10 Things To Consider Before Buying New Floors

Buying new floors feels exciting at first—the fresh design, the clean surface, and the thrill of completely transforming your space. But once you start researching, it can quickly get overwhelming. There are dozens of flooring options, each with different strengths, materials, price points, and maintenance requirements.

That’s exactly why a proper flooring buying guide matters.

At Baker Bros, homeowners often arrive with a simple question: “What is the best type of flooring for my home?” The honest answer depends on how you live, where the flooring will go, and what you expect from it long term.

Before you commit, here are ten important things to consider.

Key Takeaways

• Choose flooring based on the room function and moisture exposur
• Compare durability, wear layer thickness, and maintenance needs
• Understand the differences between luxury vinyl plank, laminate flooring, and hardwood
• Consider rigid core and stone plastic composite options for strength
• Balance budget, installation needs, and long-term performance
  

1. Where Will the Flooring Be Installed?

Start with the room.

A laundry room requires different performance than a formal dining room. Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements demand water-resistant materials. Living spaces like home offices prioritize comfort and aesthetics.

Luxury vinyl floors and tile flooring perform well in moisture-prone areas. Solid hardwood flooring works beautifully in dry, climate-controlled environments but struggles with excess humidity.

Ask yourself: Will this space see spills, steam, or standing water? If yes, eliminate materials that cannot tolerate moisture.

2. How Important Is Water Resistance?

Water damage is one of the most expensive flooring failures.

If moisture is a concern, look for water-resistant or fully waterproof materials. Types of vinyl flooring, especially rigid core and plastic composite SPC constructions, offer excellent protection.

Stone plastic composite flooring, sometimes called SPC or plastic composite SPC, features a dense core that resists swelling and warping. That makes it ideal for kitchens, entryways, and laundry room installations.

Even laminate flooring now comes in water-resistant versions, but performance varies. Always check manufacturer specifications carefully.

3. Understand the Wear Layer

Durability often comes down to one thing: the wear layer.

Luxury vinyl tile and luxury vinyl plank include a protective top coating measured in mil thickness. The thicker the wear layer, the more protection against scratches and dents.

For high-traffic homes with pets or children, a stronger wear layer helps prevent premature wear.

This detail is easy to overlook when deciding on which floor type to buy, yet it directly affects how long your floors will look new.

4. Compare Types of Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl is no longer a single category. There are multiple types of vinyl flooring available today:

• Luxury vinyl plank
• Luxury vinyl tile
• Rigid core vinyl
• Stone plastic composite flooring
  

Luxury vinyl plank mimics wood planks and works well in living spaces. Luxury vinyl tile replicates stone or ceramic looks.

Rigid core and plastic composite SPC versions improve stability and dent resistance. They are easy to install and often feature click-lock systems.

If you want a realistic design with durability, luxury vinyl floors consistently rank high in flooring buying guide comparisons.

5. Hardwood: Solid vs Engineered

Few materials match the warmth of solid hardwood flooring. It brings natural variation and long-term value. However, it reacts to humidity and requires proper maintenance.

Engineered hardwood floors offer a layered construction with a real wood surface bonded to plywood beneath. This improves stability while preserving the appearance of natural wood.

In dry climates and climates with seasonal humidity shifts,  engineered hardwood flooring remains a classic choice.

Choosing between these two depends on your subfloor conditions, moisture levels, and long-term goals.

6. Consider Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring has evolved significantly.

Modern laminate features improved locking systems, enhanced visuals, and stronger surface protection. It is typically more affordable than hardwood and can be easy to install.

Some laminate products offer water-resistant cores, though they still require prompt cleanup of spills.

If budget is a priority but you still want the look of wood, laminate flooring remains a practical flooring option.

7. Installation Method Matters

Some flooring types require professional installation. Others are designed to be easy to install using floating click systems.

Luxury vinyl plank and rigid core products often fall into the easy-to-install category. Tile flooring and solid hardwood flooring usually require professional expertise.

Installation cost affects the overall budget more than many homeowners expect. It’s worth factoring this into your flooring buying process early.

At Baker Bros, experienced professionals guide customers through installation expectations before purchase decisions are finalized.

8. Think About Maintenance

Different flooring offers different maintenance levels.

Luxury vinyl floors require minimal upkeep. Sweep, mop lightly, and you’re done.

Solid hardwood flooring needs more care. You must avoid excessive moisture and use approved cleaning products.

Tile flooring demands occasional grout cleaning. Laminate flooring requires attention to moisture exposure.

Ask yourself how much effort you realistically want to put into maintaining your floors over the next decade.

9. Budget Beyond Material Cost

Material cost per square foot is only part of the equation.

Also consider:

• Underlayment
• Subfloor preparation
• Installation labor
• Transition pieces
• Trim and baseboards
  

Rigid core and stone plastic composite flooring may cost more upfront than basic laminate, but they often reduce long-term repair risks.

Sometimes spending slightly more now prevents expensive replacements later. It’s a balance.

10. Style and Long-Term Value

Trends shift. Quality remains.

Neutral wood tones in luxury vinyl plank, timeless tile flooring, and natural engineered hardwood floors tend to maintain broader appeal.

Consider how your choice fits future resale potential. While luxury vinyl floors are durable and practical, solid hardwood flooring often carries long-term prestige value.

At the same time, practicality matters. A beautiful floor that cannot handle daily life becomes frustrating quickly.

Choosing the right type of flooring means blending style, durability, and function.

FAQ: Flooring Buying Guide

What is the best flooring option for high-moisture areas?

Tile, rigid core vinyl, and stone plastic composite flooring perform best in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry room environments.

Is laminate flooring water-resistant?

Some laminate flooring products are water-resistant, but performance depends on core construction and sealing.

What is SPC flooring?

SPC stands for stone plastic composite. It is a rigid core vinyl product known for strength, stability, and moisture resistance.

Are luxury vinyl floors durable?

Yes. Luxury vinyl plank and luxury vinyl tile feature protective wear layers designed to “resist” scratches and dents.

Should I choose solid hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood floors?

Solid hardwood flooring offers traditional appeal. Engineered hardwood floors provide improved stability in fluctuating humidity conditions.

Final Thoughts

This flooring buying guide highlights a simple truth: there is no single best flooring for every home. There is only the right flooring for your specific needs.

Water exposure, traffic levels, budget, installation expectations, aesthetic goals: these factors shape the decision.

The best way to evaluate flooring options is to see and feel them in person. At Baker Bros, flooring specialists help you compare materials side by side, understand wear layer differences, and choose a type of flooring that fits your lifestyle.

If you’re ready to move forward with your flooring buying plans, visit a Baker Bros showroom near you and explore the full range of flooring offers available today.