Flooring Comparison
By The World Floor Covering Association
Before you shop, compare the pros, cons, care, and cost of 10 popular types of flooring.
| Pros | Cons | Care | Cost | |
| Carpet | Soft, quiet, warm underfoot Easiest and most cost-effective floor covering to replace and upgrade Brings in color and texture Stain-resistant fibers available |
Can Stain Low-quality carpets may quickly show wear |
Clean spills immediately. Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Vacuum low-traffic areas at least once or twice a week. Vacuum high-traffic areas more often. Use a deep-cleaning hot water extraction cleaning system every 12-18 months. |
$2-$15 per square foot, installed |
| Stone | Extremely durable Timeless and classic design Beautiful, natural aesthetic |
Higher cost than many flooring materials Some varieties, such as marble and limestone, readily absorb stains and dirt Difficult to repair Dark, glossy surfaces show footprints and can be slippery All stones should be sealed |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Regularly dust-mop the floor with a clean, nontreated mop or broom. Or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Wipe up spills immediately. Damp-mop floors using cleaners recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh chemicals. |
$8-$50 per square foot, installed |
| Ceramic or Porcelain tile | Durable Water and stain resistant Wide choice of colors, textures, and shapes Porcelain color through tile body-scratches or damage less likely to show |
Grout lines can be hard to clean Low-quality tiles may chip Fragile items dropped on the surface probably will break Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet Difficult to repair |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Regularly sweep tile or use a vacuum without a beater bar. Regularly damp-mop the floor with a cleaner recommended by the tile and grout manufacturers. For more shine, rinse with clear water and wipe dry. |
$4-$12 per square foot, installed |
| Laminate | Durable, affordable Easy to clean and maintain Resists stains Wide range of colors and designs Resembles natural materials Excellent choice for do-it-yourself applications |
Can be scratched Cannot be refinished Be cautious when purchasing off brands; the top layer may peel or separate from the core For installations in high-moisture rooms, select laminates designed for this use |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Don’t refinish or sand |
$3-$7 per square foot, installed |
| Wood | Wear-resistant Long-lasting Provides a warm look Can be refinished |
Vulnerable to moisture Softer woods, such as pine, may dent easily May darken with age Some finishes wear unevenly and are difficult to repair Can shrink and expand, creating gaps or warping |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer. |
$6-$15 per square foot, installed |
| Engineered Wood | Shrinks and expands less than solid wood Quicker installation time Some can be installed below grade Comes prefinished so the stain and protective finishes will be more consistent and harder |
Typically can be refinished only once or twice Off brands may have voids in core, which weakens wood surface Ends may split on off brands |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Never wax or use oil soap. |
$4-$18 per square foot, installed |
| Bamboo | More quickly renewable resource than wood Strong Clean, contemporary sensibility |
May darken or fade when exposed to sunlight Should not be left wet |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. |
$4-$8 per square foot, installed |
| Vinyl | Durable Water-resistant in sheet form Easy to clean Comfortable Less expensive than most flooring choices |
Difficult to repair Less expensive grades may discolor In tile form, moisture can get into seams between tiles |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. |
$1-$7 per square foot, installed |
| Linoleum | Made of natural raw materials More durable than vinyl Color extends through entire material Can be hand-cut for intricate patterns and installation artistry |
Should be resealed annually Cannot be left wet May scuff if not well polished |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Polish periodically to bring back shine and protection against stains. |
$2-$9 per square foot, installed |
| Cork | Soft and warm, natural Resists mildew Sleek, contemporary look Stain and water resistant Easy to clean Polyurethane finishes typically last up to seven years before refinishing is required |
UV-cured acrylic finishes are not as long-lasting Wax finishes need reapplication every 6-12 months |
Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats. Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs. Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. To restore luster, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for refinishing. |
$4-$9 per square foot, installed |