Hello, everyone! Today, I’d like to do a bit a flooring type comparison, and go over the several different options that you, as a homeowner or contractor, have to fulfill your flooring needs. We’ll look at Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT), Hardwood, Laminate, and different types of Tile flooring.

For all intensive purposes, I’ll use the prices that we currently have in store, knowing they’re the lowest, most cost-effective around. Get everything, without spending everything, indeed!

LVT Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Tile is a beautifully engineered piece of flooring that combines both aesthetics with high functionality. And this is huge reason why LVT has become such a huge hit within households everywhere.

Do you remember when you used to be limited to where you could put certain parts of flooring i.e. bathrooms, any place where water is present? Well, this flooring type switched the game in that respect. But more on that later…

Click here! – Shop LVT

Price: This flooring type generally ranges from an all-time low of $1.79 to just short of $6. Our CoreTEC LVT is absolutely amazing, definitely a “more bang for your buck” kind of product. Check the link, peeps, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Waterproofness: If you did a double take at that word, I don’t blame you. I voiced this word out loud, and my boss was like, “Uhhh…yeah, not a word,” but after a simple Google search, I learned that it IS, in fact, a word. Just a little tidbit. Moving on.

This is where the high-functionality comes from in LVT. This flooring type is 100% WATERPROOF. Not water-resistant, merely repelling droplets..I mean zero-damage. None whatsoever.

I’ve explained it before, and I’ll do so again. You could pour a jug of water on LVT, leave for a vacation, come back, and the piece would be good as new. It’s that good people.

You could technically put it in your bathroom. Some would frown at it, this being an extremely unconventional approach to a bathroom design, but heck, I say go for it. Literally, go against the grain.

Durability: Another functionality characteristic, LVT doesn’t just Kung Fu the crap out of water, but also scratches. And dents. Plus, it’s strong.

So, the next time you decide to juggle a few cans of green beans, and then time kinda stands still as you watch one go amiss, propelling towards your new floors, remember this blog, remember this passage, don’t forget this sentence — it’s okay.

It’s going to take a little more than green beans and water to damage this flooring type. A hammer, sure. But I’m sure you’ll find other ways to blow off steam than taking a hand tool to your new floors. But that’s none of my business. *Sips tea*

Click here! – Shop LVT

Additional: I’d also just like to point out, or reiterate rather, that because LVT is water’s nemesis, this flooring is perfect for dang-near any space. Bathrooms? Check. Kitchens? For sure. Basements? Have at it. Laundry room? An excellent pick. It’s an excellent flooring type for any room in your household.

Side note: If you’re worried about sound, LVT usually has sound muffling cork backing. I’m telling you, LVT virtually has no cons.

Hardwood Flooring

Ah, the veteran of the group. There’s something naturally rich about using solid wood for your floors. It’s genuine, it’s authentic, and I personally think it gives off the impression of good taste, but that’s me. Now, where there are some extreme advantages to using this flooring type, there are also some disadvantages that may or may not sway your opinion.

Especially given the glorious gallantry of its enhanced, “definitely-had-work-done” cousin that we just talked about. Dramatics. In any case, it’s still a fantastic choice for your floors. Selectively speaking.

Click here! – Shop Hardwood

Price: Unfinished hardwood starts out at $1.39, while finished products typically range from $1.39 to $4.99. Again, the dynamics of each definitely contribute to price, but as a homeowner, as a consumer, you understand that with just about anything, you get what you pay for. We carry Solid Hardwood, Engineered Hardwood, and Cork Flooring, an up-and-coming flooring type that’s truly wondrous to behold.

Waterproofness: 100%…NOT WATERPROOF. ‘Nuff said there.

Durability: Here’s the category where some of the drawbacks nastily congregate. Hardwood tends to be very easily scratched. If you’ve ever moved in or out of a place that sports hardwood floors then you no doubt know exactly what I’m talking about. It can also be dented and quite easily I might add. Better practice your juggling skills outside, people.

BUT…because of this solidness, this flooring type can be refinished, therefore making it an extremely lasting product. All it takes is a nice dose of care and less chaos.

Click here! – Shop Hardwood

Additional: This is a favorite for many folks. In fact, I’d be willing to bet that most home buyers often look for this sort of feature. But, you’ve been warned. Because of its surface, this flooring type isn’t extremely pet friendly, should not be anywhere near water prone areas, and it’s immensely difficult to install yourself. Tongue-and-groove can make a day go south really, really quick.

Laminate Flooring

This flooring type sometimes takes a bad rap for being cheap or too ordinary. But I’ve always adhered to the school of thought that there’s literally beauty in everything, so no matter. There are definitely some positive sides to laminate, some unbeknownst to others. First off…the funds.

Click here! – Shop Laminate

Price:  In our stores,  Laminate generally stays around $0.99 to $2.89/ sf. Now, in comparison to the other flooring types, you can see how people could regard this as cheaply made or why you here negative comments about the price. But to me, it’s the opposite.

It’s kind of like when someone is called a lightweight when they’re out socially drinking with their friends, and the person in question fails to see negatory punchline. After all, if three beers gets the job done, who is saving more money in the long run — the lightweight or the pompous friends? Just a little drink for deep-thought.

Waterproofness: As far as complete, 100% water-eradicating measures, no. But, this flooring type is definitely moisture-resistant. Would I trust it in my bathroom, around the shower? No. Absolutely not.

Durability: The haters can say what they want about laminate, but as far as it’s strength, it’s pretty resilient. It is primarily scratch & dent resistant AND extremely long-lasting. There’s a reason, among others, why you may walk into a particularly older home, look down, and see laminate, virtually unharmed.

Click here! – Shop Laminate

Additional: It goes without saying that this is an extremely affordable option compared to the other options. Unlike regular hardwood floors, laminate is pretty pet-friendly and installation is quite simple, as well.

Stone Tile Flooring

Stone tile is definitely a fan-favorite, particularly marble. There’s just something about the gentle swirls and patterns that make a room look grand, alluring, elaborately illuminating. I’ve witnessed customers quite literally lose their breath when they walk into an entryway that contains stone tile because the look seriously hits you.

It’s a looker, that’s for sure.

Price: At Builders Surplus, stone tile usually ranges from $1.99 – $2.99. A very fair price when you consider exactly what you’re getting.

Waterproofness: Again, folks, we have a winner. Although, any element of tile is going to be 100% waterproof. It’s still a helluva trait, wouldn’t you agree.

Durability: I’m all for word usage, but it’s tile, y’all. Why waste words? It’s EXTRA durable. And can simply last a lifetime. If you’re like me and absolutely adore the stone look then it’s for you. When it comes to tile, it’s a matter of preference, a choice between color or design, not durability. The next two choices are the same. Phenomenal strength with the capability of lasting a decade.

Additional: This flooring type excels in natural or high-end looks because of it’s appearance. Rarely used in kitchens, but definitely ideal in bathrooms. If you think you’d ever replace your flooring after choosing this, think again. It’s disastrous and definitely more work than it’s worth.

Porcelain Tile Flooring

High. Quality. Honestly, that’s as much as anyone can say about porcelain. I mean, it’s porcelain.

Price: Some may be surprised when they hear that our Porcelain tile starts out a extra-low price of $0.99. Yup. Less than a dollar for some of the finest material ever made. All the way up to $2.99. Not bad for a flooring type that’s solely responsible for the Tower of Nanjing. Never heard of it? Google it. Magnificent architecture.

Waterproofness: YEP.

Durability: Short of a jack hammer, you’re not getting through porcelain. Juggle away.

Additional: Very, very low maintenance. Cleaning will be quick and easy. Perfect for every room in the household, and if you feel unsure about putting this down in a particular room, I’ll give you some consolation. I’ve seen porcelain tile in laundry rooms. Name me a room more mundane than a laundry room. I’ll wait. Have fun with this flooring type.

Ceramic Tile Flooring

Probably your most common type of tile flooring, but that shouldn’t account for nothing. If anything, you should see this is as a tried-and-true flooring type that has greatly revolutionized the above-ground foundation a.k.a. where you put your feet. Beautiful bit of material that continues to stun and amaze homeowners not just across the nation, but worldwide.

Price: Hold your hats, gentlemen and lady folk. Our ceramic tile starts out at ONLY $0.79/sf. Are you as baffled as I am? That’s a crazy low price. I mean, come on now. Blanket your entire basement for nearly a quarter below a dollar per square foot. Whew. Love it, though. That price, and ranging to $1.49. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Waterproofness: Still shaking your head at that word? I know, right? Ludicrous. But yeah, again, water is no match for this tile.

Durability: Scratch-proof, so you can keep your cat.

Additional: As previously mentioned, ceramic isn’t considerably less-expensive than porcelain. Huge plus, for sure. It’s also easy to install, easy to maintain, and perfect for bathrooms.

Carpet Flooring

I’ll be honest with you, I’ve always had mixed feelings where carpet is concerned. I enjoy and appreciate the comfort, depending on setting. For example, in a basement filled with comfy couches, a big screen, maybe a pullout recliner, for some reason carpet sounds much more fitting to me. Soft, feels good on the feet. BUT, there are some monstrous drawbacks to this flooring type.

Price: Typically ranges from $2.19 – just below $5 a square foot, but at Builders Surplus, that also includes install, so there’s another plus.

Waterproofness: Yeah…..no.

Durability: It kind of goes without saying that as far as stains go, this flooring type is a magnet. It’s inevitable, really. Keeping carpet clean is like trying to keep your shoes dry during torrential rainfall. Dang near impossible.

Additional: I’ll state the obvious. Carpet is not to be trusted near any water-sourced areas.

Well, folks, I hope this flooring type comparison has given you a bit of insight, and if you are in the decision-making process, it proves to be a worthy resource. Just remember that popular opinion doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the “right” way to go. Your home, as we so often like to stress at Builders Surplus, is your most important asset. Keyword: YOUR. Turning a house into a home involves a multitude of things, most of them deriving around family and the love shared between its members.

The beauty of the process is living through the moments that cultivate that love within a household. Contagious laughter, heartfelt conversations, congratulatory celebrations, and cherished achievements are ever-lasting memories that contribute to this harmonious transition. Materials play its part in making a house, but it is that glorious, heart-consuming love shared by the people within it that makes it a home. Stay safe, everyone!

Builders Surplus is a full service renovation company with locations in Louisville, Kentucky, and Newport, Kentucky, which also serves Cincinnati, Ohio. We are the leading provider of Ledge Stone, wall tile and backsplash tile in Louisville, Newport, and Cincinnati. We specialize in interior design, kitchen design, bathroom remodel, building materials, and home improvement. Interior Design and measurements come as a free service to our clients. We sell building materials ranging in every price point, from unfinished kitchen cabinets to top of the line Wellborn cabinets.

In addition to interior design, we also offer installation services. If you have any questions or would like to set up a free design consultation with one of our interior designers, we would encourage you to do so. We love sharing our knowledge with clients & potential home renovators. We write about interior design, home decor, decorating ideas, and home improvement. We hope you’ll check back in for our next article! Happy Renovation!

Written By: Chris Chamberlain