The best flooring for home use depends on the room. Luxury vinyl plank and porcelain tile suit kitchens, bathrooms and busy family homes, engineered wood and laminate suit living areas, and carpet suits bedrooms. Choose by the room, your subfloor and how much wear the floor will get.
There's no single winner, because a floor that's perfect in a bedroom can be a poor choice in a bathroom. Start with the quick-pick table, then read the notes on each type to see its weak spots.
Quick picks by room
| Room | Good picks | Take care with |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Porcelain or ceramic tile, luxury vinyl plank | Carpet, and solid hardwood near the sink |
| Bathroom | Porcelain tile, waterproof luxury vinyl plank | Carpet, solid hardwood, standard laminate |
| Living room | Engineered wood, laminate, hardwood, carpet | Anything that scratches easily if you have active pets |
| Bedroom | Carpet, engineered wood, laminate | Cold, hard tile unless you add heating or rugs |
| Basement | Luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile | Solid hardwood and anything damaged by damp |
| Homes with pets or kids | Luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile, tough laminate | Soft carpet that stains, soft woods that dent |
Choosing for a kitchen? Think about how the floor sits with your cabinets and worktops. These modern kitchen design trends are a good place to start.
Two more things shape the choice. The first is how long you plan to stay. If you're settling in for years, a floor you can refinish, like solid or good engineered wood, can earn its place. If you may sell soon, a neutral, durable floor that looks clean is usually enough. The second is how the floor feels. Some people love the warmth of carpet or cork, while others want something that wipes clean in seconds. Be honest about which one is you.
Flooring types compared
Solid hardwood
Real wood all the way through, which means it can be sanded and refinished several times. It adds warmth and character to a home. The weak spots are moisture and changes in humidity, which can make boards swell, gap or cup. It scratches and dents, and it isn't a good choice for basements or bathrooms.
Engineered wood
A real wood surface layer on top of a layered core. It copes with changes in humidity better than solid wood, and many types suit underfloor heating if the maker says so. How often you can refinish it depends on the thickness of the top layer. It still dislikes standing water.
Laminate
A printed image of wood or stone on a tough surface over a fibreboard core. It resists scratches, looks tidy and is friendly to DIY because most types click together. The weak spots are water at the edges, which can make standard laminate swell, and a slightly hollow sound underfoot. It can't be sanded and refinished. Water-resistant versions exist, so read the label.
Luxury vinyl plank
A layered plastic floor that copies the look of wood or stone. It's good at handling water, spills and foot traffic, and it's comfortable and quiet underfoot. Weak spots: heavy furniture can dent it, strong direct sunlight can fade some types, and quality varies a lot, so check the wear layer and the maker's guidance on temperature.
Porcelain and ceramic tile
Very hard-wearing, waterproof and easy to wipe clean. Porcelain is the denser option and is a popular pick for wet rooms and for use with underfloor heating. Weak spots: it's cold and hard underfoot without heating, dropped glasses rarely survive, grout needs cleaning, and the subfloor must be very flat. Laying tile is a skilled job.
Carpet
Warm, soft and quiet, which makes it a favourite for bedrooms, stairs and playrooms. Weak spots: it holds dust and stains, wears faster in hallways, and isn't suited to wet rooms. Some people with allergies prefer hard floors because they're easier to wipe clean.
Cork
Springy, warm and a good sound absorber, with a natural look. Weak spots: it can dent under heavy furniture, fade in strong sun, and needs a good sealed finish. Be careful in places that may get wet, and ask the maker how the joints are sealed.
Bamboo
A fast-growing grass made into boards. Strand-woven types are known for being hard. Weak spots: hardness and quality differ a lot between products, and it can react to humidity changes. Ask how it's made and what the warranty covers, and treat vague claims about hardness with caution.
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Natural stone
Marble, slate, travertine and granite look wonderful and last for decades. Weak spots: stone is porous, so it usually needs sealing, some types stain or etch easily, and it's heavy, cold and needs a strong, flat base.
Questions to ask before you buy
- What's the subfloor? Concrete, plywood and old floorboards each need different preparation. Check what the product is rated for, and whether the surface is flat and dry.
- Is there underfloor heating? Tile suits it well. Wood, vinyl and laminate vary, so read the maker's instructions before you buy.
- Could there be moisture? Basements, ground-floor concrete and bathrooms need water-tolerant products and sometimes a moisture barrier.
- How noisy is it? In flats and apartments, check lease rules and use a good underlay to reduce sound.
- How much upkeep will I tolerate? Tile grout, stone sealing and carpet cleaning all take effort. Vinyl and laminate are easy to look after.
- What does the warranty say? Read what it excludes, such as pet damage, spills or incorrect installation.
- Have I allowed for waste? Order a little extra for cuts and mistakes, and keep a spare box for repairs.
Installation: DIY or pro?
Click-together laminate, luxury vinyl plank and many engineered wood floors are friendly to a careful DIYer. You'll need patience, a tape measure, a saw, spacers and a flat surface. The most common mistakes are poor preparation and forgetting an expansion gap at the walls.
Tile, natural stone, glued or nailed hardwood, stairs and carpet fitting are usually better left to a professional. Ask for references, find out whether removing the old floor, levelling the subfloor and refitting the trim are included, and get the plan in writing.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the most durable flooring?
Porcelain tile and good-quality luxury vinyl plank are two of the most durable choices for busy homes. Durability also depends on the wear layer, the installation and how well you look after the floor.
What flooring is best for pets?
Luxury vinyl plank, porcelain tile and tough laminate cope well with claws, spills and accidents. Soft carpet tends to stain, and softer wood can scratch.
What is the best flooring for a basement?
Luxury vinyl plank and porcelain tile are common choices, because they tolerate moisture better than solid wood. Test for damp first and fix any leaks before you lay anything.
Can you put new flooring over old flooring?
Sometimes. Floating floors such as laminate and some vinyl can go over a flat, sound surface. Check the maker's instructions, and remove anything damaged, damp or uneven first.
