Happy Feet: 10 Types of Home Flooring

The type of floor you have can affect how warm or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What's more, owners can instantly change the mood in certain rooms of their homes with different flooring. Here's a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles.

Key feature: Made from the world's fastest-growing tree
Pro: Durable; ideal for condos. "Green" material. Has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for home owners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Cannot be refinished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep regularly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.

Key feature: The most popular linoleum is Marmoleum, a marbleized pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and dirt, ideal for home owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Difficult to install. Has to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when installed, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.

Key feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice. Terrific for home owners with arthritis.
Pro: This durable flooring has become trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are ideal since they maximize this flooring's ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; great for home owners with allergies. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and could expand in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.

Key feature: Great dance floor
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. 3/4" allows for multiple refinishes. How a tree is cut determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust mop regularly.

Key feature: Natural, earthy choice Pro: Expensive, luxurious look. More like a carpet; can be installed wall-to-wall. Great texture. Natural inconsistencies in color and weave add to floor's charm. Can be adhered to an underlay for a more fitted appearance.
Con: Limited color choices. Not a long-lasting floor. Not suitable for bathroom or kitchen.  
Upkeep: Spritz lightly with water; spot clean. Vacuum.

Key feature: Classic, comfortable
Pro: Wool variety is great for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and generally durable, as long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice may not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dirt, and dust particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.  
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.

Key feature: Long-lasting
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-traffic areas. Great investment, lots of design options available. Most common, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for home owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional installation is highly recommended. Use mild cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.

Key feature: Trendy, popular in condos
Pro: Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn't harbor dust mites; ideal for home owners with allergies or asthma. Long-lasting; never needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional expertise, which can be costly.
Upkeep: Reseal every two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a mild floor cleaner.

Key feature: Green, gorgeous
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Great value and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.  
Con: Tough on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent choice in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble. 

Key feature: Luxurious look
Pro: A home owner can install leather tiles; they go in just like linoleum. Smells wonderful, feels great, gains patina with age and wear. Great for sound insulation; doesn't conduct heat or cold.  
Con: Don't install in a high foot traffic spot; they're best in extremely dry rooms such as bedrooms, dens, libraries, and even rec rooms with lots of sunlight. Expensive.  
Upkeep: Some leather tiles are treated with wax and a water-resistant solution. However, any mistake is costly, so a professional may be ultimately cheaper.