Note! ️The house buying and selling procedures are complicated. We provide a one-stop service from assisting with loans, and low interest rates for first-time home buyers, to house delivery, decoration, and taxation.
Million-dollar real estate agent | Massachusetts licensed decorator Chen Yi
Tel (617) 309-0288
Solid Wood Flooring
Solid wood flooring is milled from solid wood, with popular hardwood species including maple, oak, walnut, or cherry. Its versatility and quality make it an ideal flooring choice for many homes. However, it is one of the more expensive flooring materials on the market and requires regular maintenance, such as using a professional hardwood floor cleaner once a month and applying a new coat of paint every three to five years to keep them looking good.
Advantages: - Increases the value of the house - Can be reworked multiple times with many options - Strong and durable.
Disadvantages: - High price - Can cause scratches and dents in commonly used areas - Susceptible to moisture damage - Not suitable for bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring offers the look of real wood at a more affordable price than solid wood. The flooring features a thin layer of hardwood bonded to a high-quality plywood backing. It is just as durable as solid hardwood flooring and will last just as long with proper care.
Advantages: - For those who are good at hands-on work, you can try to install it yourself - Has a real hardwood surface - More resistant to moisture and water than solid wood floors - Not easy to deform.
Disadvantages: - cannot be repaired multiple times - quality varies greatly - makes a hollow sound when stepped on - emits volatile organic compounds - can fade.
Laminate Flooring
If you don't like carpet but don't want to pay for solid wood flooring, laminate flooring is a great option. It consists of a particleboard wooden base with wood or tile sheets on top and a clear plastic protective layer underneath, and is available in a variety of textures and colors.
Advantages: - For those who are good at hands-on work, you can try to install it yourself - Affordable - Easy to clean - Anti-scratch - A wide variety of colors and styles to choose from.
Disadvantages: - Easy to be damaged by moisture - Does not look like wood - Makes a hollow sound when stepped on - Can easily break
Plastic Floor
Vinyl flooring is very waterproof and will not be damaged even if water stays on the surface for a long time. It is made of plastic and comes in three forms: boards, tiles and sheets. Luxury vinyl flooring is two forms that have recently become popular due to its durability and variety of styles. The average installation cost varies depending on the form.
Advantages: - Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements - Durable - Waterproof - Easy to maintain - Multiple design options.
Disadvantages:--Luxury plastic flooring is more expensive than laminate flooring--Lower return on investment than solid wood flooring.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a popular choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens. The most common tile materials are ceramic or porcelain. Tile is waterproof, durable, and comes in a variety of styles and colors. Installation costs vary depending on the material, for example glazed ceramic is cheaper than porcelain.
Advantages:--Waterproof--Durable--Long-lasting.
Disadvantages: - Expensive - Difficult to install - Requires a lot of preparation before installation - Cold and slippery.
Natural Stone
Stone, such as granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone, are popular flooring choices for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Like ceramic and porcelain, stone is extremely durable and water-resistant. The finish of the stone determines the amount of care required to maintain the floor. However, the natural beauty and quality that stone offers are unmatched.
Advantages: - Bold and elegant design - Long lasting - Waterproof.
Disadvantages: - Expensive - Difficult to install - Requires a lot of preparation before installation - Cold and slippery - Difficult to maintain.
Linoleum
Linoleum is a durable, eco-friendly flooring option made from linseed oil and cork. Linoleum flooring is affordable and easy to install. The flooring comes in sheet form and in a variety of colors and styles. It is resilient (made from a resilient material) and can last for decades if properly cared for. Linoleum is growing in popularity as flooring manufacturers offer more modern colors and styles.
Advantages: - Cheap - Environmentally friendly - A variety of colors and patterns to choose from - Almost no maintenance required - Friends with good hands-on skills can replace it by themselves.
Disadvantages: - Does not increase the value of the home - Can easily dent, cut or scratch - Can turn yellow or black when exposed to sunlight - Not suitable for wet areas Carpet Carpet is a favorite flooring choice for many homeowners, especially in the bedroom. It comes in a variety of colors, materials and textures.
