A picture of a couple looking through design catalogs on beautiful flooring - find floors that fit your lifestyle with this question guide from Footprints Floors Grand Rapids, MI.

5 Lifestyle-Based Questions to Answer Before Choosing New Floors in Grand Rapids, MI

May 07, 2026

While you may be dreaming of hardwood or stone flooring, there is a lot more than aesthetics to consider when choosing the right material. In this guide, you’ll find questions you can ask yourself to narrow down your options and choose the best flooring material for your budget, cleaning preferences, and more.

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 Grand Rapids / Lansing 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.

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Key Takeaways

Deciding on your budget early helps narrow down flooring materials and make the selection process easier.
Durable, water-resistant flooring options like tile and LVP are the best choices for homes with kids and pets.
Each flooring material has different maintenance requirements and long-term value considerations.
Footprints Floors can guide you through material selection and help you find flooring that works best for your day-to-day living.

What is Your Budget?
Who (and What) Will Be Using the Floors?
What is The Moisture Level in the Room?
How Much Maintenance Are You Willing to Do?
Are you Planning to Sell Soon or in the Future?

Todd Spoelma

Eastern Grand Rapids / Lansing Owner

Todd Spoelma is the proud owner of Footprints Floors Grand Rapids. Currently, Todd is primarily serving the Grand Rapids metro area, however his territory spans from Western Michigan, down to Kalamazoo, all the way to Lansing! With plans on expansion in the years to come, Todd is first and foremost pursuing excellence in his immediate community. With a varied background in sales, management and IT, Todd also has a great understanding of managing properties, remodeling homes, and general contracting with regards to residential applications. With this skill set, Todd is quickly making Footprints Floors Grand Rapids into an industry leader! Being in the roles of a business owner and operator, required the learning and understanding of industry standards for the trade. Todd brings that knowledge and expertise to his customers now with his business, Footprints Floors Grand Rapids. Todd’s primary goal is to provide each and every customer with knowledge, support, and excellent customer service. To him, satisfaction with the finished product is just as important as the experience of the process. Todd is dedicated to providing a top of the line finished product that every customer of his will be proud to have in their home.

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