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What are the Different Types of Residential Flooring?

Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

There are endless options for residential flooring. Before purchasing, it is important to consider all the possibilities and select the one that will fit the room, the budget, and the taste of the homeowner. Residential flooring ranges from the mundane to the exquisite. It encompasses everything from carpeting to marble. Often times, a home owner cannot settle with just one kind of residential flooring. Consequently, he or she may pick a different one for each room in the house.

One of the most basic types of residential flooring is laminated flooring. High quality laminated flooring can look great in many rooms in the house, especially the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. It will not easily show everyday wear and tear and is easy on the pocketbook. Some people have opted for laminate hardwood flooring. At a quick glance, it looks like beautiful hardwood flooring; yet, it is laminate and much cheaper than actual hardwood.

Vinyl flooring is also great for homes. It can look great and be extremely durable. In addition, it is among the most economical types of residential flooring. It is also easy to maintain and can be put in any room.

Carpeting with thick padding can feel soft and warm underneath homeowners' feet.
Carpeting with thick padding can feel soft and warm underneath homeowners' feet.

One of the most popular kinds of residential flooring is ceramic tile. It is both beautiful and durable. It is most popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and even patios. Ceramic tiles are made up of clay, talc, and other minerals that have been fired. It comes in a wide range of colors and is often used in combination with hardwood flooring to create a unique design.

Hardwood flooring includes bamboo.
Hardwood flooring includes bamboo.

Other types of residential flooring include porcelain, marble, and natural stone. All are remarkable and will be eye-catching in any room. Porcelain is rather durable and will not chip easily. It is possible to find porcelain that looks just like natural stone but is scratch-proof. Marble is a sophisticated choice and can be rather expensive; yet, it comes in wonderful colors and is great for bathrooms and other low-traffic areas. Natural stone is always a stylish choice, with exceptional colors and textures.

Some homeowners choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwoods because it is more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture.
Some homeowners choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwoods because it is more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture.

There are unlimited possibilities for those who prefer hardwood flooring in their homes. One of the most popular kinds of hardwood flooring is oak. It comes in many colors from light to dark; yet, the red oak is among the most common. Pine, maple, mesquite, beech, pecan, elm, bamboo, and cork are all options – they vary in color, price, and the amount of texture or knotting.

Lastly, there is always carpeting. A high quality, thick carpeting can feels great on the feet, especially with an extra thick pad underneath. There are also economical options, with thinner carpeting and pads. Carpeting is not recommended for high traffic areas or areas with frequent spills, but is perfect for bedrooms and home offices.

Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.

Learn more...
Dee Saale
Dee Saale

Dee is a freelance writer based in Colorado. She has a B.A. in English Literature, as well as a law degree. Dee is especially interested in topics relating to medicine, legal issues, and home improvement, which are her specialty when contributing to HomeQuestionsAnswered.

Learn more...

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    • Carpeting with thick padding can feel soft and warm underneath homeowners' feet.
      By: tournee
      Carpeting with thick padding can feel soft and warm underneath homeowners' feet.
    • Hardwood flooring includes bamboo.
      By: eugenesergeev
      Hardwood flooring includes bamboo.
    • Some homeowners choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwoods because it is more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture.
      By: Wollwerth Imagery
      Some homeowners choose engineered hardwood flooring over solid hardwoods because it is more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture.