1. Laminate

Laminate is versatile, durable and inexpensive - making it a popular, contemporary choice. Laminate is made of bonded layers and uses several materials, including wood, resin and paper which are all compacted together and then carved into planks.

The wood-like surface of a laminate floor is actually a picture that's been printed onto the top layer. Because laminate is easy to clean and very durable, it's often preferred for kitchens, bathrooms, mud rooms and any other area that has to hold up under a lot of traffic.

2. Hardwood

Rich and warm hardwood is a classic favorite. With care and maintenance, it rarely needs to be replaced and will even increase in beauty over time despite the foot traffic over it.

There are two types of hardwood floors - engineered and solid hardwood. Engineered floors are made like plywood, by gluing or laminating several thin sheets of wood together. Meanwhile, solid hardwood floors are made from solid pieces of wood which are milled to standard building specifications. Typically, engineered floors are less expensive than solid hardwood.

3. Tiles

Tile gives the beauty of a natural product along with a durability that's priced accordingly. Best for high-traffic or spill-prone areas, tile is easy to clean and remarkably strong. Homeowners like the variety of design patterns available to them along with the color combination possibilities.

Remember, choose a tile that's "rated" for the room where you're installing. For example, some tile is rated for light traffic areas like bathroom floors while others are rated for heavy traffic spots like commercial zones or busy homes.

4. Carpet

Carpet is warm, comfortable, stylish and often luxurious. It provides additional insulation, softens noise and offers innumerable design and color options.

When selecting a carpet, you should base your choice on the fiber, which is the type of material used in the carpet; the pile, which is the height of the carpet; the density, which is the number of fibers per square inch and; the texture, which is the style or manner in which the fibers are looped, gathered and cut. Carpet typically comes in wool, nylon, olefin, polyester and acrylic fibers with most homeowners opting for stain-resistant treatments.

5. Vinyl

Floors that are made from vinyl material will fit the budget of most people, last a long time, and are able to handle the daily traffic punishment of feet scampering through day after day. The styles are available in large varieties, offering a homeowner a lot of flexibility on patterns. As for cleaning and ongoing attractiveness, vinyl floors only need to be swept and mopped.

There are several options available to produce flooring that give you home a special look when walking into a room. You certainly don't need to limit your choices to only one for the entire house. In fact, a combination of three or more types of flooring can add a touch of class when selected tastefully.