A Complete Guide to Flooring Types and Specifications
Common Flooring Types and Key Specifications
| Flooring Type | Key Material & Construction | Key Specifications | Best For |
| Solid Hardwood | Solid piece of natural wood (e.g., oak, maple) | Janka hardness rating, thickness (e.g., 3/4"), plank width/length, finish type, grade (e.g., Prime, Rustic) | Living areas, bedrooms, adding resale value (low moisture areas) |
| Engineered Wood | Hardwood veneer bonded to multiple wood layers (plywood or HDF core) | Wear layer thickness (e.g., 3mm), total thickness, wood species, moisture resistance, installation type (click-lock, glue-down, floating) | Kitchens, basements (better moisture resistance than solid wood) |
|
Luxury Vinyl Plank/Tile (LVP/LVT)
| PVC core with a printed image layer and protective polyurethane wear layer | Wear layer thickness (e.g., 20 mil), total thickness (e.g., 5mm, 7mm), core type (WPC or more rigid SPC/Stone Polymer Composite), waterproof rating, certifications (FloorScore) | Bathrooms, kitchens, high-traffic areas, basements (fully waterproof options available) |
| Laminate | Photographic image on a wood composite (HDF) core with a clear protective top layer | Thickness (e.g., 12mm), AC rating (abrasion class), water resistance/proof rating, installation type (click-lock), certifications | High-traffic areas, budget-friendly option |
|
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile
| Fired clay or porcelain | PEI rating (durability scale), water absorption rate, size/shape, finish (glazed/unglazed), slip resistance | Bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, high-moisture rooms |
| Carpet | Fibers (nylon, polyester, etc.) adhered to a backing | Fiber type, pile height/weight, construction (broadloom, tiles), backing type, sound absorption rating, indoor air quality (IAQ) certifications | Bedrooms, living rooms, sound insulation areas |
