August 2008
Types
Balance style and taste with your needs and budget
1
Best for its natural warmth and its ability to be sanded and refinished several times. Factory finishes are more durable.
But wood can discolor and wear quickly, and all tend to dent. It’s more difficult to install, and solid wood can’t go in basements and other damp spaces.
Price $7 to $12 per square foot*
2
Best for a wood or bamboo surface with easier installation than solid-wood floors. Most can be nailed, stapled, or glued and can be refinished once; some can be simply laid down, or floated.
But it wears relatively quickly and dents easily. Small spills can damage it.
Price $5 to $10 per square foot*
3
Best for toughness, choice, and easy installation; all laminates can be floated without glue or fasteners. The best examples wear better than most wood, with better scratch, dent, and sun resistance.
But it can’t be refinished like solid wood. Big spills can damage it.
Price $4 to $8 per square foot*
4
Best for practicality. Vinyl flooring typically offers long wear and resistance to stains, sun, and moisture, along with easy installation. Some premium vinyl products do a better job of imitating stone and other natural materials.
But even the best vinyl still looks like vinyl.
Price $3 to $7 per square foot*
5
Best for those who want a natural, resilient material. Today’s products offer far more colors and styles. Tends to resist dents, sunlight, and moisture.
But its wear and scratch resistance varied in our tests. Vinyl still offers more color and design choices for less money overall.
Price $4 to $9 per square foot*
6
Best for its natural beauty. Tile tends to resist wear, moisture, scratches, dents, and stains.
But its hard surface can be a problem with dropped cups and dishes, which can break more easily. Installation is relatively difficult. Tiles can crack; grout can stain.
Price $8 to $15 per square foot*
