Bedroom Flooring: Choosing The Best Option For Your Space

When it comes to choosing the best flooring for your bedroom, there are several factors to consider, including comfort, durability, noise reduction, style, and cost. The flooring you select will impact the vibe and aesthetic of your space, as well as your daily life, as each type of flooring is maintained differently.

Some of the most popular options for bedroom flooring include carpet, hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl, laminate, and cork. Carpet is a fantastic choice for comfort and warmth, but it requires frequent cleaning and can be prone to triggering allergies. Hardwood is a timeless and elegant option that complements any bedroom decor, but it can be expensive and may not offer the same level of comfort as carpet. Engineered wood is a more affordable and dimensionally stable alternative to hardwood, but it has a shorter lifespan due to veneer thickness. Luxury vinyl is a modern and affordable choice that offers the look of real wood or stone without the extra care, and it is easy to install and maintain. Laminate is a durable and long-lasting option with many colour options, but it lacks soundproofing and can feel cold. Cork is an eco-friendly, renewable material that provides a comfortable and warm surface underfoot, similar to carpet, but it is prone to scratches.

Ultimately, the best flooring for your bedroom depends on your personal preferences, budget, and design choices.

Pros and cons of carpet flooring

Carpet is a prevalent choice for a bedroom flooring surface in North America, mainly because it is soft and warm on the feet— an advantage in a room where you are often barefoot. Carpet offers a wide range of colours, styles, textures and thicknesses, allowing homeowners to choose a carpet that perfectly matches their interior design scheme.

Pros of Carpet Flooring:

• Soft and warm underfoot
• Wide range of colours, styles, textures and thicknesses
• Insulates against heat loss, keeping a room warm
• Absorbs footfalls and outside noises, keeping a bedroom quieter
• Can be safer for bedrooms used by children or older adults as falls are less likely to cause injury
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons of Carpet Flooring:

• Not easy to keep clean and allergen-free
• May give off chemicals, such as formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory issues
• Shorter lifespan than hardwood and tiles
• Develops wear patterns over time
• Not environmentally friendly due to off-gassing and taking up landfill space

Pros and cons of hardwood flooring

Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for bedrooms due to its warmth and natural beauty. It is also highly sought after by homebuyers, making it a great option if you're looking to sell your home. Here are some pros and cons of hardwood flooring to help you decide if it's the right choice for your bedroom.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring:

• Timeless Look: Hardwood floors bring a classic elegance and character to any space. They are versatile and can complement various decorating styles.
• Durability: With proper care, hardwood floors are strong and durable, lasting a lifetime or even longer. They can withstand heavy foot traffic and are less likely to break, chip, or peel compared to other flooring options.
• Easy Maintenance: Cleaning hardwood floors is straightforward and only requires frequent sweeping and mopping. A simple solution of vinegar and water is effective for cleaning.
• Longevity: Hardwood floors can be sanded down and refinished multiple times, allowing you to change the colour or fix scratches and dents.
• Allergen Reducer: Hardwood floors don't collect dust and allergens like carpets, making them ideal for people with allergies and respiratory issues.
• Increases Home Value: Homes with hardwood floors often sell faster and at higher prices. Hardwood flooring is highly desirable and offers a great return on investment.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring:

• Expensive: Hardwood flooring can be costly upfront, with prices ranging from $4 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of wood and labour costs.
• Prone to Scratches and Dents: Wood flooring is susceptible to scratching and denting, so proper care is important.
• Lack of Sound and Thermal Insulation: Hardwood floors can be noisy and don't provide the same level of sound absorption or heat insulation as carpeted floors.
• Hard Surface: Hardwood is harder than flooring options like cork, carpeting, or rubber, which can increase the risk of injury from falls, especially for children or older adults.
• Moisture Sensitivity: Hardwood floors are susceptible to moisture damage. Spills or water seepage can cause the wood to swell or deform.
• Sustainability Concerns: Not all hardwoods are sustainably sourced, so it's important to choose ethical and sustainable options from managed and protected forests.

Pros and cons of vinyl flooring

Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for bedroom flooring due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. It is made from synthetic materials and designed with multiple layers, including a core layer, an image layer, and a protective wear layer. Here are some pros and cons of vinyl flooring to consider:

Pros of Vinyl Flooring:

• Affordability and Easy Installation: Vinyl flooring is known for being one of the most affordable flooring options, with prices ranging from $0.50 to $7 per square foot. It is also relatively easy to install, making it a good choice for DIY enthusiasts.
• Durability and Water Resistance: Vinyl is highly durable and can last between 5 to 25 years, depending on maintenance and quality. It is water-resistant and spill-proof, making it ideal for areas with high foot traffic or moisture, such as bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms.
• Design Flexibility: Vinyl flooring offers a wide range of design options, including various textures, styles, and colors. It can mimic the look of natural materials like wood, brick, or stone, providing a modern or traditional vibe to your bedroom.
• Comfort and Insulation: Vinyl has a softer and more padded feel underfoot compared to hardwood or tile. Its layered composition provides insulation, helping to maintain a consistent temperature in the room.
• Soundproofing: Vinyl flooring can reduce noise and echo in the room, creating a quieter and more peaceful bedroom.

Cons of Vinyl Flooring:

• Non-Refinishable and Replacement: Vinyl flooring has a single wear layer, which means it cannot be refinished. Once damaged, the affected areas or the entire floor must be replaced, which can be costly and time-consuming.
• Resale Value: Vinyl floors typically do not add significant value to a home during resale. In some cases, low-quality vinyl floors may even have a negative impact on the property's value.
• Environmental Impact: The manufacturing of vinyl flooring involves toxic chemicals, and the installed floors may emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can adversely affect indoor air quality and health.
• Inconsistent Quality: The quality of vinyl flooring can vary, even among top-rated brands. Thinner vinyl is more prone to damage and indentation, while thicker vinyl provides better cushioning and stability.
• Removal Difficulty: Removing vinyl flooring can be challenging due to its adhesive backing, which hardens over time. It requires significant effort and proper techniques to remove the flooring and the glue completely.
• Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause vinyl floors to fade over time. This is an important consideration if you're installing vinyl in a room with abundant natural light or large windows.

Pros and cons of laminate flooring

Laminate flooring is a synthetic, composite flooring that can be a good choice for those on a budget. It is made up of several layers: a top transparent wear layer that protects against stains, scratches, and UV rays; a visual or design layer that mimics the look of wood, stone, or tile; a core layer of high-density fiberboard; and a thin, waterproof backing layer or underlayment that protects against moisture.

Pros

• Durability: Laminate flooring is highly durable and can withstand high foot traffic, impact from dropped objects, scratches, stains, and sunlight. It typically lasts 15 to 25 years, with some brands offering warranties of up to 25 years.
• Affordability: Laminate flooring is a budget-friendly option, often costing half the price of wood flooring. Prices typically range from $0.70 to $2.00 per square foot, depending on the quality and type of laminate.
• Easy Installation: Laminate flooring is easy to install and is a popular choice for DIYers. It typically uses a click-and-lock or tongue-and-groove system, with the planks interlocking at the edges to form a solid mat.
• Low Maintenance: Laminate floors are easy to clean and maintain. Spills and messes should be cleaned up promptly, and the floor should be mopped with a slightly damp mop or laminate floor cleaner.
• Stain Resistance: The wear layer of laminate flooring provides good stain resistance and protection from spills and stains.
• Customizable: Laminate flooring offers a wide range of colors, styles, and designs, allowing for customization to match any decor.
• Eco-Friendliness: Laminate flooring can be made from recycled materials, and some brands offer environmental certifications.

Cons

• Susceptibility to Moisture: Laminate flooring is sensitive to moisture and water damage. Standing water or spills should be avoided, as they can cause the planks to buckle, stain, and break down.
• Hard and Noisy Underfoot: Laminate flooring can feel hard underfoot and create a hollow sound. While a foam underlayment can help minimize this, it may not be suitable for bedrooms, especially for young children or older adults.
• Cannot be Refinished: Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring cannot be sanded or refinished if it becomes heavily worn, scratched, or damaged. Instead, individual planks or the entire floor may need to be replaced.
• Artificial Appearance: Upon close examination, laminate flooring may not pass for its natural counterpart due to pattern repetition and differences in sound and feel.
• Lack of Soundproofing and Thermal Insulation: Laminate flooring does not provide soundproofing, and its hard surface can create a noisy environment. It also lacks thermal insulation, making it feel cold underfoot.
• Chemical Sensitivity: A small number of individuals may have reactions to the resins and glues used in the flooring.
• Repetitive Patterning: Laminate flooring may have repetitive patterns, with a limited number of differently patterned boards, which can be noticeable if the installation is not done strategically.
• Lack of Long-Term Value: Laminate flooring does not add long-term real estate value to a home, and it may not offer the same return on investment as hardwood or tile flooring.

Overall, laminate flooring can be a good choice for those seeking an affordable, durable, and easy-to-install flooring option. However, it is important to consider the cons, such as its susceptibility to moisture, lack of soundproofing and thermal insulation, and artificial appearance, before making a decision.

Pros and cons of cork flooring

When it comes to choosing the best flooring for a bedroom, there are several factors to consider, such as softness, durability, sound dampening, maintenance, and cost. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, cork flooring is a popular option that offers a unique set of pros and cons. Here is an in-depth look at the advantages and disadvantages of cork flooring in bedrooms:

Pros of Cork Flooring:

• Comfort and Safety: Cork is a soft and yielding material, making it a comfortable choice for bedrooms. Its spongy surface provides a gentle landing, reducing the risk of injuries from falls, especially for children and older adults.
• Insulation: Cork is an excellent insulator for both sound and temperature. Its natural insulative properties create a quieter and more comfortable atmosphere while potentially reducing utility costs.
• Eco-Friendliness: Cork is a natural and easily replenishable resource derived from the bark of the cork oak tree. The harvesting process is renewable, and cork is biodegradable and recyclable at the end of its lifespan.
• Natural Insect Repellency: Cork contains substances that naturally repel insects and inhibit their growth, creating a healthier indoor environment.
• Hypoallergenic and Mould-Resistant: Cork is hypoallergenic and naturally repels germs, making it resistant to mould and mildew. This quality makes cork flooring a good choice for allergy sufferers.
• DIY-Friendly: Cork flooring is relatively easy to install and maintain, making it a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts.

Cons of Cork Flooring:

• Poor Durability: Cork flooring is less durable than other popular options and is susceptible to scratches and divots from pets' nails and heavy furniture. It may not be ideal for homes with active pets or heavy foot traffic.
• Requires Sealing: Cork flooring requires occasional resealing to protect it from water damage and stains. Resealing every 5 to 7 years is typically recommended to maintain its condition.
• Fading: Direct sunlight can cause cork flooring to discolour and fade over time, resulting in an uneven appearance.
• High Maintenance: While cork flooring is generally low maintenance, it requires regular sweeping, vacuuming, and damp mopping. Spills must be wiped up immediately to prevent staining.
• Susceptibility to Water Damage: While cork is water-resistant, it is not waterproof. Flooding or exposure to high humidity can cause cork flooring to warp, curl, or discolour.
• Short Lifespan: Cork flooring typically lasts for about 25 years, which is shorter than the lifespan of hardwood or tile flooring.
• Limited Repair Options: Engineered cork flooring cannot be refinished due to its thin surface cork layer. Solid cork flooring can be refinished, but the number of times it can be refinished is limited by the thickness of the material.
• Cost: Cork flooring is nearly as expensive as hardwood, with thicker and higher-quality options costing more. However, professional installation is relatively economical, and cork flooring is easier to install than hardwood, potentially saving on labour costs.

Frequently asked questions