How many types of flooring should be in a house?

Author: Derick Sporer  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

In open floor plans, it's generally best to use a single type of flooring across the entire space to create a seamless and unified look. This approach helps in maintaining a visual flow and makes the area feel larger and more cohesive.

How many different floors should you have in a house?

The 'Less than Three' Rule. Having more than two different types of floors colliding with one another is confusing to the eyes and may make your space seem cluttered or mismatched. When making your design choices, do not exceed more than two different types of material per floor of your home.

Is it OK to have 3 different types of flooring?

Not only is it ok, it's part of an unwritten rule that any realtor will tell you. On any floor of your house, you should NEVER have more than 3 variations of flooring. This can go into detail, but basically picture this:

What is the rule of 3 flooring?

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.

Should I have the same flooring throughout my house?

Make Sure It's an Exact Match

There's nothing wrong with using the same flooring throughout your home. There's nothing wrong with using different floorings. But what you don't want to do is use two that are almost the same, but not quite.

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Is it OK to mix flooring types?

Mixing flooring types can add depth and interest to any space, but it's important to take the time to select the right colors, textures, and flooring types to create the look you want. By wisely and creatively incorporating different types of flooring, you can create a stylish and cohesive look and feel in your home.

What's better, LVP or laminate?

Summary. LVP is the clear winner when it comes to overall color selection and lifetime waterproofing, whereas flood-rated Laminate offers better overall durability and pricing. The thickness of Laminate flooring reduces the need for sub-floor prep.

Can you have two different floors next to each other?

To install two different shades of hardwood, a good rule of thumb is to go dark with one and light on the other. You can also get by with medium-dark and medium-light. An example is mahogany next to maple or white oak. Do be sure the hues don't clash though.

What is the 3 4 5 rule flooring?

Put a mark on the board at the 3 feet point. Now, measure the adjacent board from the same corner to 4 feet and put a mark there. Then, measure the distance between the two marks. If it is 5 feet, then you have a perfectly square corner.

What classic flooring never goes out of style?

Wooden flooring is a type of flooring that never goes out of style. After all, the planks bring nature's beauty to the inside of your home. That being said, thousands of wood species can be used to create hardwood floors.

What is #1 common flooring?

1 common oak. A flooring product characterized by prominent color variation that also contains prominent characters (with size limits) such as knots, open checks, worm holes, along with machining and drying variations. No. 1 Common is a tasteful floor where prominent variation is expected.

How do you coordinate different types of flooring?

Here are some tips on how to mix and match different types of flooring to create a beautiful and unique home.
  1. Choose A Consistent Theme. ...
  2. Limit The Number Of Different Types Of Flooring. ...
  3. Use A Transition Piece. ...
  4. Create Zones With Different Flooring. ...
  5. Be Mindful Of Light And Colour.

What floor gives more value to a house?

The more expensive flooring upgrades yield the highest returns and appeal most to homebuyers. And hardwood is the clear winner, followed by engineered hardwood and tile. Carpet and luxury vinyl tiles add comparable value, though vinyl is the cheapest option.

What flooring looks best next to hardwood?

Striking Contrasts: The Beauty of Natural Stone

Natural stone stands tall as an outstanding choice when looking for a flooring option that exudes sophistication and provides a stunning contrast to your hardwood floors. Materials like marble, granite, or slate create a sense of luxury and unparalleled visual impact.

Do all floors in a house have to match?

There are both pros and cons to using the same flooring throughout the house. In some cases, having uniform flooring is more practical. But there are also instances where using different types of flooring is more advantageous. Ultimately, it all boils down to your preference and circumstances.

How do you transition different levels of flooring?

There are two different options when the floor height varies. You can either create a mini-step or blend the levels together. Blending is only an option when there's a slight variation in height. In most cases a mini-step will be the most practical and aesthetic option.

How many layers of flooring is OK?

Typically, your flooring will be made up of four different layers. Each of these layers plays a distinct part in keeping your flooring in tact. In some cases, only three flooring layers are necessary. Likewise, in other, more rare cases, you'll see more than four layers.

Should all my floors be the same?

Can I mix different types of flooring in my home? Yes, mixing different types of flooring can be a great way to define spaces and create visual interest. However, it's important to ensure that the different flooring types complement each other in terms of color and style.

Can I put vinyl flooring next to hardwood?

But is it possible to install vinyl against hardwood? That's where coordinating comes into play. The key to great flooring is to pay attention to the transition. Transition strips connect two different types of flooring together, so they blend well as you move from one to another.

Should the bathroom floor match the rest of the house?

While it might be tempting to match these materials with the rest of the house for consistency, it's not always necessary or practical, especially if other rooms have different functional requirements.

What are the negatives to vinyl plank flooring?

Firstly, it can be difficult to install and may require professional help. Secondly, vinyl plank flooring is not as durable as other types of flooring such as hardwood or tile. It is also prone to scratching and denting from heavy furniture or objects being dragged across the surface.

What is the best waterproof flooring?

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring is one of the best waterproof and scratch-proof flooring options. It gives a natural hardwood look and offers great durability and resistance to water and scratches. Luxury Vinyl Plank is made up of multiple layers, including a tough top layer that protects against scratches and dents.

What is the downside to laminate flooring?

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.

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