Which Flooring is Right for You?

Underfoot Decisions: Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home

Flooring may be the unsung hero of home design—it quietly sets the tone, withstands the chaos of daily life, and significantly impacts the comfort and style of every room. When it comes to choosing the perfect surface, there’s more at play than just picking what looks good in a sample square. Let’s walk through three popular contenders: luxury vinyl, hardwood, and carpet.

1. Luxury Vinyl: The Shape-Shifter of Surfaces

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) has had a serious glow-up in recent years. It mimics wood, stone, or tile with stunning realism, yet it’s budget-friendly and exceptionally durable. Waterproof options make it a dream for kitchens, bathrooms, and homes with pets or children who like to "decorate" with juice.

Pros:

·         Water-resistant or waterproof

·         Easy to clean and maintain

·         Softer underfoot than tile or hardwood

Great value for the look 

Cons:

·         Can feel less “authentic” underfoot compared to natural materials

·         May not boost resale value like real wood

2. Hardwood: Timeless, Elegant, and a Bit High-Maintenance

There’s nothing quite like real wood flooring. From warm oaks to dramatic walnuts, hardwood adds character and elegance to a space and can last for generations—if you're willing to baby it a little.

Pros:

·         Classic and high-end look

·         Long-lasting and can be refinished

·         Increases resale value

Cons:

·         Susceptible to water damage, dents, and scratches

·         Often more expensive (materials and installation)

·         Requires ongoing care

3. Carpet: Cozy Comfort with Personality

Carpet has come a long way from the beige wall-to-wall of the ‘90s. It now comes in a wild range of patterns, textures, and performance fabrics. It’s especially beloved in bedrooms and basements, where softness underfoot matters most.

Pros:

·         Warm, quiet, and soft—great for kids and bedrooms

·         Wide style and color options

·         More affordable to install

Cons:

·         Stains and odors can be hard to remove

·         Requires regular vacuuming and deep cleaning

·         Not ideal for allergy sufferers

 

Which One Wins?

There’s no universal “best” flooring—just the best fit for your lifestyle, taste, and budget. Love the look of wood but need something waterproof for a busy household? Luxury vinyl is your best friend. Want lasting elegance? Wood's your bet. Craving comfort and softness? Carpet's calling.

Flooring is more than a material choice; it’s about how you live, and how you want your home to feel. Choose something that supports your life—and your style—from the ground up.

For our project, we went with natural hardwood. We have no kids in the house, an older dog, and the access point from the pool and backyard is on a more durable surface like tile. So, for our lifestyle, wood just made sense.