Make certain that the flooring contractor is licensed and insured. Ask to view their credentials and verify that their license is active and in good standing with the CSLB. Request references and review the installer's portfolio of completed projects to assess the quality of their work.
Apply “The Rule of Three” to Home Flooring
This rule says you should use three flooring types at maximum throughout the whole home. For example, you might use hardwood in public areas of the house, except the kitchen and bathroom, where you use vinyl linoleum.
As a rule, the fewer synthetic materials they contain, the better. That's why solid wood flooring is a better option than engineered or laminate. Likewise, all-natural linoleum and cork are superior to vinyl.
While costs are similar, the value of premium vinyl far exceeds that of laminate based on quality and value. Unlike laminate, premium vinyl is durable and stable, resistant to moisture and climate, and is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is restricted to light traffic and low moisture applications.
Not moisture-proof
Being made of wood, laminate flooring is not impervious to the effects of moisture. Therefore, it's not suitable as a hard flooring for bathrooms and should be used with caution in kitchens or laundries. Light surface water for cleaning shouldn't cause issues, but saturation must be avoided.
Conclusion: What Flooring is Best Value for Money
For the best balance of affordability, durability, and looks, consider luxury vinyl plank (LVP).
Top 6 Most Popular Flooring in New Homes 2025. The most popular flooring in new homes is wood floors, including prefinished hardwood, unfinished hardwood, and engineered wood followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and luxury vinyl planks.
Buy the amount of flooring needed, plus another 20-percent. This number is comprised of the 100-percent of flooring needed to cover the area, plus as much as 15-percent to account for installation wastage and 5-percent to account for defective materials.
The best pattern to lay vinyl plank flooring is a staggered or offset pattern. This method involves positioning each plank so that the seams do not align, creating a natural, visually appealing look.
Matching flooring is often recommended because it creates a seamless finish and better flow throughout your home. However, when it comes to interior design rules for flooring, there are no hard and fast rules — if you like mixing flooring or think your interior design could benefit from it, go for it.
What Flooring Adds the Most Value? Hardwood flooring has long been the top choice for homebuyers and remains so today. According to Realtor.com, installing new hardwood floors may increase a home's value by as much as 2.5%, though some realtors place that figure at 6 to 10% or more.
Request references your installer. Check their online reviews. An installer's reputation and years of experience should be considered before hiring someone. If you're installing vinyl plank flooring, you'll want to know about the installer's experience with installing vinyl plank flooring and not just tile or carpet.
As a rule of thumb, the most expensive floors have the better locking systems which make them easier to fit and they also have the thicker, longer lasting wear layer - please keep reading to get more detail!
However, vinyl flooring often takes the lead in environments prone to moisture or heavy foot traffic, thanks to its water-resistant and sometimes fully waterproof nature. Laminate flooring, while durable and scratch-resistant, is better suited for areas with less exposure to moisture.
Does vinyl flooring devalue a home? It's possible. While vinyl plank floors are affordable and versatile, they might not boost your home's resale value like hardwood or tile would.
Do builders use luxury vinyl in high end homes? Hardwood flooring is typically the most popular choice for high end homes. However, some extremely discerning customers request vinyl, particularly if they have children, due to its increased durability.
By far, the longest-lasting surfacing material is natural wood flooring. As a hard, natural material, wood can last a very long time with the proper maintenance and care. This means adjusting the lay of the wood every so often, sanding it down every, and ensuring that the wood doesn't get damp during the winter.
Standard residential thickness between (1/4 inch / 6.5mm) and (3/8 inch / 9.5mm) works great in most homes, while the thickest vinyl plank flooring at (5/8 inch / 15mm) provides maximum protection and sound reduction.
Because the inner core of the material is made with wood or fiberboard that is susceptible to moisture damage, installations in any room with a floor drain or sump pump should be avoided. This also applies to bathrooms and laundry rooms; however, kitchen installation is more feasible.
Yes, vinyl floors are remarkably inexpensive and look like they're made of real wood, but choosing them can actually cost a homeowner much more in the long run. Some disadvantages of vinyl flooring include: Cannot be repaired. Can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Shorter lifespan than wood floors.