How to pick the perfect flooring for your home

Knowing how to pick the perfect flooring for your home requires some thought and consideration. You need to think about the overall aesthetic you’re looking for, how much foot traffic your flooring is likely to endure, and whether your lifestyle requires more durable or weatherproof options.

That’s why we’ve put together this helpful how-to guide, which aims to give you all the tools you need to pick the perfect flooring for your home and enjoy it for many years to come.

How to pick the perfect flooring

First, we need to consider the functionality and durability of various flooring options. Then we need to work out what goes with your budget and lifestyle. Let’s take a look below.

Types of flooring and flooring styles

Hardwood flooring

Made from popular woods such as oak, maple, cherry and walnut, this timeless style offers solid, engineered, or reclaimed options. It is usually on the pricier end due to its finish and requires regular maintenance and repairs as time goes on. People often use hardwood floors in their bedrooms and living rooms as these areas receive fewer footsteps.

Laminate flooring

A budget-friendly and versatile type of flooring, laminate mimics the desired finish of hardwood without the price tag. As a result, it’s scratch-resistant, easier to maintain/clean, and works well in kitchens or hallways.

Related content: Read more about laminate flooring and how much it costs.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl is great if your home is prone to spills and accidents (usually pet or child-related). Both water-resistant and durable, it’s perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other splash-risk areas. Vinyl also comes in various designs and finishes, making it suit most aesthetics.

Carpet flooring

Comfortable, insulating, and textured, carpet flooring is great for homes on the chillier and more relaxed side. Whether you’re opting for traditional carpet or carpeted tiles, there are a range of styles and colours on the market to keep your home warm and stylish.

Tile flooring

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are hotly debated. However, they’re both easy to clean and moisture-resistant. This makes them ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and wetrooms. They also come in a range of styles and finishes, so it’s just a matter of choosing your favourite.

Types of floor coverings and materials

There are several floor-covering types to choose from. Let’s look at the most popular options.

• Natural fibres: Sisal, seagrass and jute are all organic textures that look beautiful in your home
• Cork: Sustainable and soft, cork is great for living rooms and bedrooms, providing perfect insulation
• Bamboo: An eco-friendly alternative to hardwood, bamboo is a durable and stylish option for your floor
• Concrete: Polished or stained, concrete offers an industrial aesthetic for contemporary and up-market homes
• Carpet and carpet tiles: Carpet tiles are modular squares that slot together. They’re easy to replace if damage occurs and come in a range of styles
• Rugs/mats: Easy to replace and great for a pop of colour, rugs and mats work well in entrances for a stylish finish and dirt-catching guardian
• Area runners: Runners are long rugs that work well in corridors, hallways, and lobbies to add style and warmth

Top tip: If you’d like the same type of flooring throughout your house, it’s best to choose a durable, easy-to-maintain, and versatile flooring type. For example, laminate, vinyl, or tiled options. They’re also more budget-friendly and easier to replace if anything goes wrong.

How to choose flooring finishes and what to consider

If you’re asking yourself, “what is the best flooring for my needs?” here are some questions to ask yourself before choosing what flooring you’d like:

1. What is my flooring budget per m²?
2. What type of aesthetic am I hoping to achieve?
3. Is the flooring type I want durable enough for the traffic it will receive?
4. Is the flooring I want easy or inexpensive to replace?
5. Am I looking for low-maintenance and easy-to-clean flooring?
6. How comfortable would I like my flooring to feel?

How to choose the best flooring material for your home: Step-by-step

Step one

When considering the best flooring for your home, think about your daily routine and how many people are living with you. Finding the most durable floor and easy-to-clean option is best if you have children and/or pets, while hardwoods and carpets might be better if you’re only considering aesthetics.

Step two

Once you know the type of flooring you want, work out what rooms will benefit from it the most. For example, bathrooms and kitchens are grateful for water and moisture-resistant materials, while bedrooms and offices are more at ease with warmer and cosier carpets.

Step three

There are various price tags associated with different types of flooring. Working out the area you need to cover will change the total, so choose a flooring material by m2 to work out the best value. You want to find a nice balance between your budget and your desired aesthetic.

Top tip: If you’re still not sure, order some flooring samples and test them in your space. This lets you work out what suits your lighting, room decor, and furniture.

Step four

Make sure you consider the installation requirements of your flooring. If you’re a DIY guru, there are several options you can install yourself. However, for hardwoods or laminate, you’ll often need to screed your floors and hire a professional to make sure you get the best finish.

Related content: Screed floor cost guide.

Step five

Purchasing the most durable floor materials is a long-term investment. Higher quality flooring equals a longer lifespan and a lesser impact on the environment. However, if you’re looking for an eco-friendly option, try cork, bamboo, or reclaimed wood.

Step six

We always advise contacting a professional to make sure your flooring option will work in your home. For example, you might need to address damp, mould, uneven flooring, or faulty foundations. An expert flooring installer will offer the best options and installation tips to make sure it all works seamlessly.

You’ll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass our quality checks on Checkatrade.

Cost of flooring materials and installation

Labour

A flooring installer will cost around £30 to £60 per hour or an average of £225 per day, depending on your chosen tradesperson’s experience, location, and the time required for installation.

Materials

• Tiles: Tiling costs for floors average £110 per m²
• Carpet: The average price for carpet (not including installation) is £6 – £60 per m²
• Hardwood: Hardwood flooring will cost an average of £20 to £35 per m²
• Vinyl: Vinyl flooring costs an average of £20 – £25 per plank
• Laminate: The average cost of laminate flooring is £10 – £40 per m²

Other helpful guides

• Kitchen floor tile installation cost guide
• How to tile a floor
• How much does carpet fitting cost?
• Carpet tile installation cost guide
• Cost to install floating wood floor
• Pros and cons of hardwood flooring
• Cost of vinyl flooring vs tile flooring: Which to choose?
• Kitchen vinyl floor installation cost guide
• Tile vs laminate cost: which is cheaper?

NB: The right flooring not only enhances the visual appeal of your space but also contributes to the overall comfort and functionality of your home. That’s why it’s important to carefully consider each factor so each room in your home benefits from the right type of flooring.

Did you find this how-to guide helpful? Let us know in the comments! Also, check out our blog for more cost guides, advice, and inspiration.