The best floor for each room depends on how you’ll live in it. Here’s how to match the material to the space.
Whether you’re choosing floors for a new home or updating the one you have, tile, hardwood and carpet can each make a space feel beautiful and complete. A floor that looks great in one room, though, may not be the right fit for how another room is used. Some materials don’t hold up well to moisture, while others are made for kitchens and baths.
Start with a few questions
Before you compare samples, think about how each room will actually be used:
- How often will the room be used, and how much foot traffic will it get?
- Will children or pets spend a lot of time there?
- Will the floor see water or spills?
- How much cleaning and upkeep are you comfortable with?
- What’s your budget for this space?
Your answers will quickly narrow the choices for each room.
Tile
Tile is one of the most durable choices you can make, and it lasts for decades. It’s water resistant, simple to keep clean, and doesn’t hold on to dust or allergens the way soft surfaces can, which makes it a natural fit for bathrooms, laundry rooms, mudrooms and kitchens.
Ceramic and porcelain are the classic options, but you can also choose natural stone, marble-look finishes, mosaics and pebble floors for showers. Wood-look porcelain plank tile gives you the warmth of hardwood with the durability and water resistance of tile.
Hardwood
Hardwood remains a favorite for living areas, entries and dining rooms. It comes in a wide range of species, such as oak, hickory, maple and walnut, in light, medium and dark tones, with smooth or hand-scraped finishes.
Hardwood adds warmth, lasts for generations with care, and can be sanded and refinished to look new again. It isn’t the best choice where water is common, so think carefully before using it in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Carpet
Carpet brings comfort and softness to bedrooms, playrooms and media rooms. It also quiets a home by absorbing sound, which makes it a smart choice for upstairs rooms and stairs.
If you have pets or young children, look for durable, stain-resistant fibers such as nylon, and choose colors and patterns that hide everyday wear. From plush to low-profile Berber styles and from solids to subtle patterns, there’s a carpet to suit nearly any look.
Bringing it all together
Most homes use a mix of materials, chosen room by room for how each space is lived in. The right floors will look beautiful on move-in day and keep working for your family for years to come. As part of every BLDR home’s selections process, we’re glad to help you weigh the options.