Based on the place you are going to floor, either it is your kitchen, bathroom, living room, stairs, or your garage, you have plenty of flooring options available. But it is not a one-size-fits-all as not all your options are suitable to use everywhere in your house!

In order to help you get some ideas, we have listed the most proper flooring for each part of the house as well as their pros and cons.

1. Hardwood

Hardwood continues to be the top choice for its great appearance and long-term ROI.

Pros:

- Popular for its visually appeal
- Many varietals available to vary color and style
- High ROI
- Can be resurfaced every 3-5 years
- Best for shared living spaces

Cons:

- Expensive compared to other top flooring materials
- Can develop scrapes, scratches and dents over time
- Can incur moisture damage

The cost to install wood flooring averages between $6 and $12 per square foot for labor and materials, but can run much higher depending on the wood and design chosen. Refinishing hardwood flooring costs $3 to $8 per square foot.

2. Laminate

There are several pros and cons of laminate flooring to consider when researching this material.

Pros:

- Lower price than hardwood
- Ease of installation
- Durability
- Variety of colors and styles, like natural wood
- Good for high-traffic areas

Cons:

- Prone to moisture damage
- Difficult to repair
- Not ideal for kitchens or bathrooms

The total cost to install laminate floors averages between $2.70 and $10 per square foot.

3. Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is not the cheap-looking alternative it used to be. These days, this synthetic flooring for the home is durable and effectively mimic wood, ceramic and stone.

Pros:

- Affordable
- Versatile
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Easy to maintain
- DIY installation possible

Cons:

- Lower ROI vs. wood or laminate
- Less popular due to appearance

The cost to professionally install vinyl or linoleum flooring ranges from $3.50 to $15 per square foot.

4. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile

Ceramic and porcelain tile flooring are beautiful options for high-traffic and moisture-prone areas in the home.

Pros:

- Come in a variety of looks and designs
- Durable
- Non-porous or waterproof
- Great for kitchens, bathrooms and entryways

Cons:

- One of the most expensive options
- Difficult to install
- Can chip and scratch under heavy use

The cost of installing a ceramic or porcelain tile floor depends on the type of tile chosen, but averages $13.50 to $83 per square foot.

5. Natural Stone Tile Flooring

Natural stone tile is a classic flooring option that includes granite, marble, travertine and sandstone. Some materials, like travertine, are more durable than others. Keep in mind that finishes require different amounts of care. A polished marble surface will show scratches and scuffs more easily than a tumbled one, for example.

Pros:

- Durable
- Insulated for warmth
- Comes in many styles, colors and shapes
- Great for radiant heating
- Eco friendly
- Good for homes with kids and/or pets

Cons:

- One of the most expensive options
- Can easily chip or scratch
- Some stone tile types are porous
- Expensive repairs

Due to the difficulty of the project and weight of the tile, it’s best to hire a stone floor installation professional. The cost to install a natural stone floor averages most homeowners between $15 and $75 for materials and labor.

6. Carpet

Carpet remains a favorite for many homeowners, especially for bedrooms.

Pros:

- Cost-effective
- Soft and warm on feet
- Multiple colors and designs available
- Great for soundproofing
- Stain-resistant varieties exist

Cons:

- Difficult to maintain – professional cleaning recommended at least once a year
can absorb smells
- Not great for homes with pets
- Not recommended for moisture-prone areas: kitchen, bathroom
- Bad for allergies

Carpet installation costs $3.50 to $11 per square foot, making it one of the cheapest materials. The expense to install a carpet pad averages $3.75 per square foot.