1. What is Your Budget?
The first thing to determine is your budget range. Knowing how much you’re comfortable spending can help narrow down the types of materials available to you and make the selection process much easier.
The final cost of professional flooring installation depends on the materials you choose, the size of the space, and local labor rates. To help you plan your budget, here are a few 2026 industry pricing averages for popular flooring materials:1
- Hardwood - $6–$25 per sq. ft.*
- Tile - $15–$20 per sq. ft.*
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) - $2–$14 per sq. ft.*
- Laminate - $2–$13 per sq. ft.*
- Stone - $6–$20 per sq. ft.*
*These prices are averages that can vary. They are provided for informational purposes only and are not guarantees or official quotes from Footprints Floors.
2. Who (and What) Will Be Using the Floors?
This is an important question to ask because it can influence the durability you should be looking for in your flooring.
Homes with young children and pets, for example, could benefit more from durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean flooring options. These include materials like:
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Easy to clean and highly scratch-resistant with the right wear layer.
- Tile Flooring: Extremely durable and water-resistant. One of the best options for spills and moisture concerns.
- Laminate Flooring: A budget-friendly, durable flooring option that is scratch-resistant and well-suited for high-traffic areas.
On the other hand, an older couple or empty nesters may want to prioritize appearance, comfort, and luxury finishes over maximum durability. These can include:
- Stone: Very elegant, with a high-end appearance and unique natural variations that add character to a space.
- Hardwood Flooring: A warm, inviting classic material known for its natural beauty and long-term value.
3. What Is the Moisture Level in The Room?
Some flooring types handle water and humidity much better than others. Choosing the wrong material for a moisture-prone space can lead to issues like warping or swelling, which usually require professional repairs and, in some cases, full replacement.
Below is a breakdown of the 3 most common rooms and recommendations for the best materials based on their water resistance and durability qualities:
- Bathrooms: Tile and stone are typically the best choices. LVP is 100% waterproof, making it a good option if you want the appearance of hardwood, but it likely will not last as long as tile options.
- Kitchens: Tile, stone, and LVP are popular choices because they can withstand spills and frequent cleaning. Laminate is another option, but it’s important to choose waterproof varieties if you’re considering it for a kitchen.
- Living Rooms, Bedrooms, & Dining Rooms: Hardwood is one of the most popular choices because moisture and water exposure are usually minimal.
4. How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?
Each flooring material has different maintenance requirements, including cleaning frequency, long-term upkeep, and potential repair needs. It’s important to consider how much time and effort you’re realistically willing to dedicate to floor upkeep so you don’t feel overwhelmed by the demand over time:
- Hardwood Flooring: Sweeping or vacuuming is recommended 2–4 times per week, along with occasional cleaning using a manufacturer-approved wood floor cleaner. Over time, hardwood floors may need professional refinishing to restore their appearance.
- Tile Flooring: Requires sweeping several times per week and mopping every 1–2 weeks to remove dirt and debris. Grout lines may also need deep cleaning or resealing to maintain their appearance and prevent staining.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) Flooring: One of the easiest flooring materials to maintain. Routine sweeping or vacuuming 1–3 times per week with occasional mopping is usually enough to keep LVP looking clean and in good condition.
- Laminate Flooring: Requires regular sweeping or vacuuming and should be cleaned with minimal moisture to avoid damage. Waterproof laminate options are generally easier to maintain over time.
- Stone Flooring: Needs routine cleaning with stone-safe products. Depending on the type of stone, sealing may be recommended every 6–12 months to protect against moisture, stains, and surface wear.
5. Are You Planning to Sell Soon or in the Future?
If selling your home is a possibility, it’s smart to consider flooring materials with broad buyer appeal. While trendy flooring styles may match your personal taste, timeless, durable materials like hardwood are often more attractive to potential buyers and can help improve resale value.2
Guidance From Flooring Experts
If you need additional guidance on choosing floors for your lifestyle, the team at Footprints Floors of Northern Atlanta can help.
After you schedule a free consultation, we’ll assess your project area and ask questions about your budget, maintenance preferences, and day-to-day needs. From there, we’ll provide personalized flooring recommendations and suggest trusted suppliers where you can shop for materials that fit your goals and vision for your home.
