1. Where Is the Room Located and How Do You Use It?
Ground-level and basement spaces are more susceptible to moisture than those upstairs, so consider the impact on your flooring choice. Also, if the room will serve as an entry area for your home or a play area for pets and kids, look for flooring that can handle wear. If the floor needs to work with a wheelchair, walker or cane, make sure the flooring material will allow easy, unobstructed movement.
2. What's Your Climate?
Wood can warp and buckle and carpet can mold in humid environments. Tile makes a great alternative, is easy to clean and maintain, and comes in a variety of textures, colors and sizes to suit your personal style. Check out our Tile Buying Guide.
3. Will You Have to Redecorate?
Color is a major consideration when buying a new floor because it impacts the entire room. Lighter flooring can make rooms feel larger but makes stains and wear more visible. Darker flooring can make rooms feel cozy but shows dust and pet hair. Neutral tones accommodate colorful décor.
4. Will Your New and Existing Flooring Coordinate?
Consider how the new flooring will complement your overall interior style and decorating scheme. Blending materials and creating interesting transition spaces with patterns or materials may solve your design dilemmas.
5. What Level of Floor Care Is Necessary?
Are you willing to make a flooring maintenance schedule a new part of your life? Ask what is involved in cleaning and upkeep, and factor things like refinishing or steaming into your decision.
6. Does Anyone in Your Home Have Allergies?
Hard-surface flooring collects fewer dust mites and other allergens. Add warmth and visual interest to hard floors with easy-to-clean rugs.
7. Do You Have or Plan to Install Underfloor Heating?
Not all flooring options are compatible with underfloor heating. Talk to a Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s for help exploring the best options for you.
8. Can You Install the New Flooring Yourself?
New flooring installation is more than lining up boards and tile. Determine whether you can identify and repair a faulty subfloor, if you know how to safely dispose of old flooring and if you’re willing to return unused boxes or pieces to the store. Some flooring may require professional removal.
9. Have You Factored in Additional Costs?
Installing new flooring may also require you to replace existing trim and thresholds. Also, if you’re having flooring installed professionally, you’ll need to include this extra expense in your budget.
10. Can You Refinish the Existing Floor?
Research your refinishing options. You may be able to bring your floors up to date with a new stain. To find out more, read our guide on how to refinish a hardwood floor.
Other Considerations
With these 10 questions in mind, think about other factors that'll help you choose the right flooring for your home and family.
Durability & Lifespan
New flooring is an investment. Consider the potential lifespan of the flooring you’re considering to get the most for your money. While the actual lifespan of flooring depends on factors like the soundness of the subfloor, the quality of the installation, level of foot traffic and proper care, there are some general ranges for flooring durability and lifespan.
Carpet
Carpet in general lasts from 5 to 15 years, but durability varies by material. Nylon and triexta tend to have the longest lifespans. Polyester fits into the middle of the range. Olefin is a comparatively economical purchase but fits in the lower end of carpet material lifespans.
Vinyl Flooring
Standard vinyl flooring is highly moisture resistant but can be more vulnerable to scratches and wear than luxury vinyl. Standard sheet vinyl can last from 10 to 20 years, while peel-and-stick tiles can last 5 to 25 years.
Luxury Vinyl Planks
Luxury vinyl planks and tiles have high resistance to moisture and stains and are durable enough for kitchens and mudrooms. Luxury vinyl flooring can last from 10 to 25 years, depending on traffic and the thickness of the flooring.
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo offers durability, but it can be vulnerable to scratches and moisture. Bamboo flooring can last from 10 to 25 years with good maintenance. Solid bamboo flooring tends to be longer lasting than engineered bamboo and you can refinish solid bamboo to give it the longest possible lifespan.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Engineered hardwood has better moisture resistance than traditional solid hardwood, but with only a thin layer of wood, refinishing may not be an option. Engineered hardwood can last from 20 to 30 years with proper care.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate has a high resistance to dents and scratches and is available in water-resistant and waterproof options. You can’t refinish a laminate floor, but with good care, laminate can last from 15 to 25 years. Learn more in our laminate flooring buying guide.
Tile
Tile is highly durable, and some types can last 40 to 50 years. Replacement of individual tiles and regrouting might be necessary from time to time.
Solid Hardwood Flooring
Solid hardwood flooring can last from around 50 to 100 years with proper care, but over time it’s vulnerable to moisture, dents and scratches. Oak and hickory offer the most durability. Periodic refinishing eliminates scratches and wear and can keep a hardwood floor looking great for decades.
Maintenance
Whatever flooring you choose, good care and maintenance give it the best chance for a long life:
- Start with a level subfloor and quality flooring installation.
- Consider taking your shoes off at the door.
- Clean spills quickly.
- Clean your flooring weekly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Protect your flooring with area rugs, as well as furniture pads and chair leg tips.
- Periodically rearrange your furniture to even out traffic and wear patterns.
- Keep humidity levels down if you have moisture-sensitive flooring.
- Protect wood, vinyl and carpet from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Practice periodic maintenance, such as professional cleaning for carpets, resealing and regrouting for tile, and refinishing for hardwood.
Keep extra tiles or planks handy to replace damaged flooring.
Material & Installation Costs
Flooring installation costs vary widely depending on the flooring type, availability of stock, location and even the time of year.
Material Costs
Flooring purchase costs vary by type, quality and location, but in very general terms:
- Hardwood, engineered hardwood and tile tend to be the most expensive flooring.
- Laminate, luxury vinyl and bamboo flooring generally have mid-range purchase costs.
- Carpet and standard vinyl have lower purchase costs.
You can save money by installing some types of flooring yourself.
- Laminate, vinyl planks, vinyl tile, carpet squares and interlocking engineered hardwood typically offer the most DIY-friendly options.
- Tiling a floor can be a DIY project, but it’s a big job that can be messy and time consuming.
- Unless you have a lot of DIY experience, we recommend hiring a professional to install carpet, hardwood, bamboo and some types of engineered flooring.
Hidden Costs & Money-Saving Tips
Hidden Costs
When budgeting for new flooring, costs that might not be obvious include:
- Subflooring repairs
- Removal and disposal of your existing flooring
- Unexpected problems, such as mold, lead or asbestos, require professional cleanup
- Specialized flooring tools
- Installation materials like padding, underlayment, moulding, transitions as well as fasteners or adhesive
- Installation in complex layouts that require more skill and create more waste
- Set a budget you can afford and stick to it.
- Consider DIY-friendly flooring types and tool rental for items you don’t own.
- Be diligent about cleaning and maintenance to avoid damage, repairs and replacement.
- If you use professional installers, you might be able to save money by moving furniture and disposing of the old flooring yourself.
Use our Flooring Project Cost Estimator to help you plan your project with different types of flooring. Plan to purchase 10% to 15% more than you think you need to cover waste, repairs, replacements, etc.
Let's Get Started
Ask the right questions so you choose a floor that works for your home and family. Consider long-term costs of flooring, including the materials, the cost of installation, the amount of maintenance necessary and the lifespan of the flooring. Make sure you’re aware of potential hidden costs and opportunities to save money on your project.
Once you've selected your flooring, shop online or visit your local Lowe's store. Then think about installation. Are you going to DIY this project or hire a professional? We can install it for you.
Flooring FAQs
What Type of Flooring is Best for My Lifestyle?
Think about your lifestyle. If you have kids, pets or it's a high-traffic area, consider waterproof flooring such as luxury vinyl plank, tile or hybrid resilient flooring. If you want beautiful flooring and don't mind a little maintenance, hardwood floors are the best option with the highest resale value.
How Do I Choose Between Different Flooring Materials?
Every material has its pros and considerations when it comes to appearance, cost, durability and maintenance. If you want a budget-friendly and low-maintenance option, choose laminate or vinyl. For long-lasting results and higher resale value, consider hardwood flooring or tile.
What's the Total Cost of Installing New Flooring?
Installation can really impact your budget. You'll need to factor in the following:
- The flooring
- Underlayment
- Labor for the removal, potential repairs and installation
How Much Maintenance Will My New Floor Require?
Each flooring type requires specific maintenance.
- Hardwood needs to be refinished eventually.
- Carpet needs regular deep cleaning
- Vinyl and laminate are the easiest options. They need to be regularly swept and mopped.