Think about the room
Kitchens and baths need water-resistant flooring. Bedrooms can use softer options. Entries need durability. Basements need moisture-tolerant floors.
Hardwood
Warm and refinishable, but sensitive to water and humidity. Best above grade over a sound subfloor.
Luxury vinyl plank
Waterproof, durable and available in many looks. Good in kitchens, baths and basements.
Tile
Very durable and water-proof, but hard and cold. It needs a flat, stiff base.
Laminate and carpet
Laminate gives a wood look at a lower cost but dislikes standing water. Carpet is soft and quiet in bedrooms.
The subfloor decides
Every floor needs a flat, clean, dry base. Skipping subfloor repair is the most common reason new floors fail.
Our advice in one sentence
Match the floor to the room and spend money on the subfloor before the surface.
