What Type of Flooring is Best for Resale Value?
What Type of Flooring is Best for Resale Value?
Contributed by Daria Roman
What makes selling a house difficult is not putting it on the market and waiting for bidders. It's selling it for the highest price possible. You need to consider many things if you want to achieve that, from hiring a real estate agent to knowing how to increase your home's value.
And it's the latter we're going to discuss below. When it comes to resale value, many people make the mistake of doing excessive renovations. They remodel their kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, forgetting about their return on investment.
"How do I sell my house fast?" is what your question probably sounds like right now. If you want to impress your potential buyers and not invest too much, simplicity is key. Install new windows, doors, and perform other minor improvements.
When it comes to that, your best option is to upgrade your flooring. If you're interested in finding out more, keep on reading. In the article below, we'll discuss what to consider when choosing the right flooring and what types will give you the highest return on
investment.
How Flooring Can Increase Resale Value
As mentioned above, new flooring can significantly impact your home's overall value. It's one of the first things potential buyers will pay attention to, often basing their decision on the state your floors are in. Of course, if your flooring is in perfect condition, you shouldn't tear it up and lay new. Sometimes all you have to do is give it a little upgrade. Nevertheless, if you notice your floors show signs of wear and tear, it might be the right idea to replace them.
Don't forget that your house shouldn't only look well. Your buyers want to ensure they won't have to invest too much in repairs and upgrades, and flooring is one of the things they'll pay the most attention to.
The best idea is to replace your flooring in the strategic parts of your home. Make sure you get a shiny new floor for your kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and living room.
The Best Floor Types for Your Home's Value
There's a wide range of flooring you can choose from. Each one has its pros and cons, so you have to make sure you know them before deciding. Many people pick carpet as it's one of the cheapest flooring choices. However, a carpet won't increase the value of your home. It will help you hide potential flaws, but laying carpet is one of the worst things you can do when it comes to resale value. Well, maybe it's a slight exaggeration. If you run out of money for more sophisticated improvements, you can put carpet, for example, in your bedrooms. It shouldn't be your top choice, though. When it comes to that, you should pick between the types of flooring mentioned below.
Hardwood
Hardwood is the best kind of flooring to increase your home's value significantly. Experts estimate that installing wood floors can recover even up to 106 percent of their cost. And there are plenty of reasons for that.
First of all, hardwood flooring looks stunning. It adds sophistication and style to the house, attracting more potential buyers and increasing your chances of selling the home for a higher price. They also come in many different types, allowing you to pick the right one for your house.
Secondly, it's the best choice in terms of cost to value factor. If appropriately maintained, hardwood flooring can last a lifetime. It is also the most resistible and easy to clean. And you can be sure that's exactly what most people look for when choosing their new home. The only con of hardwood flooring is its price. Still, it will give you the best results when increasing the value of your home.
Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tile doesn't increase your home's value as much as hardwood or waterproof floors do. But if you want to make your kitchen and bathroom look gorgeous, they're probably your best options to achieve that goal. Tile flooring works exceptionally well in tropical climates, they're very easy to clean, and they're incredibly durable. Some people even call tile the queen of floors, thanks to its practicality and design.
What's more, they're easy to install, making them the best flooring option for your kitchen, bathroom, and every room that requires durability from the floor.
Laminate
If you don't want to invest too much on the hardwood floor, you can always choose laminate flooring instead. It imitates the hardwood's look, at the same time reducing your costs.
Sure, it will not skyrocket your estate's worth, but it will definitely attract many more buyers. Laminate floors are made of melamine resin and fiberboard instead of real wood. Thanks to their design, though, they imitate it perfectly.
What's more, laminate floors are known for their high endurance and low maintenance. That makes them the perfect flooring type for high traffic, as they're incredibly resistant to scratches, staining, or indentation. If you're looking for flooring that will enhance your home's design at a lower cost, laminate should be your number one choice.
Tile vs. Laminate: Which is Better for Resale Value?
Homeowners often ask us, “Is tile or laminate better for resale?” The answer depends on where you plan to install it and what buyers in your area expect.
For living areas and bedrooms, laminate flooring usually has better resale value because it mimics the warm look of hardwood for a lower cost. Buyers love its cozy feel and easy maintenance.
For kitchens and bathrooms, tile is still the top choice. Ceramic or porcelain tile stands up to water and looks clean and modern, which attracts buyers looking for durability in wet areas.
If you’re unsure which to pick, we recommend matching your flooring choice to the room’s purpose and your home’s overall style. Blending both can actually add the most value: laminate in living spaces, tile in kitchens and baths.
Need help choosing the best option for your home? Contact Etch Design Group for flooring guidance that adds value.
Waterproof
Waterproof flooring is the perfect choice for more moisture-heavy areas of your home, like a kitchen or bathroom. They combine style with practicality, making them the best option for a busy household.
The great thing about waterproof flooring is that it's available in various kinds, styles, brands, and price ranges. You can find waterproof hardwood, vinyl, and many others, allowing you to easily pick the ones you believe will best suit your home.
Vinyl Plank
Vinyl flooring is often compared to laminate, but they're two different things. Sure, they both perfectly imitate hardwood, while at the same time being a much cheaper flooring option. What makes vinyl plank floors unique is that they're designed of cores with varied composite materials. Thanks to that, they can overcome subfloor imperfections. The great advantage of vinyl planks is that they can make a difference in terms of durability. Their installation is incredibly easy and quick. All of that makes vinyl plank floors the perfect choice when looking for cheap, well-designed, and durable flooring.
Bottom Line
As you can see, you should never underestimate flooring when looking for ways to increase your home's resale value. Picking the right floors can significantly impact your buyers' decision, helping you sell your home for the highest price possible.
When it comes to picking the flooring that's both good-looking and solid, you have five reliable options you can choose from:
● Hardwood
● Waterproof
● Laminate
● Porcelain or ceramic tile
● Vinyl plank
As we described in the article, hardwood floors will increase your real estate's worth most significantly. They are, however, the most expensive of the given options. The rest, on the other hand, won't skyrocket the price of your home. They'll help you to give your estate a fantastic look for a lower cost. To make the right decision, you have to do your research, estimate your budget, and consult your real estate agent and interior designer. Only doing that will ensure you pick the right flooring option and sell your home for the price you want.
FAQs about Flooring
Is tile or laminate flooring better for resale value?
Both can boost your home’s value, but it depends on where you use them. Laminate often works better for living rooms and bedrooms because it feels warm and resembles real wood affordably. Tile is best for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas where moisture is an issue, as it’s more durable and water-resistant.
Which flooring option is more budget-friendly for resale?
Laminate flooring is usually less expensive than ceramic or porcelain tile, both for material and installation. However, investing a little more in high-quality tile for wet areas can pay off by attracting buyers looking for easy maintenance and modern style.
Can mixing flooring types hurt resale value?
Not if done well! Many buyers appreciate a smart combination — for example, laminate in bedrooms and living spaces paired with tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Consistency in color tones and style will keep your home feeling cohesive and attractive.
How do I choose the right flooring for my home?
Consider your budget, how much wear and tear each room gets, and what’s popular in your neighborhood. If you’re unsure, an interior designer can help you pick flooring that matches your home’s style and appeals to buyers.