Carpet Carpet is plush, soft and warm, making it a comfortable option for chilly climates and rooms where you’ll be padding around in bare feet. It’s gentle on pets, kids and anyone who could use a little extra cushion. And the extra thickness creates a sound barrier. This is a very affordable flooring option at $2 to $7 per square foot. But most homeowners have their carpets professionally installed, which adds to the cost. Carpet traps dirt, dust and dander, so it’s a poor choice for those with allergies. It also requires a significant amount of maintenance, including regular vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning. Most modern carpet is synthetic and lasts up to 15 years or longer if it’s well-cared for.
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Ceramic or porcelain tile
Bamboo Bamboo shares many of the benefits and drawbacks of hardwood. But because the bamboo plant is a fast-growing, renewable resource, it’s much more environmentally friendly. This product is slightly more water resistant than hardwood, but humidity, mold and water damage are still dangers. Bamboo can scratch, but it’s tougher than most woods as well. Most bamboo floors can be refinished.
There are horizontal and vertical grains available. Most natural bamboo has a light blond or amber color. But you can choose carbonized bamboo in a variety of shades. Just note that carbonized bamboo scratches more easily. Bamboo floors are quite affordable — $2-$6 per square foot for materials. But you’ll likely need to add installation to your total cost. Most bamboo floors require nails and glue (and professional installation), although DIYers can handle some interlocking floating floor options. Like hardwood, bamboo can add value to a home at resale. So the costs might be worth it.
48 Lake & Home Magazine MARCH / APRIL 2021
This is one of the toughest and most durable flooring options on the market. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made by firing clay in a kiln. The main difference is that porcelain is harder, denser and less porous. Porcelain is also usually more expensive, but still surprisingly affordable. You can find attractive, high quality tile in a plethora of colors, shapes and patterns for less than $5 per square foot. But installation is labor intensive and complex. Homeowners must make sure the floor can support the tile’s weight. (Tile can be too heavy for upper stories.) Then they must prep the subfloor, glue tiles, apply adhesive, keep everything straight and even and fill the space between tiles with grout. Most opt to pay for professional installation instead.