**Engineered wood flooring**
Engineered hardwood is a more affordable wood flooring option. If you really love the feel and look of wood but you have concerns about the installation and cost of a solid hardwood floor, you might go with an engineered wood floor.
Engineered wood flooring is actually composed of wood; it’s made with a thin layer of wood veneer on top of layers of lower-grade wood. With the veneer glued to the top, you can have the look of your favorite hardwood for a lower price.
-Pros-
- Less expensive than solid hardwood
- Easy to clean
- Option for DIY installation
-Cons-
- Doesn’t last as long as solid hardwood
- Not moisture-resistant
- Easily scratched or gouged
**Laminate flooring**
Known for its easy installation, laminate flooring continues to provide a more durable option than hardwood in part to the advancements in manufacturing in recent years.
If you want a long-lasting flooring option, laminate should be one of the first options you consider. Depending on the type of laminate flooring such as laminate plank, you can enjoy your laminate flooring for decades.
Although there are benefits to laminate flooring, like enjoying the look of hardwood on a budget, it does come with limitations. Because nearly all laminate flooring is made from a wood-based, fiberboard core, it doesn’t tolerate water well; it’s not ideal for a bathroom or kitchen.
-Pros-
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Low-maintenance
-Cons-
- Not water-resistant
- Can be scratched
- If top layer is damaged, the plank must be replaced
**Vinyl flooring**
Many homeowners love the look of hardwood but balk at the price and the cost of installation. In turn, many are opting for vinyl flooring instead. This synthetic, petroleum-based material can easily be printed with designs, leading to the creation of a wide selection of vinyl flooring that can very closely mimic the look of hardwood — but at a lower cost.
From vinyl tile to vinyl plank, there’s probably a vinyl flooring that could work in any room of your home. The waterproof nature of vinyl means it can work even in bathrooms and kitchens, and even luxury vinyl is affordable and accessible to many homeowners.
-Pros-
- Affordable
- Easy to install and maintain
- Great in any room
-Cons-
- Can be scratched or dented
- Most are not environmentally friendly
- Hard on feet