Types of home flooring: choosing between different options is one of the most important aspects during a renovation or construction. However, we cannot say that there is the perfect floor for every room. The truth is that, depending on the characteristics and needs of each room, you will find that one floor is more suitable than another. In some areas, you will need a type of flooring that is moisture tolerant and slip resistant. In others, it will need to be scratch-resistant or even provide warmth and tactility. In this article we have collected the different types of flooring that you can find in the market to put at home.
7 types of home flooring: pros and cons
1. Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tile flooring is a type of ceramic tile that is manufactured at high temperatures and in a single firing. One of the most characteristic properties of this type of flooring for the home is its versatility. In fact, these floors have set a trend in recent years due to the multitude of designs that mimic the aesthetics of marble, stone and wood.
- Advantages: its low water absorption and resistance to humidity and sudden changes in temperature make porcelain flooring an ideal choice for bathrooms or kitchens. In addition, this floor boasts easy maintenance and installation.
- Disadvantages: However, porcelain materials tend to be more expensive than other types of house flooring. Also, the cuts required for installation are not always easy.
2. Ceramic or stoneware
In Spain, ceramic floors or stoneware floors are one of the most demanded for homes. For this reason, there are many varieties in terms of quality, format and, even, way of installation. The laying of this type of flooring for homes is done with ceramic tiles and they are differentiated between white body and red body.
- Advantages: ceramic floors are easy to maintain and clean. But if, in addition, it is well cared for, this type of flooring can be very resistant.
- Disadvantages: choosing a quality ceramic floor is essential to avoid scratching the surface sooner than expected. In addition, another disadvantage of this type of flooring is the possibility of breakage in case of a strong or dry blow.
3. Hydraulics
They are not only the most affordable flooring, but also the most original. These decorative pigmented cement tiles can be used both indoors and outdoors and offer a modern style to the home.
- Advantages: Waterproofing and variety of designs are the main advantages of this type of flooring for homes. In addition, because hydraulic tiles are made of compressed cement, they are strong, durable and affordable.
- Disadvantages: although hydraulic floors do not have too many disadvantages, it should be noted that they are not only delicate, but can be slippery and easily stained and cracked.
4. Laminate flooring
This type of flooring is formed by the union of laminates that imitate wood and natural stone, so that they provide the home with a warm and elegant style.
- Advantages: laminate flooring offers good resistance to changes in temperature and pressure, and even to the formation of mold and mildew. Moreover, the maintenance of this type of flooring for homes is simple and allows the sheets to be replaced individually in case of wear or deterioration. In addition, although the material is usually more expensive, installation is easier and more economical.
- Disadvantages: although laminate flooring is ideal for those who admire the look of wood, it does not absorb sound and during use produces a hollow noise known as the “drum effect”.
5. Vinyl or PVC flooring
Changing the look of any room without resorting to the dreaded works was never so easy. Vinyl floors are very easy to install on any surface and bring a very decorative style to the home.
- Advantages: one of the greatest advantages of vinyl flooring is its installation, since it can be done without the supervision of a specialized professional. It also insulates from cold and heat and is an economical and fast option.
- Disadvantages: However, this type of house flooring is not very resistant to weight, heat and sunlight. For this reason, it is recommended to avoid hot objects so as not to damage its structure, not to expose it to direct sunlight and to install it in areas with little traffic.
6. Natural wood floors
Warm to the eye and to the touch, natural wood floors are the perfect choice for those who love to walk barefoot at home. Plus, their design fits the style of any home.
- Advantage: without a doubt, this is a unique floor, as each of the wooden planks has its own identity. Comfortable, pleasant to the touch and easy to install, these floors are the sustainable alternative par excellence.
- Disadvantages: natural wood floors require a higher investment – depending on the variety and format – and special maintenance if installed in high-traffic areas. In addition, because wood is sensitive to contact with water, it is not recommended for use in bathrooms and kitchens.
7. Natural stone floors
Marble, granite, slate or sandstone are some of the varieties that can be found in the market. Due to its characteristics, natural stone flooring has a higher price and its installation is more complex.
- Advantages: However, they are classified as “long lasting floors” because they are very resistant to most conditions. In addition, with proper maintenance, these floors provide unparalleled aesthetics.
- Disadvantages: to properly install this type of flooring in a house, it is necessary to know the characteristics of each room. For example, sandstone stands out for its non-slip quality, making it an excellent choice for the bathroom or even the kitchen.
8. Microcement or polished cement
Microcement flooring can be laid on top of any installed floor – with the exception of laminate and parquet -, is a more economical alternative to natural stone, and offers a resistant, luminous and elegant finish.
- Advantages: due to its polished finish, the microcement floor avoids filtrations, therefore, it is waterproof, non-slip and very resistant. In addition, it boasts very easy maintenance and cleaning, although it does not tolerate abrasive products such as bleach.
- Disadvantages: One of the major disadvantages of this type of flooring for houses is that it can be easily scratched. For this reason, it is advisable to use protectors on the legs of the furniture and it is not recommended for installation in rural areas.
As you have seen, there is a wide variety of types of flooring for a house. However, each of them has its virtues and shortcomings. For this reason, we encourage you to analyze the needs and characteristics of each room, your budget and tastes. This is the only way to obtain an excellent result.
