Constructed from solid wood planks, hardwood has a timeless, natural appeal. Available in various species (oak, maple, cherry, etc.), colors, and finishes. 

Pros: Durable, beautiful, can be refinished to restore appearance, increases home value

Cons: Expensive, can be damaged by moisture, scratches more easily than some other options

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways

Consider: Can be used in kitchens with caution if spills are cleaned promptly

Avoid: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements due to moisture sensitivity

Consists of a thin layer of real hardwood on top of a plywood base. Designed for stability and moisture resistance.

Pros: More resistant to humidity than solid hardwood, wider variety of styles, often more affordable than solid wood

Cons: Cannot be refinished as many times as solid hardwood, less durable overall

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways, kitchens (offers slightly more moisture resistance than solid hardwood)

Consider: Can be used in basements if there are moisture control measures in place

Avoid: Bathrooms and laundry rooms where frequent water exposure is likely

Made of PVC vinyl, designed to closely mimic the look of wood (LVP) or stone (LVT).

Pros: Waterproof, durable, scratch-resistant, affordable, DIY-friendly installation

Cons: Artificial appearance compared to real wood or stone, can feel less substantial underfoot

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms, laundry rooms, entryways, living areas, bedrooms – truly versatile throughout the house

Ideal Due To: 100% waterproof nature, durability

Layers of fiberboard with a photographic image of wood or stone laminated on top, protected by a wear layer.

Pros: Affordable, wide variety of styles, scratch-resistant, easy to install

Cons: Prone to moisture damage if wear layer is compromised, less realistic wood-look than LVP, cannot be refinished

Best for: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, hallways

Consider: Can be used in kitchens if spills are cleaned up quickly

Avoid: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, or any area with high moisture

Tiles made of ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone.

Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, vast array of styles

Cons: Cold and hard underfoot, installation is difficult and best left to professionals, grout can be difficult to clean

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, entryways, patios, and any high-moisture area

Consider: Can be used throughout the house but may be cold/hard underfoot in living areas and bedrooms

Made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and resins. Available in sheets or tiles.

Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, comfortable underfoot, naturally water-resistant

Cons: Prone to fading or yellowing, regular waxing or sealing required for maintenance, less popular styles than tile or LVP

Best for: Kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms

Consider: Can be used in bedrooms, playrooms, or offices, but some styles may be outdated

Avoid: Areas with heavy or prolonged sun exposure, as it can fade the material