Best Flooring Buying Guide

Where Will the Flooring Be Installed?
The selection of flooring often hinges on the specific location of installation as well as the underlying surface. For instance, solid wood flooring is unsuitable for direct installation over concrete and shouldn't be placed in moisture-prone areas such as basements or bathrooms. On the other hand, ceramic or porcelain tiles necessitate a sturdy, level base underneath to avoid the risk of cracking.

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How Will the Floor Be Installed?
The installation methods for various flooring types vary significantly, some of which are conducive to DIY installation. For example, floating floors—commonly laminate—consist of interlocking boards that don't require adhesives, making them popular among DIY enthusiasts. Conversely, ceramic or porcelain tiles must be affixed to the subfloor with thinset, with grout filling the seams between the tiles. Solid wood flooring typically requires nailing or gluing down, often necessitating professional installation for optimal results. Consumer Reports provides insights into the available installation options for different rated products.

Will the Flooring I Choose Need an Underlayment?
A variety of underlayment materials are available, including foam, cork, rubber, felt, and specialized soundproofing mats. Each type serves a different purpose, influencing your decision based on the flooring selected and the existing subfloor. “If you’re laying hardwood flooring over a concrete subfloor, you should opt for an underlayment that offers moisture protection,” advises Stefan Bucur, founder of Rhythm of the Home. Furthermore, if you're laying laminate or engineered flooring atop an uneven base, consider an underlayment that provides cushioning and evens out the subsurface. Some luxury vinyl flooring options integrated with thin foam pads on their underside may eliminate the need for extra underlayment. Generally, thicker underlayments are pricier, says Bucur.

How Important Is a Flooring Material’s Thickness?
Opting for thin vinyl flooring increases the likelihood of splitting or breaking during installation, which may compel you to purchase additional flooring to cover these mishaps. It is advisable to focus on vinyl flooring that has a thickness of 7 mm or greater, with thickness details typically found on the product label or its online page. Thickness is also crucial for the durability of other flooring types, particularly solid wood, as it can determine the number of times it can be refinished. To evaluate the durability of various flooring models, refer to Consumer Reports' flooring ratings for data-supported insights.

Does the Thickness of a Floor’s Wear Layer Matter?
The wear layer is essentially the transparent protective coating affixed to the surface of manufactured floorboards. Home Depot allows filtering flooring by wear-layer thickness, measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). While a thicker wear layer appears to offer better protection against foot traffic, Consumer Reports' findings indicate this is not always the case. For example, among two vinyl flooring products that both feature 20-mil wear layers, one received an excellent rating for foot traffic resistance while the other fell below mid-range. In conclusion, relying solely on reported thickness is not advisable; reviews and Consumer Reports’ flooring ratings provide a comprehensive view of wear resistance.

What Should I Know About Surface Textures and Edge Styles?
The edge style of the tiles or planks influences not only the appearance of your floor but also the ease of cleaning. Prefinished wood and certain laminate planks often have beveled edges which, while they facilitate installation, may capture dirt and debris later on. Tile edges can be traditional (pressed) or rectified, which means they’ve been mechanically cut for precise fitting, leading to thinner grout seams and almost seamless appearances—making cleaning more straightforward. While flooring with a textured finish can trap dirt, some texture is beneficial in bathrooms and other wet areas to prevent slips and falls. Consumer Reports’ flooring ratings help identify products across the spectrum of smoothness and texture, as both these elements can impact floor maintenance.