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Types of flooring

Your home’s flooring choice goes beyond looks—it’s an important investment that can substantially affect your property’s value.

Homeowners who plan to sell or upgrade their living space need to understand their flooring options. Hardwood floors boost your home’s resale value, but they cost between £3 to £12 per square foot. Vinyl flooring has evolved into a durable and budget-friendly option. The luxury vinyl version repels water completely and resists dents better than other materials.

Your lifestyle and budget will determine the best flooring choice for your home. Each material brings its own benefits, from water-resistant vinyl at £1.50 to £3.83 per square foot to tile projects that cost around £2,880. This piece explores 11 different flooring materials that can boost your home’s value in 2025. We’ll examine their advantages, disadvantages and costs to help you make a choice you’ll love every step of the way!

Hardwood Flooring

A room with herringbone wood flooring, a fireplace with a wood-burning stove, built-in shelves, and a large window overlooking greenery. — Pictured: Herringbone wood flooring, installed in a living room. . First Choice Flooring.

Hardwood flooring remains the gold standard of flooring materials. Its timeless beauty and remarkable impact on property values make it a top choice. Research shows homes with hardwood floors sell at higher prices and spend less time on the market than those with other flooring types.

Hardwood flooring pros

Substantial value addition: Hardwood flooring adds 3% to 5% to your home’s overall value. A £300,000 property could gain £9,000 to £15,000 in worth.
High buyer demand: Research shows 54% of homebuyers would pay more for a house with hardwood floors. Real estate agents agree – 99% say these homes are easier to sell, and 82% report faster sales.
Exceptional longevity: Solid hardwood floors that receive proper care last over 100 years. This makes them a true investment for generations.
Hypoallergenic properties: Unlike carpet, hardwood doesn’t trap dust, pet dander, or other allergens. This helps create better indoor air quality.
Versatility and timeless appeal: Hardwood works well with many design styles. You can refinish it to match new tastes or trends.

Hardwood flooring cons

Moisture sensitivity: Water damage and humidity changes affect hardwood floors. This makes them a poor choice for bathrooms or basements.
Noise issues: People walking on hardwood create more noise than on carpet. Rugs or sound-dampening underlay can help reduce this problem.
Vulnerability to scratches: Furniture, pets, or high heels can scratch hardwood despite its durability. Oak and hickory resist scratches better than softer woods like pine.
Maintenance requirements: Beautiful hardwood floors need regular cleaning and occasional refinishing. This adds to their lifetime cost.

Hardwood flooring pricing

Hardwood flooring needs a big upfront investment. Prices vary based on wood species and quality:

Solid hardwood: Costs around £80+ per m². Exotic woods like mahogany range from £9.53–£18.27 per square foot with installation.
Common species pricing:
Oak: £35 per m²
Pine: £45 per m²
Maple: £60 per m²
Walnut: £70 per m²

The return on investment for hardwood flooring ranges from 70% to 80%. Hardwood proves more cost-effective over time compared to vinyl (10-20 years), laminate (up to 30 years), or carpet (5-15 years).

Different finishes affect both performance and looks. Options include lacquered (durable but shows scratches), oiled (natural look, easier to repair), UV oiled (balanced durability and appearance), and brushed (textured surface hiding scratches).

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood flooring strikes a balance between traditional hardwood and cheaper alternatives. It delivers the visual appeal of solid wood with better structural stability. The flooring combines multiple wood layers instead of single solid pieces, featuring a real hardwood veneer attached to high-quality plywood or HDF core.

Engineered wood pros

Superior stability: The cross-layered design reduces expansion and contraction. This makes the flooring less prone to warping or cupping from moisture and humidity changes. You can install it in places where solid hardwood might not work well, such as basements or conservatories.
Underfloor heating compatibility: These floors work great with underfloor heating systems, unlike solid wood options. The best results come when total thickness stays under 18mm, with the real wood top layer no thicker than 5mm.
Versatile installation options: You can install engineered wood through glueing, nailing, floating, or click-lock systems. This flexibility works well with different subfloors. Installation tends to be faster, easier, and cheaper compared to solid wood.
Environmental considerations: The flooring uses less slow-growth timber than solid hardwood. The reconstituted layer usually contains fast-growing trees like eucalyptus or pine. These trees mature in about 3 years, while oak needs 20+ years.
Cost efficiency: Budget-conscious homeowners love this option. It delivers a high-end look without solid hardwood’s price tag.

Engineered wood cons

Limited refinishing potential: The wear layer thickness determines how often you can refinish the floor. A 3mm layer allows one refinishing, 4mm up to two, while 6mm matches solid wood’s capabilities.
Shorter lifespan: These floors last 20-50 years based on wear layer thickness and quality. Solid hardwood can survive a century or more with good care.
Potential for hollow sound: The lighter, less dense structure sometimes creates a hollow sound underfoot.
Susceptibility to damage: The flooring can get scratched, dented, and fade in sunlight, just like solid wood.

Engineered wood pricing

The flooring costs less than solid hardwood while delivering great value:

Average cost range: Materials run £35-£100 per square metre, with popular choices around £50 per square metre.
Quality tiers:
Budget options: Start at £30 per square metre
Mid-range quality: £35-£45 per square metre
Premium selections: £45-£90 per square metre
Installation costs: Professional installation adds about £25 per square metre. Extra costs include underlay (£1-£9 per square metre) and additional services like old flooring removal or skirting board installation.
Value consideration: High-quality options with thick wear layers boost home value more than carpet or laminate flooring, though not quite as much as solid hardwood.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring gives homeowners an economical option compared to natural wood, with both good looks and practical advantages. The flooring consists of a high-density fibreboard core and a photographic layer that looks just like real wood or stone. Many modern homes now feature laminate as a value-conscious choice that doesn’t sacrifice style.

Laminate flooring pros

Economical solution: You can get the hardwood look for about half the price. Homeowners who watch their budget can save money and still get an attractive floor.
Impressive durability: A clear wear layer helps resist scratches, stains, and UV fading. This makes perfect sense for homes with kids and pets running around.
Easy installation: The click-lock design lets you install it yourself without glue or nails. You can often lay this floating floor right over your existing floor, as long as the surface stays smooth and level.
Simple upkeep: A quick sweep and occasional damp mop will keep your laminate floor looking great. Unlike hardwood floors, you won’t need to refinish it.
Better home value: Quality laminate flooring can boost your property value. Real estate experts say well-kept laminate floors show that owners take good care of their property.

Laminate flooring cons

Limited life: These floors usually last 10-30 years, averaging around 20 years. Hardwood floors can last much longer – even a century with proper care.
Hard to fix: Unlike solid wood, you can’t sand or refinish damaged laminate. Serious wear means replacing individual planks or the entire floor.
Water problems: Even with better water resistance now, standing water can still damage laminate. Water that gets between the seams makes edges and the fiberboard core swell and chip.
Sound issues: Walking on laminate can sound hollow. Good underlayment or transition strips between rooms help reduce this effect.

Laminate flooring pricing

Laminate floors come at several price points to fit different budgets:

Budget laminate: £10-£20 per m²
Mid-range laminate: £20-£35 per m²
Luxury laminate: £35-£60+ per m²

Professional installation runs between £15-£40 per m² based on complexity. Simple plank installation costs about £15 per m², while herringbone patterns need more skill and cost around £28.50 per m².

A medium-sized room (20m²) costs between £900-£1,500 with materials and labour included. Covering a three-bedroom home (about 160m²) ranges from £2,390 for budget options to £6,376 for luxury choices.

Quality plays a big role in laminate flooring prices. Plank thickness, design quality, surface texture, durability rating, water resistance, and built-in underlay all affect the final cost. Higher AC ratings (AC3 or AC4) show better durability and make sense for areas with lots of foot traffic.

Vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring has come a long way from its basic beginnings. Today, it stands as a sophisticated flooring choice that people love for its versatility and practical benefits. This fully synthetic material, made mostly from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), gives homeowners an amazing mix of durability, water resistance, and beautiful looks at prices much lower than natural materials.

Vinyl flooring pros

Complete water resistance: Vinyl’s 100% waterproof nature makes it perfect for rooms with moisture like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. This feature sets it apart from other flooring options we talked about earlier.
Exceptional durability: Good quality vinyl can last 10 to 25 years if you install and maintain it properly. Many vinyl floors come with a special PUR surface treatment that helps them resist scratches and stains really well.
Minimal maintenance requirements: You don’t need to wax or polish vinyl like you do with hardwood. Just sweep regularly and mop with a damp cloth now and then to keep it looking great.
Comfort underfoot: Vinyl’s cushioned structure feels softer and warmer than hard surfaces like tile or concrete. This makes it great for spaces where you spend lots of time standing.
Diverse style options: Today’s vinyl looks just like real wood and stone. You can get it in planks, tiles, or sheets, so you have lots of design choices to match your home’s style.

Vinyl flooring cons

Vulnerability to damage: Even though it’s durable, sharp objects and heavy furniture can damage vinyl. Heavy items might leave dents if they sit in one spot too long.
Environmental considerations: Vinyl won’t break down naturally and some types might release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which makes it less environmentally friendly than natural options.
Susceptibility to fading: Too much direct sunlight can make vinyl floors fade or change colour. This matters a lot if you have a conservatory or rooms with big windows.
Limited refinishing options: Unlike hardwood floors, you can’t refinish vinyl when it gets worn or damaged – you’ll need to replace those areas.

Vinyl flooring pricing

Vinyl flooring fits different budgets nicely:

Sheet vinyl: Prices start at about £0.79 per square foot, making it your most budget-friendly choice.
Luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and tiles (LVT): These usually cost from £3.97 per square foot. A medium-sized room’s complete installation typically runs between £200-£400.
Material tiers: Basic vinyl costs about £12-£20 per square metre including standard installation. Premium options with better durability features cost more.

High-quality luxury vinyl from good brands can boost your property’s value, especially compared to older flooring types. It works great with underfloor heating and can handle temperatures up to 60°C, which makes it perfect for conservatories or rooms that get lots of sun.

Tile flooring

Pictured: Modern hexagonal tile kitchen flooring. First Choice Flooring.

Tile flooring stands out as one of the most practical investments to enhance your home’s value and functionality. Its exceptional durability and water resistance make it a popular choice. Tiles have managed to keep their appeal through centuries, and with good reason too. They come in so many materials, styles, and colours.

Tile flooring pros

Exceptional durability: A well-installed tile floor can last decades. It handles heavy foot traffic and daily wear, making it budget-friendly in the long run.
Complete water resistance: Tiles resist moisture exceptionally well. This makes them perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Their moisture-resistant nature helps stop mould and mildew from growing.
Stylistic versatility: You’ll find tiles in various materials (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone), shapes, sizes, and colours. This variety lets you create unique patterns that work in almost any space.
Low maintenance requirements: A quick sweep and occasional mop will keep your tile floors looking great. They resist stains well, which works great for busy areas and homes with kids and pets.
Hypoallergenic properties: Tile doesn’t trap allergens or release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like carpet does. This helps create better air quality indoors.

Tile flooring cons

Cold and hard surface: Tile floors feel cold and uncomfortable without radiant heating, especially in winter. Standing on them for long periods can be tough on your feet.
Grout maintenance challenges: Grout lines between tiles need regular cleaning. You must seal them properly to protect against moisture and bacteria.
Installation complexity: Installing tiles needs precise skills. This usually costs more and takes longer than other flooring options. Most people choose professional installation for best results.
Potential for cracking: Heavy items can crack or chip tiles despite their toughness. Matching and replacing old tiles can be tricky.
Slippery when wet: Wet tiles can be dangerous, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. These areas need textured or slip-resistant tiles.

Tile flooring pricing

Material quality and type affect tile flooring costs substantially. UK homeowners pay about £110 per m² on average, including standard tiles, materials, and labour.

Material costs vary by type:

Ceramic tiles: £15-£25 per m²
Porcelain tiles: £15-£30 per m²
Natural stone: £61-£76 per m² (varies by stone type)
Marble tiles: £40-£50 per m²
Mosaic tiles: £25-£35 per m²

Labour costs add roughly £50 per m². Prices change by region – London charges around £72 per m² while Leicester averages £39 per m².

A standard kitchen floor costs about £800 to tile. Bathroom tiling typically runs around £1,713.

Stone flooring

Pictured: Modern stone kitchen flooring. First Choice Flooring.

Natural stone flooring represents luxury and permanence in home design. It offers a unique experience since no two stone tiles look similar. Each piece comes with distinct patterns, veining, and colour variations that create a one-of-a-kind floor that manufactured materials cannot match.

Stone flooring pros

Exceptional durability: Stone floors can handle heavy foot traffic and keep their charm while resisting scratches and dents.
Timeless appeal: Natural stone exceeds passing design trends and has been celebrated in architecture for centuries.
Property value improvement: Stone flooring often raises property value more than its installation cost.
Thermal efficiency: Stone conducts heat well, making it perfect for underfloor heating systems.
Hypoallergenic qualities: The non-porous surface keeps dust, allergens, and mould spores away, which leads to better indoor air quality.
Indoor-outdoor versatility: Stone stands out as one of the few flooring materials that work both inside and outside, creating uninterrupted flow between spaces.

Stone flooring cons

Substantial cost: Quality stone flooring needs serious investment, with materials and professional installation costing more than other options.
Weight considerations: Stone’s weight demands a strong subfloor structure, which matters more in older buildings or multi-storey installations.
Temperature issues: Stone floors feel cold without underfloor heating, especially during winter.
Physical hardness: The firm surface makes extended standing uncomfortable and can damage dropped items.
Maintenance requirements: Most stone types need regular sealing to stop staining because of their porous nature.
Potential slipperiness: Wet polished stone surfaces like marble and granite can become dangerous.

Stone flooring pricing

Stone flooring prices vary based on material type:

Limestone: Basic options start at £34/m² while premium varieties cost up to £100/m².
Travertine: Affordable options begin at £16-£18/m², with premium choices around £44/m².
Slate: Prices range from £7/m² for simple tiles to £50+/m² for textured varieties.
Granite: Basic black tiles start at £28/m², while larger format options cost £70-80/m².
Marble: Standard quality typically costs between £40-£50/m².

Stone’s incredible longevity often makes up for the higher original investment over time.

Bamboo flooring

Bamboo flooring offers a unique alternative to hardwood. This grass species grows faster and balances eco-friendly features with real-world performance. Bamboo reaches full maturity in just 3-5 years, giving homeowners an environmentally smart choice that doesn’t sacrifice looks or toughness.

Bamboo flooring pros

Exceptional sustainability: Bamboo grows back quickly after harvest without needing replanting. These plants produce about 30% more oxygen than similar-sized hardwood forests.
Impressive strength: Strand-woven bamboo scores around 3,000 lbf on the Janka hardness scale. This makes it twice as hard as oak and perfect for busy areas.
Resistance to allergens: Bamboo’s natural properties fight off mould and mildew growth. This creates better indoor air quality for people with allergies.
Aesthetic versatility: Bamboo comes in styles, colours, and finishes of all types. This variety lets you match any interior design scheme.
Cost effectiveness: Bamboo flooring costs less than traditional hardwood. Prices range from £18 to £33 per square metre, offering great value without quality compromise.

Bamboo flooring cons

Moisture vulnerability: While bamboo resists water, it’s not waterproof. You shouldn’t use it in bathrooms or areas that get wet often.
Environmental trade-offs: Bamboo grows sustainably, but shipping it from Southeast Asia leaves a bigger carbon footprint.
Limited refinishing: Unlike hardwood, bamboo doesn’t take well to resanding. This might limit its lifespan to 20-25 years.
Chemical concerns: Some cheaper bamboo products contain formaldehyde-based adhesives. This can affect your home’s air quality.
Scratching potential: Despite its hardness, bamboo can still get scratched by dragged furniture or sharp objects.

Bamboo flooring pricing

Bamboo flooring materials cost between £1.59 and £4.76 per square foot. Most people spend around £3.02 per square foot. Professional installation adds £1.59 to £9.53 per square foot, depending on your area’s labour rates.

Better quality bamboo costs more because manufacturers use superior processes and safer adhesives. A typical medium-sized room installation runs between £79.42 and £119.12 per square metre. This price includes underlay and finishing accessories.

Carpet flooring

Carpet creates a completely different feel compared to hard flooring materials. It puts comfort and warmth first. This soft flooring option creates cosy, inviting spaces with unique acoustic and thermal properties that hard surfaces can’t match.

Carpet flooring pros

Exceptional comfort: Carpet gives you a soft, cushioned surface that feels wonderful underfoot. This makes it perfect for bedrooms, children’s rooms, and relaxation areas.
Superior thermal properties: Quality padding helps carpet achieve an R-value above 4. This is a big deal as it means that room insulation and warmth improve, especially on chilly winter mornings.
Excellent sound absorption: The material muffles footsteps and reduces noise between floors. Your home becomes quieter and more peaceful.
Improved safety: A padded surface lowers injury risks from falls. This feature helps households with young children or elderly residents.
Budget-friendly option: Installation costs range from £1.59 to £9.53 per square foot. This makes carpet one of the most affordable flooring choices.

Carpet flooring cons

Maintenance challenges: Carpet needs regular hoovering and deep cleaning. This prevents dirt buildup and keeps it looking fresh.
Allergen concerns: The fibres trap dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens. People with allergies might find this problematic.
Limited lifespan: You’ll need to replace carpet every 10-15 years. Hard flooring lasts much longer.
Staining vulnerability: Some stains become permanent in the fibres. High-traffic areas show wear more quickly.
Environmental considerations: Most people don’t see carpet as an eco-friendly flooring material.

Carpet flooring pricing

Carpet comes in options for every budget:

Budget options: Simple synthetic carpets cost about £10-£25 per square metre with installation.
Mid-range options: Standard carpets run between £1.59-£5.56 per square foot.
Premium selections: High-quality wool carpets might cost up to £15.88 per square foot.

Labour costs stay reasonable at £0.79 per square foot. A 16 x 20 room costs around £254.13. New carpet adds 2-4% to your property’s value. This makes it worth thinking about for bedrooms and living areas where comfort matters most.

Concrete flooring

Concrete flooring has evolved beyond its industrial roots and become a popular choice in modern homes. This adaptable material creates a sleek look that fits both contemporary and classic designs, with options from polished surfaces to textured finishes.

Concrete flooring pros

Exceptional longevity: Properly installed concrete floors last for decades and stay strong up to 20 years with regular repolishing.
Unmatched durability: These floors resist high pressures, chemicals, extreme temperatures, and wear. They work great in areas with heavy foot traffic.
Minimal maintenance: A quick sweep and occasional mop keep concrete floors clean, as long as they have proper sealing.
Design flexibility: The range includes polished, stained, textured, and brushed finishes. Concrete adapts to match different style priorities.
Thermal efficiency: Concrete’s high thermal mass helps it absorb and radiate heat. This feature can lower heating costs in bigger buildings.

Concrete flooring cons

Hard surface characteristics: Standing on concrete for long periods can be uncomfortable.
Temperature issues: These floors feel cold without underfloor heating compared to other materials.
Moisture vulnerability: Proper sealing protects concrete from moisture damage.
Potential for cracking: Time, weather changes, chemical reactions, or poor installation can lead to cracks.
Environmental impact: Making cement releases large amounts of carbon dioxide. This makes concrete less environmentally friendly than other options.

Concrete flooring pricing

Several factors determine concrete flooring costs:

Basic designs: Prices run from £1.59 to £4.76 per square foot. This covers simple pouring, polishing, and basic colour treatments.
Mid-range options: Costs between £5.56 and £11.12 per square foot include multiple colours and detailed finishing.
High-end finishes: Premium work costs £11.91 to £23.82 per square foot. These feature geometric patterns, varied textures, and advanced stamping techniques.

New polished concrete installation costs between £120 and £150 per m². Polishing existing concrete floors costs less at about £50 per m².

Cork flooring

Cork flooring is one of the most distinctive options in the flooring market. The bark of cork oak trees yields this remarkable material without causing harm to the trees. Modern homes now feature this flooring more frequently because it creates a perfect balance between comfort and functionality.

Cork flooring pros

Exceptional comfort: Cork’s natural cushioning creates a soft, springy surface that feels great underfoot. This makes it perfect for kitchens where people stand for long periods.
Superior sound absorption: The cellular structure helps dampen noise and reduces sound transmission between floors.
Thermal insulation: The material naturally keeps rooms warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Eco-friendly credentials: Trees regenerate their bark throughout their 200-year lifetime, making this material fully sustainable and biodegradable.
Hypoallergenic properties: A natural substance called suberin repels insects, mould, and mildew. This makes cork ideal for allergy sufferers.
Resilience: The material bounces back from impact dents, even from high heels.

Cork flooring cons

Vulnerability to damage: Sharp objects, pet claws, and dragged furniture can scratch the surface.
Sunlight sensitivity: Direct sunlight causes fading, so it’s not suitable for conservatories or sun rooms.
Limited refinishing: The thickness determines whether you can resand it, unlike hardwood.
Maintenance requirements: Water resistance needs resealing every few years.
Water resistance limitations: While resistant, it’s not waterproof. Unattended major spills can damage the floor.

Cork flooring pricing

The quality and longevity of cork flooring make it good value:

Budget options: Prices start at £35 per m².
Mid-range selections: You’ll pay £40-£50 per m².
Premium choices: Higher density and pre-sealed options cost more than £60 per m².
Installation costs: Click-lock floating installation by professionals adds £25-£35 per m². Glue-down methods cost around £50 per m².

A well-maintained cork floor lasts 15-30 years, which justifies the original cost. Daily care is simple – regular sweeping and hoovering work well. You’ll need occasional mopping with suitable cleaners that don’t contain wax or ammonia.

Linoleum flooring

People often mix up vinyl and linoleum flooring, but linoleum is a natural alternative made from renewable materials like linseed oil, cork dust, wood flour, pine resin, and jute. These unique ingredients give linoleum special properties that have kept it popular in the flooring market for over 160 years.

Linoleum flooring pros

Exceptional durability: A well-maintained linoleum floor can last 20-40 years, and some floors stay in good shape even longer.
Impressive sustainability: The material uses up to 98% natural, renewable raw materials and breaks down naturally when disposed of.
Natural antibacterial properties: Linseed oil stops bacteria from growing, which makes it perfect for spaces that need to stay clean.
Environmental credentials: Some linoleum products like Marmoleum help the environment by absorbing more CO2 than they release during production.
Design versatility: You can choose from many colours and patterns to match any interior style.
Resilience: Sealed linoleum resists wear and handles heavy foot traffic well.

Linoleum flooring cons

Moisture vulnerability: The material handles small spills but isn’t waterproof. Standing water can make it warp or swell.
Professional installation requirement: You’ll need skilled professionals to install linoleum, unlike some DIY-friendly options.
Colour stability concerns: Older linoleum might turn yellowish over time, especially in direct sunlight, unless it has modern stabilisers.
Dent susceptibility: Heavy furniture can leave dents in linoleum floors.
Regular maintenance needs: You must reseal unsealed linoleum regularly to protect it from water and keep it looking good.
Slipping hazard: New or freshly waxed floors can be slippery.

Linoleum flooring pricing

Linoleum sits in the mid-range price category:

Material costs: Prices range from £2.38 to £9.53 per square foot, similar to quality laminate or vinyl.
Sheet linoleum: Installation included, expect to pay about £4 per square metre.
Tile format: Complete installation costs around £5.50 per square metre.

Professional installation is a big part of your total cost. Most people pay around £1,397.72 for a complete linoleum flooring installation.

Comparison Table

Flooring Type	Average Cost (per m²)	Typical Lifespan	Key Benefits	Main Drawbacks	Maintenance Requirements
Hardwood	£35-£80+	100+ years	Increases home value by 3-5%, high buyer appeal, hypoallergenic	Moisture sensitive, vulnerable to scratches	Regular cleaning, occasional refinishing
Engineered Wood	£35-£100	20-50 years	Better stability, underfloor heating compatible, versatile installation	Limited refinishing options, shorter lifespan than solid wood	Regular cleaning, limited refinishing options
Laminate	£10-£60	10-30 years	Budget-friendly, scratch-resistant, easy installation	Cannot be refinished, moisture vulnerable	Regular sweeping, occasional damp mopping
Vinyl	£12-£20	10-25 years	100% waterproof, highly durable, minimal maintenance	Can fade in sunlight, not biodegradable	Regular sweeping, occasional mopping
Tile	£15-£76	Decades	Water resistant, hypoallergenic, versatile styles	Cold surface, complex installation	Regular sweeping, grout maintenance
Stone	£16-£100	Lifetime	Highly durable, timeless appeal, thermal efficient	High cost, needs reliable subfloor	Periodic sealing, regular cleaning
Bamboo	£18-£33	20-25 years	Eco-friendly, twice as hard as oak, allergen resistant	Moisture vulnerable, limited refinishing	Regular cleaning, hard to resand
Carpet	£10-£120	10-15 years	Extra comfort, sound absorption, safer	Traps allergens, stains easily	Regular hoovering, periodic deep cleaning
Concrete	£120-£150	20+ years	Long-lasting, minimal maintenance, thermal efficient	Hard surface, might crack	Simple sweeping, occasional mopping
Cork	£35-£60	15-30 years	Sound absorption, thermal insulation, hypoallergenic	Scratches easily, sunlight sensitive	Regular cleaning, resealing every few years
Linoleum	£40-£95	20-40 years	Natural antibacterial, eco-friendly, durable	Moisture vulnerable, expert installation needed	Regular cleaning, periodic resealing

Conclusion

The right flooring can change your home’s look and value. This piece covered eleven unique flooring options. Each option comes with its own benefits that suit different spaces and lifestyles.

Hardwood remains the top choice. It adds 3-5% to your property value and lasts a century, but costs more upfront. Engineered wood offers a practical choice that looks like natural wood. It stays stable and works well with underfloor heating.

Laminate or vinyl might work better if you watch your budget. These materials last long and resist water well at a much lower price than hardwood. Tile and stone work great in wet areas and last exceptionally long. However, they feel cold and need complex installation.

Bamboo, cork, and linoleum deserve a look if you care about the environment. Bamboo performs like hardwood but stays sustainable. Cork gives you unmatched comfort and absorbs sound well. Linoleum might surprise you with its natural antibacterial properties and 40-year lifespan.

Carpet gives you the only truly soft option. It creates warm, cosy spaces that work best in bedrooms. Modern homes now feature concrete, which moved beyond industrial spaces. It looks sleek and needs minimal upkeep.

Your best flooring choice depends on the room, your lifestyle, budget, and future plans for your property. Bathrooms need waterproof materials like vinyl or tile. Living rooms might benefit from hardwood’s timeless appeal and added value.

Quality matters whatever material you pick. Better versions of cheaper options often work better than basic versions of luxury materials. Professional installation affects how long your flooring lasts and looks, especially with complex materials like stone or tile.

Your flooring choice will affect your daily life and your home’s value for years. The best flooring balances current budget with long-term value, and looks with practical use. This detailed information helps you make a choice that will serve you well over time.

FAQS

Q1. What flooring trends are popular in 2025? In 2025, mixed materials are trending. Combining textures like wood with stone-like porcelain tiles or incorporating metallic inlays into luxury vinyl flooring adds depth and character to spaces.

Q2. Which flooring type adds the most value to a home? Solid hardwood flooring typically adds the most value to a home. It can increase property value by 3-5% and is highly sought after by potential buyers for its durability and timeless appeal.

Q3. Is it better to invest in lower or higher floor apartments? For investment purposes, lower floor apartments often have better resale value and rental demand compared to higher floors in high-rise buildings.

Q4. How many types of flooring should I use throughout my house? It’s generally recommended to limit yourself to two or three types of flooring for your entire house. This creates a cohesive look while still allowing for practical variations between rooms.

Q5. What are some eco-friendly flooring options? Bamboo, cork, and linoleum are excellent eco-friendly flooring choices. Bamboo is highly sustainable, cork offers natural insulation properties, and linoleum is made from renewable materials and is biodegradable.

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11 Types of Flooring That Add Value to Your Home in 2025

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