How To Pick The Right Floor

Carpet

Pros:

• Soft, quiet, warm underfoot Easiest and most cost- effective floor covering to replace and upgrade
• Brings in color and texture Stain-resistant fibers available

Cons:

• Can Stain
• Low-quality carpets may quickly show wear

Care:

• Clean spills immediately. Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Vacuum low-traffic areas at least once or twice a week. Vacuum high-traffic areas more often.
• Use a deep-cleaning hot water extraction cleaning system every 12-18 months.

Cost:

• $2-$15 per square foot, installed

Stone

Pros:

• Extremely durable Timeless and classic design Beautiful, natural aesthetic

Cons:

• Higher cost than many flooring materials
• Some varieties, such as marble and limestone, readily absorb stains and dirt Difficult to repair
• Dark, glossy surfaces show footprints and can be slippery

Care:

• All stones should be sealed
• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Regularly dust-mop the floor with a clean, non treated mop or broom. Or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Wipe up spills immediately. Damp-mop floors using cleaners recommended by the manufacturer.
• Avoid cleaners that are abrasive or contain vinegar, lemon juice, or harsh chemi- cals.

Cost:

• $8-$50 per square foot, installed

Ceramic Or Porcelain Tile

Pros:

• Durable
• Water and stain resistant Wide choice of colors, textures, and shapes Porcelain color through tile body-scratches or damage less likely to show

Cons:

• Grout lines can be hard to clean
• Low-quality tiles may chip Fragile items dropped on the surface probably will break Glossy tiles can be slippery when wet
• Difficult to repair

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at en-tries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Regularly sweep tile or use a vacuum without a beater bar.
• Regularly damp-mop the floor with a cleaner recommended by the tile and grout manufacturers. For more shine, rinse with clear water and wipe dry.

Cost:

• $4-$12 per square foot, installed

Laminate

Pros:

• Durable, affordable
• Easy to clean and maintain Resists stains
• Wide range of colors and designs
• Resembles natural materials Excellent choice for do-it-yourself applications

Cons:

• Can be scratched
• Cannot be refinished
• Be cautious when purchasing off brands; the top layer may peel or separate from the core
• For installations in high-moisture rooms, select laminates designed for this use

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Don't refinish or sand

Cost:

• $3-$7 per square foot, installed

Wood

Pros:

• Wear-resistant Long-lasting
• Provides a warm look Can be refinished

Cons:

• Vulnerable to moisture Softer woods, such as pine, may dent easily
• May darken with age
• Some finishes wear unevenly and are difficult to repair Can shrink and expand, creating gaps or warping

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.

Cost:

• $6-$15 per square foot, installed

Engineered Wood

Pros:

• Shrinks and expands less than solid wood
• Quicker installation time Some can be installed below grade
• Comes prefinished so the stain and protective finishes will be more consistent and harder

Cons:

• Typically can be refinished only once or twice
• Off brands may have voids in core, which weakens wood surface
• Ends may split on off brands

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Remove scuffs and heel marks by lightly rubbing the spots with a soft, clean cloth sprayed with hardwood floor cleaner recommended by the flooring manufacturer.
• Never wax or use oil soap.

Cost:

• $4-$18 per square foot, installed

Bamboo

Pros:

• More quickly renewable re- source than wood
• Strong
• Clean, contemporary sensibility

Cons:

• May darken or fade when exposed to sunlight Should not be left wet

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Use only cleaners recom- mended by the flooring manufacturer.

Cost:

• $4-$8 per square foot, installed

Vinyl

Pros:

• Durable
• Water-resistant in sheet form
• Easy to clean Comfortable
• Less expensive than most flooring choices

Cons:

• Difficult to repair
• Less expensive grades may discolor
• In tile form, moisture can get into seams between tiles

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recom- mended by the flooring manufacturer.

Cost:

• $1-$7 per square foot, installed

Linoleum

Pros:

• Made of natural raw materials
• More durable than vinyl Color extends through entire material
• Can be hand-cut for intricate patterns and installation artistry

Cons:

• Should be resealed annually Cannot be left wet
• May scuff if not well polished

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Damp-mop when needed using clean, warm water. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. Polish periodi- cally to bring back shine and protection against stains.

Cost:

• $2-$9 per square foot, installed

Cork

Pros:

• Soft and warm, natural Resists mildew
• Sleek, contemporary look Stain and water resistant Easy to clean
• Polyurethane finishes typically last up to seven years before refinishing is required

Cons:

• UV-cured acrylic finishes are not as long-lasting
• Wax finishes need reapplication every 6-12 months

Care:

• Place walk-off mats at entries to catch dirt; frequently shake mats.
• Place protective pads on the bottoms of chair and table legs.
• Regularly sweep or dust-mop the floor, or use a vacuum cleaner without a beater bar. Clean up spills immediately. Use only cleaners recommended by the flooring manufacturer. To restore luster, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for refinishing.

Cost:

• $4-$9 per square foot, installed