Cork Flooring
-
Merits:
-
Eco-friendly and renewable material
-
Soft and warm underfoot, comfortable for long-standing periods
-
Naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mold and mildew
-
Provides excellent sound insulation
-
-
Demerits:
-
Prone to dents and scratches from heavy furniture or pet claws
-
Can fade in direct sunlight over time
-
Requires sealing to maintain water resistance
-
Susceptible to damage from prolonged moisture exposure
-
-
Best Usage Locations:
-
Bedrooms
-
Living rooms
-
Offices
-
Playrooms
-
Not ideal for bathrooms or areas with high moisture
-
Laminate Flooring
-
Merits:
-
Affordable and easy to install (click-lock system)
-
Scratch-resistant, making it pet- and kid-friendly
-
Available in various designs that mimic hardwood or stone
-
Low maintenance and easy to clean
-
-
Demerits:
-
Not waterproof; swells and warps if exposed to moisture
-
Can be noisy underfoot without proper underlayment
-
Difficult to repair (damaged planks need replacement)
-
Not as durable as tile or vinyl in high-traffic areas
-
-
Best Usage Locations:
-
Living rooms
-
Bedrooms
-
Hallways
-
Not recommended for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements
-
Tile Flooring (Ceramic/Porcelain)
-
Merits:
-
Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
-
100% waterproof, ideal for wet areas
-
Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns
-
Resists stains, making it easy to clean
-
-
Demerits:
-
Hard and cold underfoot (may require area rugs or heating systems)
-
Can crack or chip if heavy objects are dropped on it
-
Installation is labor-intensive and requires professional skills
-
Grout lines need regular sealing and cleaning
-
-
Best Usage Locations:
-
Bathrooms
-
Kitchens
-
Entryways
-
High-traffic areas
-
Outdoor patios (porcelain tiles)
-
Vinyl Tile (Luxury Vinyl Tile/Plank - LVT/LVP)
-
Merits:
-
100% waterproof, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas
-
Highly durable and resistant to scratches and dents
-
Softer and warmer underfoot compared to ceramic tile
-
Easy to install (peel-and-stick or click-lock options)
-
Low maintenance and easy to clean
-
-
Demerits:
-
Some lower-quality options may emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
-
Not as eco-friendly as natural materials
-
Can be punctured by sharp objects
-
May fade in direct sunlight
-
-
Best Usage Locations:
-
Bathrooms
-
Kitchens
-
Basements
-
Laundry rooms
-
High-traffic areas
-
Each flooring type has its strengths and weaknesses, so the best choice depends on budget, location, and personal preferences.