires sturdy subfloor)
• Some types require resealing
• With heavy mineral makeup, slate can peel

Professional Flooring Installation

Once you’ve found the perfect type of flooring for your home, give Mr. Handyman a call for professional flooring installation. Our experts have years of experience in installing virtually all types of flooring and can even help you decide which type of flooring would be best for your home. Give us a call or request service online.