Complete Home Flooring Comparison Guide
Master flooring selection with our comprehensive guide. Compare costs, durability, and find the perfect flooring for every room in your home.
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Complete Flooring Material Comparison
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
West Shore Home's Specialty: 100% waterproof, American-made LVP with realistic wood looks and lifetime warranties.
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Scratch and dent resistant
- Easy maintenance
- Realistic wood appearance
- DIY-friendly installation
- Pet and family friendly
Cons
- Can be damaged by extreme heat
- Some cheaper options look artificial
- Not biodegradable
- Limited refinishing options
Best For:
Any room needing wood looks with waterproof protection - kitchens, bathrooms, basements, busy households
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)
West Shore Home's Specialty: 100% waterproof LVT that perfectly mimics stone, marble, and ceramic with incredible realism.
Pros
- 100% waterproof
- Realistic stone/tile appearance
- Warmer than real tile underfoot
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Excellent durability
- Great for radiant heating
Cons
- Can show scratches from furniture
- May fade in direct sunlight
- Not biodegradable
- Limited repair options
Best For:
Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways - anywhere you want stone/tile looks with comfort and warmth
Solid Hardwood
Timeless Investment: Real wood that adds significant home value and can last generations.
Pros
- Increases home value significantly
- Can be refinished multiple times
- Timeless, natural beauty
- Lasts 50+ years with care
- Wide variety of species
Cons
- Expensive initial investment
- Susceptible to water damage
- Shows scratches and dents
- Requires professional installation
- Not suitable for basements
Best For:
Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, homes focused on resale value
Porcelain Tile
Ultimate Durability: Fired at high temperatures for superior strength and water resistance.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- 100% waterproof
- Stain and scratch resistant
- Great for radiant heating
- Low maintenance
- Mimics wood/stone perfectly
Cons
- Cold and hard underfoot
- Professional installation required
- Grout lines need maintenance
- Can crack if poorly installed
- Expensive to remove
Best For:
Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, high-traffic commercial areas
Engineered Hardwood
Best of Both Worlds: Real wood top layer with enhanced stability and moisture resistance.
Pros
- More stable than solid wood
- Can be installed over concrete
- Better moisture resistance
- Often DIY-friendly
- Real wood appearance
- Can be refinished 1-3 times
Cons
- Limited refinishing compared to solid
- Thin wear layer in cheap options
- Still susceptible to water damage
- Lower resale value than solid
Best For:
Basements, over concrete slabs, areas with temperature fluctuations
Laminate
Budget-Friendly Beauty: Photographic wood/stone looks with click-together installation.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Easy DIY installation
- Scratch resistant surface
- Fade resistant
- Wide variety of styles
- Good for high traffic
Cons
- Cannot be refinished
- Water damage is permanent
- Can feel hollow underfoot
- Shorter lifespan (15-25 years)
- Lower resale value
Best For:
Budget-conscious homes, rental properties, quick renovations
Carpet
Comfort Champion: Soft, warm, and available in endless colors and textures.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Excellent insulation
- Noise reduction
- Wide range of options
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to replace
Cons
- Stains and holds odors
- Traps allergens and dust
- Shorter lifespan (5-15 years)
- Regular deep cleaning needed
- Not pet-friendly
Best For:
Bedrooms, living rooms, stairs, creating cozy atmospheres
Ready to Find Your Perfect Flooring?
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🏠 Flooring Recommendation Tool
Answer a few questions to find the perfect flooring for your space and lifestyle.
Room-by-Room Flooring Guide
Choose the perfect flooring for each space based on traffic, moisture, and function.
Kitchen
Recommended: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Porcelain TileWhy: Waterproof, easy to clean, handles spills and high traffic. LVP provides wood looks with comfort, LVT offers stone/tile appearance, while porcelain offers ultimate durability.
Avoid: Solid hardwood (water damage), carpet (stains and odors)
Bathroom
Recommended: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Porcelain Tile, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)Why: Complete moisture resistance is essential. LVT provides stone looks with warmth, while porcelain offers ultimate durability. LVP works for wood looks in powder rooms.
Avoid: Any natural wood products, laminate, carpet
Bedrooms
Recommended: Carpet, Hardwood, Engineered WoodWhy: Comfort and warmth are priorities. Carpet provides softness, while wood adds value and elegance.
Consider: Area rugs over hard surfaces for comfort
Living Room
Recommended: Hardwood, Engineered Wood, LVPWhy: High-traffic area that guests see first. Choose materials that balance durability with visual appeal.
Pro Tip: Consider traffic patterns and furniture placement
Basement
Recommended: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Porcelain TileWhy: Moisture resistance is crucial below grade. All options work well over concrete and handle temperature changes. Choose LVP for wood looks or LVT for stone appearance.
Avoid: Solid hardwood, carpet (moisture issues)
Entryway
Recommended: Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Porcelain Tile, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)Why: First line of defense against dirt, moisture, and wear. LVT provides beautiful stone looks, while all options are easy to clean and maintain.
Features: Non-slip surfaces, stain resistance, durability
📊 Flooring Performance Comparison
See how different flooring materials perform across key factors that matter most to homeowners.
| Flooring Type | Durability | Water Resistance | Maintenance | Pet Friendly | Resale Value | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | 20-25 years | |||||
| Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) | 20-25 years | |||||
| Solid Hardwood | 50+ years | |||||
| Porcelain Tile | 30+ years | |||||
| Engineered Hardwood | 25-30 years | |||||
| Laminate | 15-25 years | |||||
| Carpet | 5-15 years |
🔥 2025 Flooring Trends
Warm Wood Tones
Honey oak and walnut are making a comeback, moving away from gray tones toward warmer, cozier colors.
Wide Plank Formats
7-8 inch wide planks create a more modern, spacious look with fewer seam lines.
Sustainable Materials
Eco-friendly options like bamboo, cork, and reclaimed wood gain popularity for environmentally conscious homeowners.
Textured Surfaces
Hand-scraped and wire-brushed textures add character and help hide everyday wear.
Ready to Start Your Flooring Project?
You've explored the options, now let's bring your vision to life. Schedule your free design consultation and get professional installation in just 2-3 days.