Consumer Reports
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- Solid wood: Costs about $5-$10 per square foot. Solid wood is nice because it has a timeless, natural look and it can be refinished many times. On the downside, it does dent easily and it is not easy to install. Solid wood floors can change color due to UV light and can be water damaged easily as well. Bamboo is more costly than solid wood but it does seem to hold up better to wear and tear.
- Engineered wood: Costs about $4-$9 per square foot. The great thing about this flooring is that it does cost less than solid wood but it still looks natural and adds warmth to the home. Using wide planks provides a modern look and it also can make a room look larger. Another positive is that many times, this material can be floated without glue or fasteners. Cons include the fact that engineered wood still dents fairly easily and can also be damaged by flooding. Also, they usually can’t be refinished since they are composed of a veneer over substrate.
- Laminate: $3-$7 per square foot. Laminate is a very durable flooring option and can appear to be a variety of natural materials. Often times laminate can be floated as well. Many laminate options are stain resistant and also resist UV damage. Cons for laminate: most laminates dent easily and this flooring can’t be refinished.
- Vinyl: $2-$6 per square foot. Vinyl is durable yet still comfortable to walk on. Some vinyls can float and many of them look similar to real wood or stone. If you are installing vinyl yourself, try to choose planks or tiles instead of sheets that need to be precisely cut. Keep in mind that off-gassing may be a concern for homes with young kids and even the best vinyl products still look like vinyl up close.
- Linoleum: $4-$8 per square foot. Linoleum is made to look like stone and other natural flooring and it’s made of tree bark and linseed oil. The best linoleum products are very scratch, stain, and fade resistant. Although linoleum is a great option, some vinyl products wear better and can be installed easier for the same price as linoleum.
- Ceramic tile: $8-$15 per square foot; $5-$8 for products that can be floated. Ceramic tile is a great authentic flooring option and is composed of minerals. Using ceramic tile that can be floated is easier to install and more cost effective. Although ceramic tile can create a very sleek look, it can be cracked easily from dropped items.