Flooring types

In this report: Overview; August 2009 Recommended; August 2009 Ratings; How to choose; Types; Can this floor be saved?

This article was featured in the August 2009 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.

6 top-selling floorings: What you get, what you pay

Last reviewed: August 2009

This article is the archived version of a report that appeared in the August 2009 Consumer Reports magazine.

Best for natural warmth in a kitchen; can be sanded and refinished several times.

But poor choice for baths and other damp places. Wood can discolor and wear quickly and tends to dent. Hard to install.

Price $7 to $12 per sq. ft.

Best for easy installation. Veneer over substrate; most can be nailed, stapled, glued, or floated. May be refinished.

But poor choice for baths; can be damaged by spills. Wears quickly and dents easily.

Price $5 to $10 per sq. ft.

Best for toughness, choice, easy installation; can be floated. The best have better finish wear than some wood.

But poor choice for baths; can be damaged by big spills. Can't be refinished.

Price $4 to $8 per sq. ft.

Best for baths and budget kitchens. Easy installation. Resists wear, moisture, stains, and sun damage. Some looks more like stone.

But even the best still looks like vinyl up close.

Price $3 to $7 per sq. ft.

Best for those who want a natural, resilient material. Fine for baths; tends to resist moisture, dents, and sunlight.

But wear and scratch resistance varied. Vinyl still offers more choices for less.

Price $4 to $9 per sq. ft.

Best for baths or kitchens with a bigger budget. Tends to resist wear, most damage.

But hard surface can break dropped items. Difficult to install. Tile can crack, and grout can stain.

Price $8 to $15 per sq. ft.

Note: Prices include installation.