Do you have pets? Do you have kids? How big is the room? What is the room’s purpose? These are the types of questions you need to ask before choosing flooring for your home. Here’s five options:

1. Hardwood: Yes, when properly finished, hardwood is beautiful – but it can be pricey and a challenge to maintain. If you have original hardwood floors, the costs can be mitigated some but there are labor costs to consider as well.
2. Tile: While not a popular as it used to be, tile is a great option for high-use spaces or with kids and pets. It’s easy to clean and care for but can create an echo in a room and be cold to the touch (although there are heated systems).
3. Carpet: It seems like people either love or hate carpet. It’s best suited for low-traffic areas or rooms where food and drinks are not prevalent, like bedrooms.
4. Laminate: What used to be peel-and-stick squares in the’90s has come a long way. Laminate is a great, cost-effective option if you have small children but still want nice-looking flooring.
5. Luxury Vinyl Plank: Luxury vinyl is durable, waterproof and ideal in all rooms, especially kitchens and bathrooms. Best of all, it has the look of hardwood or stone without the hefty price tag!