Tiling Flooring – Easily the most durable option on the list, tile flooring can withstand almost anything Mother Nature throws at it except for bending. For this reason, this type of flooring is best installed on concrete subsurfaces on the first floor of a home. It is also an excellent choice for entryways, bathrooms, kitchens or any other space that may be infiltrated by water.

Vinyl Flooring – Vinyl tile is the flooring of choice for large areas due to its affordability. For example, a large basement or garage can be attractively covered at a fraction of the price of other flooring types. In addition, it cleans quite easily, requires little maintenance and can be repaired without having to take up large portions of the floor.

Laminate Flooring – Another relatively affordable – but, to many folks, a far more aesthetically pleasing choice than vinyl – option is laminate flooring. Laminate looks and feels like true hardwood flooring but without the high acquisition and installation costs. In addition, laminate is also far easier to maintain and repair than solid wood flooring. In short, it is a great mid-price flooring option.

Carpeting – All of the “hard” types of flooring are an excellent choice for well-used and high-traffic areas but nothing beats the warm feel of a plush carpet in the bedroom or family room on a cold winter night. The “indoor/outdoor” variety is also quite durable and a great choice for entryway transition areas that are sometimes exposed to the elements.

Hardwood Flooring – For those homeowners with an eye for aesthetic detail – and the wherewithal to satisfy that desire – solid hardwood flooring is the way to go. It is available in an amazing variety of widths, colors and types. A homeowner can even opt for hardwood flooring recovered from older homes for a truly unique look – just be prepared to pay a premium for it.