VINYL Vinyl is commonly found in many kitchens and bathrooms in middle- class neighborhoods across the country. It is easy to clean if done quickly and is also the cheapest option available at $1-7 a square foot. If comfort is an issue, this is the most comfortable option other than carpet. Unfortunately, that affordability comes at the price of durability and it is easily scratched, with repairs generally requiring a professional to come in and replace whole sections of the floor. It can also be susceptible to water damage if it is laid down in tile form as liquids will find their way between the seams. HARDWOOD As stated, hardwood is easily the most popular choice for flooring today. Hardwood floors present a clean and distinguished look throughout the home. It is easy to clean, durable, and tends to be more comfortable than tile. It also has the advantage of being able to be restored every few years, meaning that any scratches, cracks, or loose boards can be corrected periodically, resulting in what looks like a brand-new floor any time it is refinished, often at far less cost than changing out carpet or any other material. There are negatives of course. Hardwood floors tend to be cold and not retain heat as well as carpet or vinyl and the refinishing is difficult and time-consuming. The price can also get quite high, running from $6-15 per square foot. Taking everything into consideration, if you can afford hardwood floors, get them. Buyers are looking for them and will even pass up homes without hardwood, regardless of their other virtues. Not only are they looking, but more than half of agents report that buyers are willing to pay more for a home with wood floors. And given the former craze for carpeting, it is very possible that under your dated shag is an oak goldmine waiting to be uncovered and refinished to its former glory. Should you not have such a treasure waiting under your feet and budget is an issue, you can go with an engineered wood or laminate floor, which provide many of the advantages of hardwood at less cost.
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