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Some aspects of home décor are easily changed. If you no longer like your curtains, you can take them down and put up new ones. With flooring, it’s a bit different. The type that you choose will last for a long time. Due to its durability, lifespan, and expense, you need to be sure that kind you pick is one that you won’t grow tired of quickly. Before you head out to your nearest flooring store, go over the pros and cons of these five popular options. They’ll help you make a well-informed decision.

Hardwood

This type of flooring is very durable and will last for years. It’s easy to refinish if it gets scratched or if you want to change its overall color. However, you’ll need to have a proper subfloor installed before the wood goes in. On top of that, if it gets too wet, it’ll need to be replaced. On top of this, hardwood flooring isn’t cheap. It does add on to the overall value of your home though.

Tile

Tile flooring is just as durable as hardwood. It will last for a very long time if it’s installed correctly. It comes in many different colors and patterns, making it easy to pick the best options for every room. However, if you drop something heavy on tile, it’ll crack. The grout isn’t easy to clean (although there are types that are better than others) and it isn’t very comfortable to stand on for long periods of time.

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Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood is a less expensive option. It comes prefinished and needs no subfloor, making installation simple. You won’t have any of the headaches that come with installing traditional hardwood floors. On top of this, it’s less susceptible to moisture and other damage. You won’t be able to strip it and refinish it as much as you can regular hardwood flooring, but it will stand up to this practice two or three times.

Carpeting

Many people overlook carpeting as an option. However, it’s still a very valid floor covering. It’s soft and warm, and you won’t have to worry about standing on it for long periods of time, because it’s very comfortable. It usually costs less than some other types of flooring from your local flooring store. However, carpeting is very high maintenance. It traps dirt and dust, and stains easily. If you have pets, kids, or allergies, think twice before buying carpeting.

Laminate

Laminate flooring is very inexpensive. It also comes in a seemingly unlimited amount of colors, finishes, and options. You can find a laminate that echoes the look of wood and tile. It’s amazing. On top of this, the laminate is easy to install, and you won’t have to remove your existing floors (in most cases.) It tends to be softer than tile as well. However, too much moisture can destroy laminate floors. It also can’t be refinished like hardwoods, so you really have to like the kind that you chose.