Choosing the right flooring for your home is essential, as floors need to be functional as well as complement the rest of your interior. Need help with selecting suitable flooring? Here’s a guide to help you decide!

1. Vinyl

Vinyl flooring consists of compressed layers of different synthetic materials. There are 3 common types of vinyl flooring: vinyl tile flooring, vinyl sheet flooring, and self-click vinyl flooring. Due to its durability, affordability and variety of designs, vinyl is one of the most popular flooring options amongst homeowners.

Pros	Cons
✓ Affordable ✓ Waterproof ✓ Comes in many designs, styles, and colours ✓ Stain-resistant	☓ Tedious pre-installation process   ☓ Not scratch-resistant

2. Laminate

Laminate has a fair share of similarities with vinyl, in that it requires minimal maintenance and is available in a range of different styles. However, unlike vinyl, laminate is made of mostly wood.

Pros	Cons
✓ Easy to clean ✓ Easy to install ✓ Wide variety of designs, styles, and colours to choose from	☓ Moisture can cause laminate flooring to swell ☓ Prone to discolouration

3. Marble

Associated with elegance and sophistication, marble flooring is perfect for homes looking to achieve the contemporary luxe look. However, it’s more susceptible to damage as compared to other flooring materials.

Pros	Cons
✓ Durable ✓ Made using natural materials	☓ High installation cost ☓ Prone to discolouration ☓ High maintenance

4. Ceramic Tiles

A classic option, ceramic tiles are often used for kitchen and bathroom floors as they’re relatively easy to maintain. They are available in a wide range of textures, patterns, designs, and styles, and the versatility of ceramic tiles makes them suitable for most interior themes.

Pros	Cons
✓ Durable ✓ Stain-resistant ✓ Waterproof ✓ Wide variety of designs, styles, and colours to choose from	☓ Difficult to clean

5. Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are characterised by their high durability and water-resistant properties. They are one of the hardiest materials around and are great for spaces with high traffic such as the living room.

Pros	Cons
✓ Durable ✓ Stain-resistant ✓ Waterproof ✓ Wide variety of designs, styles, and colours to choose from	☓ Difficult to install ☓ High installation cost

6. Engineered Wood Flooring

Commonly used in bedrooms and living rooms, engineered wood flooring is constructed by placing a thin piece of hardwood on top of high-quality plywood. This prevents the material from expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.

Pros	Cons
✓ Affordable ✓ Easy to maintain	☓ Shorter lifespan compared to hardwood flooring ☓ Prone to discolouration ☓ Not scratch-resistant

7. Linoleum Flooring

Made from materials such as ground cork dust and solidified linseed oil, the natural composition of linoleum flooring makes it a popular flooring choice. However, as linoleum flooring is not water-resistant, it cannot be used in bathrooms.

Pros	Cons
✓ Low maintenance ✓ Durable ✓ Made using renewable materials	☓ Not scratch-resistant ☓ Prone to discolouration ☓ Not waterproof

8. Cement Screed

The rise of the industrial style in recent years has contributed to the growing popularity of cement screed flooring. This flooring is suitable for home owners going for a modern, industrial chic look. Do note that cement screed can be slippery and should be avoided in bathrooms.

Pros	Cons
✓ Low maintenance ✓ Durable	☓ Slippery ☓ Not scratch-resistant

9. Hardwood

Made from a single piece of wood, hardwood is well-liked for its natural charm. However, home owners should avoid installing hardwood flooring in bathrooms as it isn’t waterproof.

Pros	Cons
✓ Eco-friendly	☓ High installation cost ☓ Not waterproof ☓ Not scratch-resistant ☓ Prone to mould and termites

10. Bamboo

A more sustainable alternative to hardwood, bamboo flooring is perfect for creating that zen, Muji-inspired home. The material however, is not water-resistant and requires careful  maintenance.

Pros	Cons
✓ Easy to clean ✓ Eco-friendly	☓ Not waterproof ☓ Limited shades and designs ☓ Not scratch-resistant

A version of this article on flooring options was first published on HomeRenoGuru, an online renovation platform that connects homeowners with interior designers.