A Quick Look at the Pros and Cons of Common Flooring Options
by Lorraine Watkins

Ready to change your flooring? Here's a quick rundown of three flooring options.

Carpets and Rugs
Pros: Available in thousands of colors, designs and patterns, carpets and rugs come in a variety of textiles including silk, wool, cotton, nylon, polyester, sisal, hemp, and blends. From wall-to-wall, to area rugs and runners, carpets and rugs come in all shapes and sizes. Carpets and rugs keep floors warm and feet comfortable, and they are the most easily changed type of flooring.
Cons: Carpets and rugs are more difficult and expensive to spot and deep clean than most other kinds of flooring. Because of this, they are not the best choice for people with dust or pet allergies. Fabric based floor coverings are also prone to retain moisture, so they are not the first choice for excessively humid locations.
Price range: from less than $1.00/square foot (sf) for synthetic carpet to hundreds or even thousands of dollars/sf for handmade rugs.

Hardwood Flooring
Pros: Hardwood flooring comes in colors straight from nature and whether oak, maple, teak, cherry, or other woods, are neutrals which set off the walls and furniture around them. Hardwood floors are not trendy; both old and new homes feature hardwood floors. Hardwood is easy to keep clean, especially when sealed. If damaged, hardwood floors can usually be repaired or restored. Hardwood is one of the most durable choices in flooring, often outlasting the house in which it serves.
Cons: Although wood is a potentially renewable resource, the market has not yet shown a willingness to pay more for responsibly grown and harvested lumber, although it is available. So, a hardwood floor is often not an eco-friendly choice.
Price range: averages between $3.50-$17.00 square foot.

Vinyl and Linoleum Flooring
Pros: Vinyl and linoleum flooring have come a long way from their homey roots. Available in sheets and tiles, these materials hold up well and come in a wide selection of contemporary colors and patterns. Both are good choices for high traffic areas because they are easily cleaned.
Cons: If a tear occurs in sheet vinyl or linoleum, it can be difficult to repair. Vinyl and linoleum lack the tactile luxe of hardwood or fabric floor coverings.
Price range: averages $0.80-$6.00 square foot.

Sources:
Carpet and Rug Institute
Home Flooring

About the Author
Lorraine Watkins is a freelance business writer and marketing consultant. She is a graduate of California State University, East Bay with an MA in English.