Nothing updates a home like new flooring. The right flooring can make your home look, feel, and function better. The array of options to choose from may make your head spin — carpet, hardwood, laminate, and vinyl — not to mention the endless variety of colors and patterns within each category. Answering a few essential questions about your home and your design preferences will help you navigate the choices so you can find the best flooring for your home.

1. What rooms will get the new flooring?

The first step is to consider how your family lives in the spaces where you plan to install new flooring.

Waterproof Flooring

Kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and any rooms with pets or children are moisture-prone and need water-resistant or waterproof flooring. Innovative products including laminate, luxury vinyl, and even hardwood with WetProtect^® provide more 100% waterproof options than ever, allowing you to get the look and feel you want without worrying about every little splash or spill.

The Best Flooring for Active Spaces

It’s also important to consider the activity level in your home. If you’re planning new flooring for a high-traffic area with kids and pets, then you may want to consider durable, high-quality hard surface flooring options, such as laminate or vinyl designed to withstand scratches, dents, and moisture. Be sure to look for All Pet^® Protection, which covers all accidents from all pets for even greater peace of mind.

Durable Carpet

If you’re considering carpet, keep in mind that not all carpets are a good fit for high-traffic areas. Look for high-quality carpets made from durable triexta or nylon, which can stand up to heavy use. And if you have kids or pets, you’ll want carpet made from triexta, which also has inherent stain resistance built right into the fiber so it will never wear off.

Pet-Friendly Carpet

Another option for carpet with inherent stain resistance is PETPremier^TM polyester carpet from Mohawk. It’s backed by their All Pet^® Protection & Warranty, covering any pet and any accident, so you don’t have to fret about Fido or Fifi staining your beautiful new carpet. You can also feel good about the fact that PETPremier is made with recycled plastic drinking bottles diverted from landfills. It’s a win-win.

2. How much maintenance does the flooring require?

A new flooring purchase is an investment, and like most things, proper upkeep will ensure that you get the most out of your investment for as long as possible. If you have an active home and find yourself pressed for time, choose a low-maintenance surface that cleans quickly and resists stains.

Again, carpet made from triexta tops the list for cleanability and offers inherent stain resistance. And the waterproof hard surface options mentioned above allow for wet mopping, making cleanup quick and easy.

3. Are allergies a major concern for your family?

Did you know that some types of carpet can actually improve symptoms of asthma and allergies? It’s true. Carpet acts as a passive air filter, trapping dust, pollen, and other particles and removing them from the breathing zone. Just remember to vacuum those allergens out of your carpet on a regular basis to improve your home’s air quality.

Hypoallergenic Carpet

High-performance products like Mohawk’s Air.O^® go a step further. The fibers in this hypoallergenic carpet won’t absorb moisture, which helps prevent the growth of allergens and microbes in the first place. That’s nothing to sneeze at.

4. How will the new floor impact your home decor?

Because flooring lasts for a long time, it will impact not only your current decor but also any future design possibilities.

Go With a Classic Look

If you tend to change your accessories and drapes often, shop for flooring that will offer the most versatility. Stick to neutral colors in classic designs and textures. They will age well and allow you to change your room’s style on a whim. You can always add or remove bolder design elements like bright area rugs or patterned upholstery to change the feel of a room.

Embrace Your Style Favorites

That said, don’t be afraid to experiment. If you have always loved the coastal look, go all-in with the look of sun-bleached wood. If jewel tones make you swoon, go for that emerald green or amethyst carpet. Individualized style is trending, and you aren’t likely to tire of your favorite colors or design styles.

Bonus Tip

Light colors don’t necessarily make spaces feel bigger, and darker colors don’t necessarily make rooms feel smaller. However, if a space feels dreary, a lighter colored floor can make the same space seem brighter and airier. And a darker colored floor can pull a room together, making a large space feel more grounded and cozier.

5. Will your new floor coordinate with other flooring in your home?

If you aren’t planning to tackle your home’s floors all at once, you’ll need to consider whether the new floors will clash or coordinate with your existing floors. If you choose the right style and color, your new floor can complement the original floors, even if it has a different texture or is a new category altogether.

Take samples home and look at them against any flooring you plan to keep. Check at various times of day, since light affects color tremendously. Your retailer can work with you to choose flooring that transitions well throughout your home.

6. What is your budget for flooring?

No matter how much you have to spend, you can find many beautiful flooring options. But look beyond the price per square foot to consider everything you will need for installation, including the installation itself.

Flooring Accessories

If you’re looking at carpet, then don’t forget to factor in the price of carpet cushion. Mohawk’s SmartCushion^® helps protect your subfloor, repels spills, and reduces common pet odors. If you’re looking at hardwood, LVT (luxury vinyl tile), or laminate, then you’ll need to factor in underlayment, trim, and other accessories.

DIY or Professional Installation

Some products, like rigid vinyl and laminate, can be installed successfully by seasoned DIYers, but most people leave installation to the pros. In the end, it’s less expensive to pay the experts to do it right the first time, rather than to rescue a failed DIY project.

Your answers to the questions above will give you a big head start toward choosing the best flooring for your home. The next step is to visit your local Mohawk dealer with any lingering questions or for help with design concerns. They have experts ready to help you make a flooring choice you will enjoy for years to come.