What is the best flooring for the whole house?

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): best for whole-house value. Waterproof, durable, realistic wood looks, comfortable underfoot, and the most affordable option that works in every room (including bathrooms and basements). Cost: $3-$8/sq ft installed. Hardwood: best for home value. Adds the most resale value but cannot be used in bathrooms or basements. Cost: $6-$15/sq ft. Best strategy: hardwood or LVP in main living areas, tile in bathrooms, and carpet in bedrooms. This combination maximizes both comfort and resale value.

How much does new flooring cost?

Per sq ft installed: carpet: $2-$8. Laminate: $2-$6. LVP: $3-$8. Engineered hardwood: $5-$14. Solid hardwood: $6-$15. Tile: $5-$20. Natural stone: $10-$30. Whole house (1,500 sq ft): LVP: $4,500-$12,000. Hardwood: $9,000-$22,500. The biggest cost variable: labor. DIY installation saves 40-60% on many flooring types (LVP, laminate, carpet tiles, and some engineered hardwood have click-lock systems designed for DIY).

LVP vs hardwood — which is better?

LVP pros: 100% waterproof, more affordable ($3-$8 vs $6-$15/sq ft), easier to install (DIY click-lock), works in every room (including basements and bathrooms), and scratch-resistant. LVP cons: cannot be refinished (must be replaced when worn), does not add as much home value as hardwood, and shorter lifespan (15-25 years vs 50-100 years). Hardwood pros: adds the most resale value, can be refinished multiple times, timeless appearance, and longest lifespan. Hardwood cons: not waterproof (cannot use in bathrooms or basements), more expensive, and scratches more easily. For most homeowners: LVP is the practical choice. For resale value: hardwood in main living areas.

What is the most durable flooring?

By durability ranking: porcelain tile (50+ years, nearly indestructible), solid hardwood (50-100+ years with refinishing), natural stone (50+ years), engineered hardwood (25-50 years), LVP (15-25 years), laminate (15-25 years), and carpet (8-15 years). For high-traffic areas: porcelain tile or LVP. For families with kids and pets: LVP (waterproof, scratch-resistant, and soft underfoot). For maximum long-term value: solid hardwood (refinish every 7-10 years for a like-new floor that lasts generations).

Article

Flooring

Flooring Guide: Types, Cost & Best Options by Room

Lumberama Editorial Team, Flooring & Home Improvement Specialists Sep 14, 2026 12 min read

Flooring Types

Solid hardwood: Real wood throughout (3/4 inch thick). Can be sanded and refinished multiple times. Adds the most home value. Species: oak (most popular), maple, hickory, walnut, cherry. Cost: $6-$15/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 50-100+ years (with refinishing). Not recommended for: basements, bathrooms, and below-grade rooms (moisture damages solid wood).

Engineered hardwood: Real wood veneer (1-6 mm) over plywood layers. More dimensionally stable than solid (handles humidity better). Can be refinished 1-3 times (depends on veneer thickness). Cost: $5-$14/sq ft installed. Can be installed in basements and over concrete.

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP): The fastest-growing flooring category. 100% waterproof. Realistic wood or stone looks. Comfortable underfoot. Easy click-lock installation (DIY-friendly). Cost: $3-$8/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 15-25 years. Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and any room with moisture risk.

Laminate: Photographic image of wood over a fiberboard core. Affordable and durable. NOT waterproof (the fiberboard core swells if wet). Cost: $2-$6/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 15-25 years. Best for: bedrooms, living rooms, and dry areas.

Porcelain and ceramic tile: Waterproof, extremely durable, and available in countless styles. Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant than ceramic. Cold and hard underfoot (pair with radiant heat for comfort). Cost: $5-$20/sq ft installed. Lifespan: 50+ years. Best for: bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and mudrooms.

Carpet: Warm, soft, and quiet. Best for bedrooms and low-traffic areas. Types: nylon (most durable), polyester (softest), and olefin (budget). Cost: $2-$8/sq ft installed (including pad). Lifespan: 8-15 years.

Natural stone: Marble, slate, travertine, limestone. Unique, luxurious appearance. Requires sealing. Cost: $10-$30/sq ft installed.

Bamboo: Eco-friendly (fast-growing grass). Hardness varies by manufacturing method. Strand-woven bamboo is harder than most hardwoods. Cost: $4-$10/sq ft installed.

Best Flooring by Room

Kitchen: Best: LVP or porcelain tile. Both are waterproof and durable. LVP is warmer and softer underfoot. Tile is harder but lasts longer.

Bathroom: Best: porcelain tile or LVP. Never use: hardwood, laminate, or carpet.

Living room: Best: solid or engineered hardwood (adds the most value), LVP (budget-friendly alternative).

Bedroom: Best: carpet (warmth and comfort), hardwood with area rug, or LVP.

Basement: Best: LVP (waterproof and handles moisture). Acceptable: tile, engineered hardwood (if dry). Never: solid hardwood or laminate.

Entryway/mudroom: Best: porcelain tile (handles dirt, water, and heavy traffic).

Laundry room: Best: LVP or tile (waterproof is essential).

Costs

Per square foot (installed): Carpet: $2-$8. Laminate: $2-$6. LVP: $3-$8. Engineered hardwood: $5-$14. Solid hardwood: $6-$15. Ceramic tile: $5-$15. Porcelain tile: $6-$20. Natural stone: $10-$30.

Average room (200 sq ft): Carpet: $400-$1,600. Laminate: $400-$1,200. LVP: $600-$1,600. Engineered hardwood: $1,000-$2,800. Solid hardwood: $1,200-$3,000. Tile: $1,000-$4,000.

Whole house (1,500 sq ft): Carpet: $3,000-$12,000. LVP: $4,500-$12,000. Hardwood: $9,000-$22,500. Tile: $7,500-$30,000.