There’s a lot to consider when trying to figure out what types of flooring work best for your lifestyle. It’s a decision that comes into play whether you’re looking to move into a turn-key home with your flooring choices already installed, or you’re hoping to remodel your current home and choose entirely new flooring. Factors to keep in mind include the flooring material’s durability, the style, whether it’s water-resistant, and, if you’re pursuing a reno, how much it costs.

Kat Christie, licensed contractor, DIY expert, and founder of She Fixed That LLC, adamantly says the most important thing affecting your flooring decision is your lifestyle. If you have pets and kids, your ideal flooring choice could look a lot different from a single person with a “shoes-off” home. So which types of flooring are best for your particular needs? Here, experts weigh in on some of the most popular types of flooring, offering up info on cost, style, and the pros and cons of each material.

Vinyl flooring is made from plastic, and typically contains materials like acrylic, PVC, and similar polymers, says Stephanie Martinez, division merchandise manager of hard flooring at The Home Depot. Depending on the brand and quality of the vinyl, you can expect to spend anywhere between $.50 to $8 a square foot.

“Vinyl flooring stands out in terms of its appearance because it’s designed to mimic the look of various other flooring types,” Martinez says. Luxury vinyl plank flooring can mimic hardwood, and vinyl tile flooring can give you the look of high-end stones like marble. The benefit is not just that vinyl is cheaper than these other materials; it’s also water-resistant and more durable, making it a great choice for bathrooms, basements, and kitchens.

Depending on the quality, usage, and maintenance, Martinez says lower-end vinyl flooring can last somewhere between five and 10 years, whereas higher-end vinyl floors can last as long as 20 years. 

Laminate flooring is another affordable option if you want the look of wood but need something a little stronger. It’s made with layers of pressed wood (among other bonding materials) and is overlaid with a finish that mimics the look of various wood types, “making it a cost-effective alternative to real hardwood,” Martinez says.

Most laminate is best used in dry areas of the home, as the wood particles in the material make it more susceptible to moisture damage than, say, vinyl. But there are water-resistant versions that can work in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements, Martinez says.

The cost for laminate is anywhere from $1 to $10 per square foot, depending on the brand, style, and durability of the product. Easy-install versions have click-lock construction that makes them DIY-friendly, as the pieces snap together easily and can be walked on immediately.

Note that an important factor in how much you like your laminate floors is how good the subfloor is. Because laminate is a hard material, these floors often feel more comfortable underfoot if you use a subfloor with a little cushion, like cork or foam.

Hardwood flooring, used in homes for hundreds of years, provides a timeless look. And while there are a range of wood types available that all have different qualities, some species are actually pretty durable. 

The durability factor of various hardwoods is measured on something called the Janka hardness scale. The test measures how resistant the wood is to denting when pressure is applied — and the higher the Janka rating, the tougher the wood. Maple is one of the softest types, with one of the lowest Janka scores, and hickory is one of the hardest, with one of the highest Janka scores.

If your heart is set on hardwood flooring, make sure to choose a type that is compatible with the amount of traffic you expect in the space.

An advantage of hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished multiple times to eliminate the appearance of wear-and-tear. Some types of hardwood flooring can be refinished as many as five times.

One drawback, though, is the cost. The price of hardwood flooring varies based on the species and the installation, but it’s usually in the range of $4 to $15 per square foot, Martinez says.

While tile flooring is ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, it really can be used anywhere, says Christie. “If it’s installed properly, it can last a lifetime and it is exceptionally durable,” she says.

Tile flooring actually encompasses a few different types of materials, the most common of which are ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone. Ceramic and porcelain are the most affordable options, while natural stone — including marble, granite, slate, and more — can be quite expensive.

Typically, ceramic and porcelain tile floors cost between $15 and $20 per square foot. Specialty products can cost much more.

Natural stones generally cost between $10 and $50 per square foot, although some types can be much more expensive.

Tile floors are versatile and durable, and generally require minimal maintenance. Make sure to choose something that’s strong enough for flooring use; look for a Porcelain Enamel Institute hardness rating (PEI) of at least 4, Martinez says.

Carpet is soft and cozy, making it great in living rooms and bedrooms, says Christie. However, it’s not a flooring material you’ll want to use everywhere at home — skip it for any spots that have moisture exposure, including kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. 

The average cost for wall-to-wall carpet depends on the quality of the carpet and what it’s made from; materials can include nylon, polyester, wool, and more. The price for wall-to-wall carpet can range anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot.

As for style, the looks these days run the gamut. One major decision you’ll need to make is how fluffy you want your carpet to be. High-pile carpets (think: retro shag) have longer fibers and fluffier appearances than low-pile carpets.

Epoxy isn’t exactly a type of flooring — it’s actually a resin coating that’s poured on top of concrete as a form of decoration or protection. But if you’re looking at finishing a basement, laundry room, or garage space that already has concrete subfloors, this might be a good option.

“Epoxy is made through a multi-step process that involves mixing two main components: epoxy resin and a hardening agent, also known as a curing agent,” says Karielle Day, merchant of paint at The Home Depot. She says that one of the most distinctive features of epoxy flooring is its high-gloss finish.

Day says it’s most popular for garage floors because it’s durable, it’s resistant to chemicals and stains, and it’s easy to clean, but those qualities make it well-suited to spaces like laundry rooms, kitchens, and basements, as well.

“On average, epoxy costs can range from $3 to $12 per square foot depending on the type of epoxy used, labor cost, and the size and condition of the area you are covering,” according to Day.