Though hardwood flooring is a timeless choice among homeowners, there are other options available for installations throughout your rooms. Tile, hardwood, vinyl, and laminate flooring each have their advantages and drawbacks, which is why choosing a new flooring material can be a little intimidating. To help you determine which one is right for your home, keep the following in mind. 

What to Consider When Selecting a New Flooring Material

1. Durability

If you have pets or receive a lot of traffic in your home, you need floors that won’t wear down quickly. Laminate and vinyl flooring are durable, thanks to their scratch resistance. However, vinyl is the softer of the two, so heavy furniture can leave behind dents in the floor.

Hardwood flooring can also be incredibly durable if you choose a tough wood species, such as oak or maple. For maximum durability, tile is the better option. When installed and sealed correctly, it’s difficult to damage. 

2. Installation

Flooring installations can take a considerable amount of time, depending on the size of the room and the material you select. If you prefer something that can be done quickly without the help of a professional, vinyl and laminate are good options. They both use a tongue-and-groove locking system that connects the panels or planks. 

Tile requires more skill and patience as well as specialty tools like a wet saw. It’s a messy ordeal that’s best left to the professionals. Hardwood flooring requires expert installation services, and it can take days or weeks to finish.

3. Maintenance

Laminate and vinyl are two of the easiest floors to keep clean. They only require daily sweeping and weekly mopping. However, vinyl can get dull over time, and special polishes may be needed to restore their luster.

Hardwood is the material that needs extra care. Though it can be mopped, it should not become saturated, because the moisture can warp the wood. Therefore, you’ll need to clean up spills immediately and use a damp mop for deep cleaning. Wax will give it a shine, but if the floors wear down considerably over the years, refinishing will breathe new life into them.

Tile floors are more difficult to maintain. Debris can get caught in the grout lines that separate each piece, which can lead to discoloration unless you thoroughly scrub the floors at least once a month.

If you’re thinking about installing new floors in your home, Surplus Sales has everything you need to get the job done. Located in three convenient locations in Corbin, Paducah, and Elkton, KY, they have the tools and materials you need to give your home a fresh look, including tiles, hardwood flooring, cabinets, countertops, and more. Visit them online today to learn more. Call their Corbin location at (606) 523-9730, their Elkton location at (270) 265-0270, or their Paducah location at (270) 443-4590 to speak with a staff member.