Flooring Buying Guide

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Engineered Hardwood Flooring

Engineered hardwood offers the same real wood surface as solid hardwood but with enhanced durability and stability thanks to a multi-layered core. It’s ideal for areas where moisture might be a concern.

Best for: Basements, kitchens, humid environments

Pros:

• Looks like real hardwood
• More stable in humid conditions
• Can be installed over concrete

Cons:

• Limited refinishing potential
• Slightly less durable than solid wood

Installation & Care:
Suitable for floating, glue-down, or nail-down installation. Clean with a dry mop or hardwood cleaner.

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Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) & Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT)

Luxury vinyl flooring is a modern solution that mimics the appearance of hardwood or stone with the added benefits of being waterproof and highly durable. LVP looks like wood, while LVT resembles tile or stone.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, basements, high-traffic areas

Pros:

• Waterproof/water resistant
• Scratch- and dent-resistant
• Affordable and DIY-friendly

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer the resale value of wood
• Lower-quality products may show wear

Installation & Care:
Installs over most subfloors. Regular vacuuming and damp mopping are all it takes to maintain.

Discover why vinyl is one of the most popular flooring choices today. Explore our Vinyl Flooring Buying Guide

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Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood, offering a similar appearance with added durability. It features a photographic image layer beneath a tough wear layer.

Best for: Living rooms, offices, bedrooms

Pros:

• Budget-friendly with a wood-like look
• Highly scratch- and fade-resistant
• Easy to install

Cons:

• Not fully waterproof (unless specified)
• Cannot be refinished

Installation & Care:
Click-lock planks make for quick installation. Clean with a damp cloth or laminate-safe cleaner.

Get the look of wood at a budget-friendly price—learn more about laminate’s pros and cons. Check out our Laminate Flooring Buying Guide.

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Carpet Flooring

Soft, warm, and inviting—carpet adds comfort to bedrooms, living rooms, and family spaces. Available in rolls or tiles, today’s carpets come in a range of styles and textures with improved stain resistance.

Best for: Bedrooms, living rooms, playrooms

Pros:

• Soft, cozy, and comfortable
• Great sound absorption and insulation
• Wide range of colors and textures

Cons:

• Stains and traps allergens if not cleaned
• Requires regular vacuuming and deep cleaning

Installation & Care:
Professionally installed and stretched. Vacuum regularly and treat stains promptly. Look for carpets with stain-resistant technology for added durability.

Explore carpet types, fiber options, and how to choose the right softness and durability for your space. Learn more in our Carpet Buying Guide.

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Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is one of the most durable and water-resistant options, perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. Available in materials like ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, tile adds both function and beauty.

Best for: Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, outdoor areas

Pros:

• Extremely durable and water-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Endless design options

Cons:

• Hard and cold underfoot
• Grout lines may require maintenance

Installation & Care:
Install over cement or appropriate subfloor. Clean with a neutral cleaner and reseal grout periodically.

Compare tile materials like ceramic, porcelain, and stone, and see what fits your needs. Read our Tile Flooring Buying Guide.

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Selecting Flooring for Each Room in Your Home

Each room in your home has different needs when it comes to flooring. Factors like moisture, traffic, and comfort all play a role. Choosing the right material for each space helps improve durability, function, and overall design.

Room:	Recommended Flooring Options:
Living Room	Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, Carpet, LVP
Bedroom	Carpet, Hardwood, Laminate
Kitchen	LVP, Tile, Engineered Hardwood
Bathroom	Tile, LVT
Basement	LVP, Engineered Hardwood, Tile
Entryway/Mudroom	Tile, LVP
Outdoor Areas	Porcelain Tile, Stone Tile

 

Things to Consider When Choosing Flooring

Before you make your purchase, think through the following:

1. Which room or space are you flooring?

Moisture levels, foot traffic, and exposure to sunlight all impact your flooring decision. For example:

• High-moisture areas: Choose tile or luxury vinyl.
• Sun-exposed areas: Choose fade-resistant flooring like laminate or engineered wood.

2. Will you have different floors in different rooms?

It’s perfectly fine to mix flooring types—but aim for visual continuity. Designers recommend limiting your home to no more than three flooring types to maintain a cohesive and well-balanced look throughout your space.

3. How will the floor be installed?

Some flooring is DIY-friendly (like laminate or click-lock vinyl), while others require professional installation (like tile or solid hardwood). Consider installation time, cost, and complexity.

4. How can you match the new floor to your current style?

Bring in swatches of your wall paint, cabinetry, or existing floors. Our team can help you find flooring that complements your home's existing design.

You can also try our Flooring Visualizer Tool from the comfort of your own home to preview how different floors will look in your actual space.

Want us to come to you? With NFM’s Mobile Flooring Services, we bring flooring samples right to your door—schedule a home visit today!

5. Do you have kids, pets, or seniors in your home?

Your flooring needs to support both safety and durability in a busy household. Children and pets can cause wear and tear, while seniors may need flooring that reduces the risk of slips and falls.

Look for:

• Scratch-resistant surfaces (like luxury vinyl or laminate) to stand up to toys, claws, and everyday messes
• Slip-resistant materials to help prevent accidents, especially in high-traffic or moisture-prone areas
• Comfort underfoot (like carpet or cork) to provide a softer surface for crawling toddlers, aging joints, or frequent standing

6. Do you need low-maintenance or hypoallergenic flooring?

If you or someone in your household has allergies—or if you simply prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle—your flooring choice can make a big difference. Certain materials trap dust, dander, and allergens, while others resist buildup and are easier to clean.

Things to consider:

• Avoid carpet if allergens are a concern—it can trap dust mites, pet hair, and pollen, even with regular vacuuming.
• Opt for hard-surface flooring like vinyl, laminate, or tile, which are non-porous and easy to wipe clean. These materials don’t hold onto allergens and can be maintained with minimal effort.
• Look for antimicrobial or stain-resistant finishes that reduce bacteria buildup and make cleaning even easier.

How Much Flooring Do You Need?

How to Measure for Flooring

1. Measure the length and width of each room.
2. Multiply to get the square footage.
3. Add 10% extra to account for cuts, waste, and future repairs.

Example:
A room that’s 12 ft x 15 ft = 180 sq ft.
Add 10% = 198 sq ft of flooring needed.

Need a quick estimate while you shop? Use our built-in tool to estimate how much flooring you’ll need—just enter your room dimensions for an instant calculation.

And if you’d rather leave it to the pros, our team can help measure your space and calculate materials accurately.

How Do I Choose the Best Flooring?

Start by ranking your priorities:

• Durability
• Style
• Comfort
• Budget
• Ease of Maintenance

Compare these priorities against the features of each flooring type. Not sure where to start? Take our Floor Finder Quiz to discover the best flooring for your space, style, and lifestyle needs—it only takes a few minutes.

Delivery and Installation

Delivery Options

NFM offers flexible delivery services:

• Same-day Drive-Thru Pickup on select flooring
• In-home delivery for most flooring products

We ensure your flooring arrives safely and on time.

Installation Services

We install over 1 million yards of flooring every year—so your project is in experienced hands.

Our professional installation services include:

• In-home measurements
• Removal and disposal of old flooring (when available)
• Full-service installation by trained experts

Discover everything you need to know about our Flooring Installation Services—from precise measurements to complete installation details.

Preparing for Your New Floor

Whether you're installing it yourself or hiring professionals, take these steps to prep your space:

• Remove furniture and appliances from the area
• Identify and repair any issues with the subfloor
• Make sure the area is clean, dry, and level
• Acclimate flooring materials as required (especially for hardwood)

Need Help Getting Started?

Let us help bring your flooring vision to life.
You can request a quote online, or stop by your nearest NFM location to explore our wide selection in person.

Still have questions? Book an appointment with one of our Flooring Experts for personalized, one-on-one guidance for your project.

Helpful Flooring Terms to Know

Term:	Definition:
Subfloor	The structural layer underneath your flooring
Click-lock	A tool-free installation method where planks snap together
Wear layer	The protective surface layer on laminate and vinyl
Underlayment	A material placed between the subfloor and flooring to add comfort and reduce noise
Acclimation	The process of allowing flooring to adjust to room conditions before installation
Floating floor	A floor installation method where planks are not nailed or glued down
Grout	A material used to fill spaces between tiles
Refinishing	Sanding and re-coating hardwood to restore appearance