There are many types of flooring available today, but choosing the right one starts with understanding what works best for your space and your lifestyle. You’re not just selecting a surface to walk on, you’re shaping the heart of your space. The right flooring transforms your room, brings warmth and character, and makes life easier every single day. 

This guide is designed to help you explore different types of flooring materials and styles, from natural classics to modern solutions, so you can make the best choice for your home, your lifestyle, and your taste. 

Solid Wood Flooring: A Classic Flooring Type for Authenticity 

Solid wood is a timeless type of flooring valued for its natural character and heritage look. Each board is cut from a single piece of hardwood, showcasing its uniqueness and variation. It often comes in random-length planks that help use more of the tree, reducing waste while creating a classic, traditional pattern. 

While it can be sanded and refinished over time for a long-lasting finish, solid wood is best for areas with stable conditions like bedrooms and living rooms. For many, it’s a statement of craft and authenticity; but it may not suit every project or budget. 

We’ve answered the most common questions about solid wood here in our Solid Wood Flooring Guide. 

Engineered Wood Flooring: A Stable, Versatile Flooring Option 

If you love the look of wood but need extra stability, engineered wood is the best of both worlds. With a solid hardwood top layer over multiple layers of ply or softwood, it’s designed to resist movement from humidity and temperature changes. 

That means you can enjoy real wood in kitchens or with underfloor heating. We’ve explained exactly what it is and why it works so well in our Engineered Wood Flooring article. Engineered wood is available in a range of finishes and colours, depending on the species used. Different types of wood can offer subtle variations in grain, tone and texture, helping you choose a look that feels right for your space.

When comparing solid and engineered wood, it’s worth understanding their differences so you choose the right one for your home. We’ve put them side by side here: Engineered vs Solid Wood – Which is Better? 

Stratex® Flooring: Practical and Stylish 

Stratex® is a smart flooring type for spaces that see daily challenges, from busy family life and pets  to demands of kitchens and bathrooms.  

Unlike traditional polymer cores, Stratex® mineral composite core won’t swell or distort. Its high-density waterproof core is engineered to resist dents and impacts, giving you confidence in areas where moisture is common. 

With built-in underlay as standard, something not all alternatives offer, you won’t need to buy and fit it separately. This makes installation simpler and can reduce overall costs. Combined with ultra-realistic wood designs such as the ‘LiveTouch’ finish technology, it delivers practical performance without compromising on style, especially great if you’re browsing for bathroom flooring or kitchen flooring ideas.  

With so many options, from classic natural tones to modern greys and design panels, you can choose a look that fits your space beautifully whilst knowing it’s made to last. 

Laminate Flooring: A Cost-Effective Flooring Type with Style 

Laminate is one of the most accessible types of flooring, if you want plenty of style without stretching your budget. It’s made with a high-resolution image layer on top of a durable fibreboard core, finished with a protective coating. 

It is a reliable choice for living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways where you want a practical cost-effective solution. Laminate is tough on the surface and stands up well to everyday wear, resisting scratches and scuffs in busy homes, but the fibreboard core can be more vulnerable to dents or swelling if exposed to moisture for long periods so it may not suit all kitchen flooring suggestions. 

If you’re deciding between laminate, vinyl or wood-design floors, we’ve explored the differences in detail in this comparison guide. 

Carpet 

Of course, choosing between carpet or wood flooring can be tricky. Sometimes there’s no substitute for the comfort of carpet. You might want it in bedrooms or cosy lounges where warmth and softness matter most. 

Tile, Stone and Concrete 

Tiles are a classic choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways, bringing clean lines and a versatile look to your home. If you’re looking for small bathroom flooring ideas, tile or stone can help make the space feel more open whilst standing up to daily use. Natural stone brings permanence and unique beauty, while concrete offers a modern, minimalist finish that’s easy to maintain. 

These materials can complement wood beautifully in your home, creating distinct zones and adding texture. 

Bamboo and Cork 

If sustainability is important to you, bamboo grows quickly and offers a strong, natural alternative to hardwood. Cork, meanwhile, provides gentle cushioning and natural sound insulation, adding comfort and character to your space. 

These materials give you more ways to make your home both beautiful and responsibly sourced. 

Longevity of Your Flooring Type 

When you’re choosing the right type of flooring, it’s worth considering how long you want it to last. Carpet, according to Cormar Carpets & Carpet One, typically has a lifespan of around 10 years before it starts to flatten and show wear. Laminate offers more durability dependant on the wear rating but unlike hardwood, laminate cannot be refinished. Once the surface layer is damaged, the flooring needs to be replaced. In comparison, wood flooring is built to last for generations; NWFA estimates around 100 years when properly cared for. Unlike other options, it doesn’t wear out in the same way but instead ages gracefully, developing character that many see as part of its appeal. 

When you choose wood, you also choose the species and that choice shapes the personality of your floor. Each species brings its own colour, grain, and hardness. 

If you want to understand what makes each type of wood unique, explore our guide on Wood Species.  

Bringing Your Home to Life with the Right Types of Flooring 

Your floor isn’t just a background. It’s the canvas for everything you do at home. Whether you want rustic charm, modern minimalism or heritage grandeur, there’s types of flooring to match. 

When you know your options, you can create a home that feels right every time you walk in. If you’re ready to explore ideas, see real homes and get inspired, visit our Inspiration Hub.