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 Richmond, VA.

5 Lifestyle-Based Questions to Answer Before Choosing New Floors in Richmond, VA

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 Richmond 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?

Scott Ogburn

Virginia Owner

I was born and raised in Virginia to a large family of five boys. I met my wonderful wife Melissa at church and we were married 27 years ago. We were blessed with four children, Hannah, Caroline, Jonathan and Luke. The girls have graduated college and are blessed with good jobs; the boys are still in college.

My dad was a wonderful Christian man and a hard worker who taught us to treat others with the highest respect and ethical standards. Almost all of us boys have worked in the construction industry to work our ways through school and feed our families. Two of my brothers still work in the construction field and continue to maintain the high standard of excellence we learned from dad.

I have earned two master's degrees. The first in math education allowed me to teach high school mathematics in the Richmond area for 5 years, first at Powhatan High school and then at the Governor's School. The second degree was a Master's of Divinity. After graduation in 2002 I served for a short period in a South Carolina church as the church administrator and youth director. Then in 2004 our family moved to Albania where I served with a Christian leadership and church planting ministry. We lived full time in Albain for seven wonderful years. Po, flas shqip!

After returning from Europe, I was blessed to start a successful business that helps families find safe senior living options. I still own and manage this business because of the fabulous employees who put our families' interest first and always do the right thing by them. I am excited to bring my many years of experience in serving others to the flooring industry in Virginia.

About The Author