The Best Flooring Guide For Materials That Last

Choosing flooring is no walk in the park. There are so many factors to consider, and the option you pick can change the look, comfort, and functionality of an entire space. That’s where our team comes in. 

As a central PA contractor who has installed hundreds of floors for homeowners and property managers alike, we’re breaking down the most popular flooring materials. Follow this best flooring guide so you only invest in materials that last.

What’s the Best Type of Flooring? 

The best type of flooring depends on many factors. Ask yourself these 11 questions from our best flooring guide before signing off on any material.

1. What’s my budget? 
2. What room is this for? 
3. How much foot traffic will this floor get? 
4. Is moisture going to be a problem in this area? 
5. What aesthetic do I like? 
6. How much time am I willing to spend on maintenance? 
7. Is resale value important? 
8. Is comfort a factor? 
9. Do I want a floor that’s easy to clean? 
10. How often do I want to replace my floors? 
11. How soon do I need this floor installed?

With these questions in mind, let’s dive into the different types of flooring options! 

9 Residential & Commercial Flooring Materials

Solid Hardwood Flooring

Solid hardwood is a timeless choice, adding a rustic vibe to any room. However, it requires more maintenance to keep it in good shape, which is why we usually don’t recommend it for commercial spaces. Hardwood is a long-term investment. It can be resanded and refinished over and over, so it can last for generations. It’s definitely on the pricier end, but it offers a high resale value. 

Water is the enemy here, so clean up all spills immediately. Hardwood fades over time in direct sunlight, and it can be easily dented and scratched by shoes or grit. Remember to sweep frequently and add doormats and rugs to limit wear. If you’re looking for a sustainable flooring option, consider reclaimed hardwood for floors with a bit of history!

Solid Hardwood Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $10–$25 per square foot 
• Where to install it: dry areas like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways
• How long it lasts: 75–100+ years 
• Maintenance requirements: daily sweeping, weekly vacuuming, occasional mopping, cleaning spills immediately, avoiding dents with rugs and doormats, and refinishing the entire floor as needed 

KSW TIP: Don’t install solid hardwood over concrete without a barrier between. Concrete transmits moisture, which is bad for your floors and can cause them to warp.

Engineered Hardwood Flooring 

Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is more versatile. The top layer is a real wood veneer (so it looks the same as solid wood). Then it’s bonded to a core made of plywood or high-density fiberboard. These layers make it more moisture-resistant, so it can be installed in areas with higher humidity and temperature changes where solid hardwood struggles.

This extra stability makes it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial projects. This wood has a shorter lifespan than solid wood because it can’t be refinished as often. 

Engineered Hardwood Flooring At A Glance 

• Average price (including installation): $3–$20 per square foot 
• Where to install it: dry or wet areas like kitchens, bedrooms, living rooms, and basements 
• How long it lasts: 20–40 years
• Maintenance requirements: daily sweeping, weekly vacuuming, occasional mopping, cleaning spills immediately, avoiding dents with rugs and doormats, and refinishing the entire floor if possible

KSW TIP: The thicker the veneer on top, the more often it can be refinished, so the longer it will last. This is especially important if you’re installing it in high-traffic areas like hallways, entryways, living rooms, and lobbies. If you want to refinish your floors, look for a top layer that’s 4mm thick. You’ll pay more upfront, but it will last much longer.

Tile

Tile floors—whether porcelain, ceramic, or stone—are a popular choice in wet spaces for residential or commercial properties. This material is non-porous, making it waterproof and extremely durable. The grout lines might need some upkeep to keep them looking sharp, but otherwise, you don’t have to worry about staining your floor. Tile and stone floors are one of the most popular types we install because they are so easy to clean! 

Ceramic vs Porcelain vs Stone Tiles

If you’re interested in tiles, there are different types of flooring options. Porcelain tiles are the most durable choice. They resist stains well, so they can be used indoors or outdoors in high-traffic areas. This is our recommendation for commercial spaces. 

Ceramic tiles are a bit more affordable. They are less dense and better for low- or medium-traffic areas in your home. Lastly are marble or stone tiles. They are more porous than the other two, which impacts maintenance, and are our top choice for a luxurious or unique project.

Tile Flooring At A Glance 

• Average price (including installation): $15–$20 per square foot 

• Where to install it: wet areas like bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, and entryways 

• How long it lasts: 20–50 years (ceramic) or 50+ years (porcelain and stone) 
• Maintenance requirements: regular sweeping and mopping, cleaning spills so they don’t stain grout lines, and sealing grout every few years 

KSW TIP: Tiled floors and showers are often on homeowners’ DIY lists. While it’s possible to do it yourself, installation can be difficult, especially if you’re handling heavy tiles or intricate patterns. We recommend leaning on a pro to help make the process smoother.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Don’t let the name fool you! Luxury vinyl flooring might have a high-end look, but it doesn’t have a high-end price tag. As you’ll see throughout this best flooring guide, choosing the right material often comes down to balancing appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost.

Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and luxury vinyl tiles (LVT) are great alternatives to wood and tile. They are made of synthetic layers that produce a similar look at a lower price—and with much easier maintenance. This flooring includes a plastic core, a high-definition photo print, and a clear protective top coat. And the best part? It’s waterproof! 

LVP is one of the most popular types of flooring we work with. Our customers gravitate towards it for the look and affordable price point. 

Luxury Vinyl Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $5–$12 per square foot

• Where to install it: wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms 

• How long it lasts: 15–30 years
• Maintenance requirements: Regular sweeping and mopping 

KSW TIP: The lifespan of this type of flooring depends on the thickness of the protective layer, the core material, and the amount of foot traffic the room gets. If you’re installing this in high-traffic rooms, look for thicker wear layers around the 20 mil mark.

Project Spotlight:

Check out this bathroom remodel our team completed! The renovation included new moisture-resistant drywall, LVP flooring, a new tub, new fixtures and hardware, and an added linen closet.

Start A Bathroom Remodel

Laminate Flooring 

Similar to vinyl, laminate flooring is an affordable option that recreates the look of wood or tile. However, unlike vinyl, it’s not waterproof. It’s made with a high-density wood core, followed by an image layer, and then a protective layer on top. Excessive moisture can seep into the wooden core and damage your flooring. 

Laminate Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $3–$12 per square foot 

• Where to install it: dry areas only, like bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways 

• How long it lasts: 10–30 years 

• Maintenance requirements: regular sweeping and mopping 

KSW TIP: Some homeowners report a hollow clicking sound when they walk on laminate floors, and you may be able to feel it move beneath your feet. To prevent this, invest in a quality underlayment.

Carpet 

Most houses in central PA have carpet somewhere. Carpet is a popular choice for residential and commercial properties because it’s comfortable, soft, and warm. There’s a variety of color and style options, with different levels of padding to make it more or less plush. Carpets can be made from several materials, including polyester, wool, and nylon.

When it comes to carpet, there are different types of flooring options for residential and commercial uses. Residential homes usually use rolls of carpet that focus more on plushness and padding for maximum comfort underfoot. Commercial spaces tend to buy carpet tiles, so they are easier to replace as needed. 

Carpet Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $2–$12 per square foot 

• Where to install it: dry areas where comfort is important, like bedrooms, living rooms, and stairs 

• How long it lasts: 5–15 years 
• Maintenance requirements: regular vacuuming, cleaning spills immediately, and deep cleaning every year or two 

KSW TIP: Your carpet’s lifespan depends on how much traffic the room gets, how often it’s cleaned, and the fibers. Nylon and wool last longer than polyester. We recommend looking for high-density fibers. This means they are packed closely together, so they are less likely to get matted down as you walk on them.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum flooring is made from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour, which are mixed and pressed onto a backing. This type of flooring is usually glued down in one big strip, so there are fewer seams for water to seep into. It comes in a variety of styles, is durable, and is biodegradable, making it a sustainable flooring option perfect for residential or commercial spaces!

Linoleum Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $3–$12 per square foot 

• Where to install it: moisture-prone areas like kitchens, laundry rooms, and basements (avoid bathrooms) 

• How long it lasts: 20–40 years 

• Maintenance requirements: regular sweeping and mopping 

KSW TIP: This flooring is considered water-resistant, but not fully waterproof. It can typically handle kitchens, but we recommend avoiding using it in your bathrooms. 

Concrete Flooring

Concrete floors offer an industrial look, which is why they are mostly seen in commercial spaces. While you can stain and polish concrete, the style options are still limited. Concrete is durable and low-maintenance, but it’s prone to cracking at times. It’s also not very comfortable to stand on for hours on end, so many businesses will add cushioned mats or rugs to help employees. 

Concrete Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $2–$25 per square foot 

• Where to install it: high-traffic and moisture-prone areas like basements, bathrooms, workshops, garages, warehouses, and other commercial facilities 

• How long it lasts: 100+ years 

• Maintenance requirements: resealing every few years to prevent stains

KSW TIP: Adding a gloss or finish is what makes this type of flooring more expensive. You can polish, stain, stamp, or paint concrete to give it different styles. A basic finish is $2–$6 per square foot, but a high-end finish is going to be in the $15+ range.

Rubber Flooring

Rubber flooring is mostly used in commercial spaces, but we’ve also seen it in residential projects to upgrade your kids’ playroom or your home gym. Rubber is a durable and sustainable flooring option because it’s often made from recycled materials. It comes in tiles or large rubber rolls, and it’s extremely comfortable to walk on, offering anti-fatigue cushioning. 

However, most standard rubber flooring comes with limited design options. It will usually have that speckled rubber look, which isn’t ideal for every room.

Rubber Flooring At A Glance

• Average price (including installation): $3–$15 per square foot 

• Where to install it: high-traffic and high-impact areas like gyms, basements, workshops, garages, and other commercial spaces 

• How long it lasts: 8–15 years (longer for residential use) 

• Maintenance requirements: regular sweeping and mopping 

KSW TIP: Rubber flooring doesn’t just have to be used in high-impact areas. It’s also a great option for anywhere your employees will be on their feet all day, like restaurants and hospitals.

How Do I Choose the Right Flooring?

With so many materials to choose from, finding the right flooring can feel overwhelming. Use this best flooring guide to weigh your options and choose a floor that fits your space, lifestyle, and budget.

• Best flooring for a home with pets and kids: luxury vinyl, tile, or laminate
• Best flooring for the eco-conscious: reclaimed hardwood, linoleum, or reused tile 
• Best flooring to save money: laminate, luxury vinyl, or linoleum
• Best flooring to make an impression: solid hardwood or stone tile 
• Best flooring for a commercial space: porcelain tile, engineered hardwood, concrete, rubber, or carpet
• Best flooring for high-traffic areas: engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, porcelain tile, concrete, or rubber 
• Best flooring for wet areas: tile or luxury vinyl
• Best flooring for a low-maintenance lifestyle: luxury vinyl, concrete, tile, or laminate
• Best flooring for longevity: solid hardwood, concrete, or porcelain tile
• Best flooring for resale value: solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, or tile

Best Flooring Guide By Room

Best Flooring Guide: FAQs