Now that we are familiar with all the types of floorings and the basics about them, now would be the time to discuss the best uses for each material and which would be the best one suited for your needs. Knowing about their advantages and disadvantages can seem somewhat inconsequential if you are not entirely sure how to decide what would be a better fit for your home, so this article should shed some light on that and serve as a guide.

1. Hardwood - Wood flooring is usually best when it’s laid in fairly isolated spaces that don’t get lots of foot traffic; these can be areas such as attics, bedrooms, and some hall areas. While there are those who use it in kitchens, this is not recommended and I advise against this, as wood flooring generally does not fare well with the onslaught of dragging chairs, dropped cans, or grit-covered shoes.

2. Engineered Wood - Engineered wood can work well in all the same spaces as solid wood; it also has the added benefit of being suitable for basements and enclosed porches as they are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. It is generally regarded as the second-best choice for a living area, next to solid wood.

3. Bamboo - Bamboo flooring works in all the same places as hardwood or engineered wood (which makes sense as it is a form of wood in itself). It is mostly suitable for living areas, hallways, and bedrooms. However, it may not be sturdy enough to use in a kitchen or mudroom, depending on the variation of durability.

4. Ceramic Tile - Porcelain tile is found to be the best choice for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens and mudrooms, as well as for wet rooms such as baths and laundry rooms. It’s also ideal for an enclosed porch or sunroom, as it’s the most durable type and resistant to scratching, denting, and moisture.

5. Laminate - Laminate is a good material for high-traffic areas, such as kitchens, foyers, and playrooms. Its durability and flexibility shines as it’s also a reasonable choice for basements as long as they have no problems with leaks or standing water. It’s best to avoid this material in wet rooms, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms as these will warp the flooring.

6. Vinyl - Vinyl is appropriate for kitchens, baths, and other wet rooms. It’s also suitable for rooms that get a lot of traffic, such as mudrooms. Unlike most other floorings, this one can work well in a basement as it can tolerate moisture quite fine and does not have the same cold feel to the feet as tile. 

7. Linoleum - Linoleum flooring is a good choice in living spaces such as dens, kitchens, and family rooms given how it can stand up to most normal wear and tear. It can also work well in a bedroom or basement that doesn’t have any moisture problems, as with most flooring.

8. Cork - Cork can work in bedrooms, kitchens, playrooms, and living areas. It would not be advisable to place this in wet rooms such as bathrooms or high-traffic areas such as mudrooms.

9. Carpet - Carpet is most appropriate for areas such as bedrooms and living rooms, where less dirt gets tracked in and nothing is likely to be spilled on it. Polypropylene carpets can also work in outdoor spaces such as enclosed porches.

Will the flooring be installed in a basement, full bathroom, or other related areas that have a high probability of being exposed to moisture?

1. If yes; both ceramic or porcelain tile, and vinyl tile are suited for medium to high-moisture areas.  

2. If any type of flooring will be viable for you due to moisture not being a limiting factor, proceed to #2. 

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Do you have pets, children, or any other need for a durable floor? 

1. If yes; you should be looking into flooring with a high wear and tear resistance. Some forms of solid hardwood can easily scratch, so one must be wary when purchasing their own flooring. Ceramic or porcelain tile, laminate, plank vinyl, or carpeting are some of the more durable types and should last you a good while. 

2. If durability is only an added benefit to you and not your main concern, proceed to #3. 

What is your budget per square foot?

1. While the price of flooring depends on a number of different factors (attractiveness, quality of material, retailer, type of material, rarity, etc.), you might generally find that laminate flooring and ceramic tile -- just watch out for the installation fees -- are generally cheaper options; while the more exotic wood options (hardwood, engineered, bamboo, and cork) will be of a heftier price tag.

2. If forking over the cash is not a main concern, proceed to #4. 

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Do you want to install this flooring by yourself or are you willing to avail of an installer? 

1. If yes: Laminate and plank vinyl tend to be the easier floor coverings to install without the help of a contractor. Ceramic and porcelain tile may be installed on your own, but the question that arises then is how well you want the installation to be done, but they are still relatively simpler as compared to the more complicated types; solid hardwood and engineered floors are best left to professional contractors to install.

2. If you do not find yourself the DIY sort, proceed to #5.  

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Do you want flooring that requires very little maintenance? 

1. If yes: most resilient vinyl flooring (such as tile, sheet, or plank) would work best for this. Laminate flooring comes in at second mostly because there are still specific cleaning methods that need to be utilized in order to keep it in tip-top shape. The wood floorings are the more tedious of the types to maintain, as the trade-off is between their beauty and their upkeep. A small tip that might be more practical is just to cover high-traffic areas with throw rugs or runners. 

2. If no: Any flooring should work fine for your purposes then.

This is where this three-part series will end. I hope that this has been both helpful and informative for all homeowners, present or future.