Solid HardwoodPros: It naturally insulates heat.
Cons: Solid hardwood is vulnerable to moisture and is more likely to than engineered hardwood to expand and contract. At
$2 to $16 a square foot it is also more expensive than engineered hardwood.
Engineered HardwoodPros: While engineered hardwood looks and feels like solid hardwood,it never needs to be refinished and it is not susceptible to expanding and contracting like solid hardwood. And since engineered hardwood is typically
$2 to $11 a square foot, it is also cheaper than solid hardwood.
Cons: The board sizes are much more limited that solid hardwood.
BambooPros: Bamboo-a fast growing grass-is a renewable resource and can be a more eco-friendly than wood flooring which, while renewable, does not grow as quickly as bamboo. Bamboo runs between
$3 and $16 a square foot which is comparable to the cost of solid hardwood floors while still being a more "green" alternative.
Cons: The adhesives used in the flooring are not necessarily green and the use of fertilizers to increase yield and clear-cutting forests to grow bamboo negate the sustainable benefits of bamboo. Also, bamboo tends to dent and scratch much like a wood floor.
LinoleumPros: Linoleum is another eco-friendly option since it is made out of linseed oil, wood, and cork bark. It's also antistatic and antimicrobial which makes it a great choice for those with allergies. Like laminate flooring, it is also water resistant. Linoleum costs between
$3 and $12 installed.
Cons: It can be difficult to match the seams.
CorkPros: Cork regenerates quickly making it an eco-friendly option. It's also naturally antifungal and antimicrobial and resists moisture which works well in kitchens and bathrooms. Cork has sound deadening properties which make it a great option for larger spaces.
Cons: Cork can fade and like many other flooring options it is susceptible to dents and scratches. At
$3 to $16 a square foot cork can cost about as much as solid hardwood and bamboo flooring.
LaminatePros: Laminate is available in a wide variety of styles such as stone or wood, but is stronger, easier to clean, and at
$1.50 to $4 a square foot it is much less expensive than natural flooring materials.
Cons: While laminate can be made to look like natural materials such as wood and stone, it does not feel as solid and is harder to repair.
VinylPros: Vinyl flooring is easy to clean and remove and can be made to look like wood, stone, and tile. It cost anywhere from
$2 to $12 a square foot.
Cons: It can become dull, dent, scratch, and tear.
TilePros: Tile is durable, water resistant, and there is a plethora of color and pattern options.
Cons: With the wide variety of tile options available prices range from
$2.50 to $50 a square foot. Tile is difficult and messy to remove. It can also make larger rooms more noisy since it's a harder surface.
CarpetPros: Carpet is a great insulator for heat, cold, and sound making it a great option for larger rooms. Due to its insulating properties and softness, carpet is also ideal for bedrooms.
Cons: Carpet is difficult to clean since it attracts dirt, dust, bugs, and moisture which can lead to problems for homeowners with allergies or asthma. Carpet should not be used in kitchens and bathrooms since it traps moisture which can cause it to grow mold. Carpet can cost between
$10 and $30 a square yard for nylon, polyester, or olefin carpet and between
$30 and $60 per square yard for wool carpet.
Carpet TilePros: Carpet tile has many of the same pros and cons as regular carpet except that the tiles can be replaced individually if they become damaged which makes it more cost effective than having to replace a large expanse of carpet.
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