Choosing new flooring is a major decision that affects the look, comfort, and value of your home. Whether you’re renovating a single room or selecting floors for your entire house, the process can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this flooring buying guide, to help you understand your options and make confident, informed decisions.
Flooring Buying Guide
How to Choose the Right Floors for Your Home
Understanding the Types of Flooring
Choosing the right flooring starts with understanding how each category is constructed, performs under stress, and fits your specific lifestyle. Below is a breakdown of common flooring types along with technical details that help clarify the differences.
Hardwood Flooring
Construction Types
- Solid Hardwood: Milled from a single piece of hardwood (e.g., oak, hickory, maple) and under 5” wide. Typically ¾” thick and can be sanded and refinished multiple times.
- Engineered Hardwood: Features a real hardwood top layer (called the veneer) adhered to multiple layers of plywood or HDF (high-density fiberboard). More dimensionally stable for wide-width styles and suitable for regions with humidity fluctuations.
Key Performance Features
- Solid wood is more susceptible to expanding/contracting with humidity
- Engineered wood is more stable and can be installed over concrete and radiant heat systems
- Common finishes include UV-cured urethane, aluminum oxide, and oil-based finishes for added surface protection
Installation Methods
- Nail-down, staple (solid wood)
- Glue-down, staple, nail, or floating (engineered wood)
- Vapor barrier in the form of adhesive or hardwood paper
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and other dry, at- or above-grade spaces
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Construction Types
- Rigid Core (SPC – Stone Plastic Composite): Combines limestone powder and stabilizers for superior dent resistance and dimensional stability. Able to use on subfloors with slight imperfections. Fully waterproof.
- WPC (Wood Plastic Composite): Slightly softer underfoot due to a foamed core, also waterproof, great for comfort in kitchens. Better insulation and temperature control.
Key Performance Features
- 100% waterproof product – ideal for moisture-prone areas
- Built-in wear layer (usually 12–30 mil) protects against scratches and scuffs
- Often includes an attached underlayment for sound absorption and comfort
Installation Methods
- Click-lock floating floor (most common)
- Glue-down for commercial or high-traffic installations
Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, basements, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and pet-friendly households
Laminate Flooring
Construction
- High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) Core: Provides structural strength. Contains emulsifiers to repel moisture.
- Photographic Layer: Realistic image of wood or tile beneath a clear wear layer
- Melamine Wear Layer: Provides abrasion resistance and UV stability
Key Performance Features
- Highest durability and scratch resistance
- Water-resistant options available
- Not 100% waterproof, but many modern versions include spill protection for up to 24–72 hours
Installation Methods
- Click-lock floating installation
- May require underlayment for sound/moisture control
Best For: Living rooms, hallways, playrooms, and cost-conscious renovations
Sustainability & Indoor Air Quality
Today’s homeowners care about what’s in their floors. Look for:
- Low-VOC finishes and adhesives
- CARB II compliance for formaldehyde emissions
- Responsibly sourced wood from managed forests
- GreenGuard Gold or FloorScore certifications
All three brands—Azalea Lane, Palmetto Road, and Veranda Flooring—offer flooring options that support healthier indoor environments.
Questions to Ask Your Flooring Retailer
Bring these key questions with you when visiting a dealer:
- Is this product waterproof or water-resistant?
- What kind of warranty does it include?
- Is it suitable for pets or high-traffic areas?
- What maintenance is required?
- How is it installed—glue-down, floating, or click-lock?
- Do you offer samples to take home?
Knowing what to ask puts you in control of your decision.
How to Measure Your Space
To estimate how much flooring you need:
- Measure the length and width of each room in feet
- Multiply length × width to get the square footage
- Add 10% for waste and cutting during installation
Example: A 12 ft × 10 ft room = 120 sq. ft. → +10% = 132 sq. ft. total
Budgeting for Your New Floors
Flooring costs vary by material, brand, and installation method. Here’s what to factor in:
- Product cost per square foot
- Installation accessories
- Moldings, transitions, and trim pieces
- Labor (if using professional installation)
- Removal and disposal of old flooring (if applicable)
Planning a project budget helps you prioritize value and avoid surprises.
What to Expect During Installation
Whether you DIY or hire a professional,
here’s what to expect:
-
- Remove furniture and old flooring
- Allow time for the new product to acclimate
- Minimum 48 hours for laminate and LVP
- Acclimation time for hardwood flooring depends on the ambient temperature, relative humidity, and moisture content of the space you are storing it. Consult your floorings installation guide for more information.
- Prepare the subfloor (clean, level, dry)
- Expect some dust and noise
- Most jobs complete in 1–2 days per room
Ask your installer about prep steps and cleanup
so your home is ready in advance.
Choose Flooring by Room
Different rooms have different demands. Consider these tips:
- Living Room & Bedrooms: Hardwood or LVP for a warm, inviting look
- Kitchen: Waterproof LVP or laminate with spill resistance
- Bathroom & Laundry Room: 100% waterproof options like rigid core vinyl
- Basement: Choose moisture-resistant LVP or engineered hardwood
- Hallways & Entryways: Durable floors with scratch-resistant surfaces
Pro Tip: Think about foot traffic, moisture levels, and sunlight exposure in each room.
Ready to Begin Your Flooring Journey?
Now that you know how to shop smart, you’re ready to explore flooring options across hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and laminate. Between Palmetto Road, Azalea Lane, and Veranda Flooring, you’ll be able to find the perfect floors for your home, crafted with style, durability, and real-life performance in mind.
