Comparing Different Flooring Materials

Besides being a design decision, choosing the right flooring product in Denver is an investment in your comfort, lifestyle and your home’s long-term value. There are so many options available! From hardwood to vinyl, the choice can be overwhelming, especially when you have to choose the material that best suits your needs.

At Denver Carpet & Flooring, we’ve guided thousands of Denver homeowners through this exact decision. Let’s start by comparing four of the most popular flooring materials: hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile. This overview will help you make a confident decision for your home.

Factors to Consider When Shopping for Flooring

Before you start shopping around, you have to take a couple factors into account. Consider the following:

  • Durability: Can the floors handle kids, pets and daily wear?
  • Maintenance: Do you prefer low-maintenance surfaces or are you comfortable with some upkeep?
  • Style: Hardwood and tile are timeless. Meanwhile, laminate and vinyl provide versatility on a budget.
  • Cost: Think about the upfront investment and the long-term value.
  • Installation: Some materials like laminate are DIY-friendly. Meanwhile, others like tile often require professional installation.
  • Room Needs: Bathrooms offer moisture resistance, while living rooms benefit from warmth and entryways demand durability.

When you walk into the flooring store, you shouldn’t go for the first option you see. Take some time to assess your needs and don’t feel pressured into buying something you don’t need.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood has long been a staple of Denver homes because of its elegance and value. With proper care, it can last for decades and in some cases, increase your home’s resale value. With time, hardwood develops a rich character that you won’t find with any other material.

However, hardwood is also among the more expensive options. It requires ongoing maintenance such as refinishing, and it’s vulnerable to moisture and scratches. It isn’t ideal for homes with pets or heavy traffic. Use it in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where aesthetics come first.

Laminate Flooring

Choose laminate if you’re after the look of hardwood without the high price tag. It resists scratches, is easy to maintain and is a great choice for homes with kids or pets. The majority of homeowners love how laminate is simple to install and can be used for DIY projects.

Unfortunately, while water-resistant, laminate flooring isn’t waterproof. It’s durable and affordable, but it doesn’t carry the same long-term value as hardwood. It’s great for bedrooms, family rooms, or any space where you want the appearance of wood without the hefty cost.

Vinyl/Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

Vinyl flooring, more specifically luxury vinyl plank (LVP), has become a go-to option for modern households. It has a dense waterproof core that makes it a good choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements. It’s also simple to clean and comes in several designs that can mimic hardwood or stone with impressive realism.

On the other hand, vinyl tends to dent under heavy furniture. It’s also less eco-friendly because it’s usually made from synthetic materials. Despite this, vinyl flooring is still comfortable underfoot and offers the perfect balance of affordability and performance for families. High-traffic and moisture-prone spaces like kitchens, laundry rooms and bathrooms benefit from it. 

Tile Flooring

Tile is one of the toughest, most durable flooring options on the market. It can resist scratches, stains and water, which helps it last in the busiest of spaces. Additionally, tile is low-maintenance and available in several styles, ranging from sleek modern looks to rustic finishes. 

Even with its amazing qualities, tile flooring has its tradeoffs. It can feel cold and hard underfoot and installation is often complex, which requires professional attention. If durability is your top priority, tile flooring comes out on top. That’s why it’s quickly become a staple of bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and mudrooms.

How to Choose the Right Floor for Your Home

There isn’t a universal “best” flooring material. It comes down to your needs. For example, if you have pets or kids, laminate or vinyl might make the most sense. Meanwhile, humid spaces will benefit from waterproof options like vinyl or tile. When it comes to long-term value and elegance, hardwood is worth the investment. At Denver Carpet & Flooring, we provide professional flooring services in Denver to help you find the perfect fit for your home

As the leading flooring contractor in Denver, we help you make a decision by bringing the showroom to your living room with our shop at home service. You’ll see samples in your space with your lighting and decor so you can be confident in your choice. 

Let Style Meet Practicality

Flooring is the key to the design and functionality of your home. Hardwood offers natural beauty, laminate provides affordable style, vinyl balances performance and comfort and tile delivers unbeatable durability. At Denver Carpet & Flooring, we help you find the right flooring for your needs without the gimmicks. You can turn to us for honest, reliable shop-at-home service.


Ready to compare these flooring options in person? Schedule your free in-home consultation with Denver Carpet & Flooring today to find the perfect fit for your home!

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