Picking the perfect flooring for your home can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to balancing style and practicality. But did you know that hardwood flooring, the holy grail of home flooring, might not be the best option for every home? For pet owners and parents, laminate or vinyl flooring may be the better choice. Here are some essential factors to keep in mind when choosing from these three popular flooring options.

Hardwood Flooring

If you're a fan of home renovation shows, you'll know that hardwood flooring is quite popular. It's no surprise, really: hardwood floors are a classic and stylish choice. This material is also durable and long-lasting. Unlike other types of flooring, you can even refinish hardwood floors if they get damaged or you want to change up the look. Although the process of updating hardwood can be a bit involved and pricey, it’s a good choice for a home you’ll be in for years.

Pros of Hardwood Floors

• Attractive, classic option with good return on investment

• Refinishable, so you can repair or recolor in the future

Cons of Hardwood Floors

• Refinishing and maintaining can be expensive

• Not water resistant

• Prone to scratching

Before you opt for hardwood flooring, consider the practicalities of your lifestyle. If you're a pet owner or have young children, you may want to reconsider, as hardwood is more susceptible to scratches and stains. Pets can (and should) have a big impact on your choice of flooring. Even the most trimmed claws can scratch the floor. The surface can also be quite slippery for dogs and cats. Senior pets, especially, might find it challenging to navigate such a hard and slick surface, which could cause joint or hip issues.

If you live in a flood-prone area, you'll want to steer clear of this flooring because water damage can be irreversible. If the worst does happen and your floors are damaged, you'll need to replace the boards instead of just sanding them down.

Despite these areas to consider, hardwood floors remain a popular choice for homeowners. Not only do these floors elevate the aesthetic of any home, but they also could offer a significant return on investment. When you’re looking for flooring options, don't discount the beauty and long-term value of hardwood floors.

Laminate Flooring

Are you tired of cringing every time you look at ugly, outdated laminate flooring? You're not alone. But don't give up on this flooring option yet. Thanks to modern advancements, laminate flooring has undergone a complete transformation. Gone are the days of easily scratched, dull-looking floors.

Laminate is now incredibly durable, resistant to fading, and easy to keep clean. There are also countless styles and colors to choose from, so you’ll definitely be able to find exactly what fits your unique home.

While laminate flooring is a practical choice, note that it doesn't offer the same “wow” factor as hardwood floors. Depending on the brand and cost of the laminate, the material can look cheap. In these situations, this option doesn’t have the statement-making look that hardwood does, for example. In addition, laminate flooring may be budget-friendly, but it's not eco-friendly.

Pros of Laminate Floors

• Durable, scratch-resistant

• Easy to clean

• Safe for more water-prone areas

Cons of Laminate Floors

• Can fade, though modern floors are fade resistant

• Not as elevated of a finish as hardwood

• Not eco-friendly

Vinyl Flooring

With its scratch-resistant qualities and easy-to-clean nature, vinyl flooring now boasts an elevated look that can impress. You can also mix and match a hardwood surface with a vinyl backing or go all in with the vinyl and opt for a high-quality option.

Plus, if you're a DIY-er, the floating type of vinyl flooring is easy to install–no messy glue or foam underlayment required. With vinyl flooring, you can have a beautiful and sustainable home.

Pros of Vinyl Floors

• Durable, scratch-resistant

• Easy to clean

• Safe for more water-prone areas

• Easier to install

• Come in more elevated finishes like hardwood surfaces

Cons of Vinyl Floors

• Not as elevated of a finish as hardwood

• May be more expensive than laminate

Selecting the perfect flooring for your new construction home is crucial. Although the number of options can seem daunting, remember to stick with what complements your lifestyle, family, and design aesthetic. Create a space you'll love to live in. Discover stunning floor plans and check out Pulte's new home communities today!