The flooring you choose for your home is very important, as these surfaces need to be tough and durable so that they stand up to everyday foot traffic, spills, stains and the like, but they also need to be attractive and comfortable underfoot. Flooring can also be very expensive, so you want to take your time when comparing options, ensuring that your home improvement budget will be spent wisely. Note a few pros and cons of various flooring options, and this will help you to make the best choice for your home.

Hardwood

Hardwood floors are very attractive and can add value to your home but are also one of the most expensive flooring options you might find. Solid hardwood can also become scratched and damaged very easily and needs consistent sanding and then painting, staining, or sealing, to maintain its overall appearance and durability.

Stone tile

Stone tile is also somewhat expensive and should only be installed by a professional with the right equipment and know-how, and stone can also be cold underfoot, so it may not be the best choice for colder climates or rooms that don't get much direct sunlight. Stone can also crack under heavier weights, so it may not be good for those who have large and heavy furniture pieces, such as bookcases. However, stone is very waterproof, so it can be used in kitchens and bathrooms, where high humidity levels would potentially damage other flooring materials.

Cork

Cork tiles are very soft, so they're good for a child's room, if you have children who play on the floor. Cork is also a natural insulator, making it a good choice for upper floors, as the material will absorb the sound of footsteps overhead. The downside to cork is that the material's softness can mean dents and indentations from heavy footsteps, heavy furniture pieces, high heels, and the like.

Laminate

A laminate floor has an actual photograph of wood, stone, or other materials, that is placed over a subfloor material, and underneath a protective sealant or top layer. Laminate flooring then gives your home the appearance of hardwood, stone tile, or any other material, but without the maintenance or cost of those materials. The upper layer of laminate is very tough and durable, making it a good choice for homes with children or pets, or for those who have heavy furniture pieces. Laminate floors are also very easy to clean, as the surface won't have pitting that holds ground-in dirt and mud.

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