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You walk into a flooring store and see forty samples on the wall. They all look great. Now what?
That moment of "too many choices" happens to almost every homeowner. Most homeowners compare several flooring types before they decide. With that many options, it helps to know what you are comparing before you start shopping.
This guide breaks down every major flooring type — from hardwood to vinyl to tile — so you can walk into any flooring store in Spokane knowing exactly what to ask for. Below you will find a plain-English look at twelve flooring materials, a quick comparison table, and a room-by-room cheat sheet to help you choose.
After helping hundreds of customers at our Pro Floors and Blinds showroom in Spokane, we can tell you the number-one question people ask is "Which floor holds up best with kids and pets?" If that sounds like you, keep reading.
The main types of flooring are hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl (including LVP and LVT), ceramic tile, porcelain tile, carpet, bamboo, cork, stone, linoleum, rubber, and concrete. Each material differs in cost, durability, water resistance, and comfort underfoot.
Hardwood and stone offer a premium look and a long lifespan. Vinyl and laminate deliver budget-friendly durability with easy installation. Carpet provides warmth and softness, especially in bedrooms. Tile and stone resist moisture, making them a strong fit for kitchens and bathrooms.
Your best choice depends on room traffic, moisture exposure, budget, and style goals. A local flooring store can show you samples of each type so you can compare look and feel in person.
You can browse our wood and laminate flooring options to see what we carry.
Flooring falls into four main families. Each family shares similar traits, so grouping them makes it easier to narrow your search.
Hardwood is solid wood cut from trees like oak, maple, or walnut. It fits living rooms and bedrooms well. The biggest pro is that you can sand and refinish it many times. The downside is that moisture can warp the planks. The National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA) recommends regular maintenance coats every three to five years to keep hardwood floors performing their best.
Engineered wood is a thin layer of real wood on top of a plywood base. It works in most rooms, including basements. It handles humidity better than solid hardwood, but you can only refinish it once or twice.
Bamboo is a fast-growing grass pressed into hard planks. It suits living areas and offices. It is eco-friendly and durable, but lower-quality bamboo can scratch easily.
We see engineered wood outselling solid hardwood two-to-one in our Spokane store. Customers love that it handles the temperature swings we get here without cupping or gapping.
Vinyl (LVP and LVT) is a synthetic plank or tile that clicks together. It works in every room, including kitchens and bathrooms. It is waterproof and affordable, but it cannot be refinished.
Linoleum is a natural material made from linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour. It fits kitchens and mudrooms well. It is eco-friendly and long-lasting, but it needs periodic sealing.
Rubber comes in sheets or tiles and absorbs impact. It is best for gyms, laundry rooms, and playrooms. It is slip-resistant and soft underfoot, but color options are limited.
Cork is harvested from tree bark without cutting the tree down. It suits bedrooms and home offices. It is warm and quiet, but heavy furniture can dent it.
Ceramic tile is kiln-fired clay available in countless shapes and colors. It works well in bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways. It resists water and stains, but it feels cold and hard underfoot.
Porcelain tile is denser than ceramic and fired at a higher temperature. It handles indoor and outdoor spaces. It is extremely durable, but it costs more and is harder to cut during installation.
Stone includes marble, granite, slate, and travertine. It adds a high-end feel to foyers and bathrooms. Each piece is one of a kind, but stone needs regular sealing and carries a higher price tag.
Concrete can be polished, stained, or stamped for a modern look. It suits basements, garages, and industrial-style living spaces. It is nearly indestructible, but it is very hard on your feet and joints.
Carpet is woven or tufted fiber installed over a pad. It is a top pick for bedrooms and family rooms. It adds warmth, cushion, and sound absorption, but it stains more easily than hard floors and needs regular cleaning.
Now that you know what each floor is, let's see how they stack up side by side.
Use this list to compare all twelve flooring types at a glance.
Hardwood
Engineered Wood
Bamboo
Vinyl (LVP/LVT)
Linoleum
Rubber
Cork
Ceramic Tile
Porcelain Tile
Stone
Concrete
Carpet
*Prices reflect national averages as of 2025. Your local flooring store may offer different pricing based on region and brand.
Best budget pick: Vinyl plank gives you waterproof durability starting around $1 per square foot for materials.
Best premium pick: Hardwood and natural stone deliver a high-end look that can last a lifetime with proper care.
Best all-around pick: Engineered wood balances real-wood beauty, moisture tolerance, and mid-range pricing for most homes in Spokane.
Numbers help, but the best floor also depends on where it goes in your home.
Every room in your home puts different demands on your floor. Here is a quick breakdown by space.
Water spills and humidity are part of daily life in these rooms. Prioritize water resistance.
Comfort and style matter most in the spaces where you relax. You have more freedom here because moisture is less of a concern.
Moisture from the ground can seep through concrete slabs. Choose materials that will not swell or grow mold.
These spaces take the most footsteps, shoe grit, and dropped items every day. Durability is the top priority.
Tip: Bring your room measurements when you visit a flooring store. Our team at Pro Floors and Blinds in Spokane can calculate how much material you need and factor in waste so you do not overbuy.
Our flooring visualizer takes out the guesswork. You can see your space changed right away.
Upload a photo of your room. Pick a product from our collection. Watch what happens instantly. The realistic picture shows you exactly how different floors will look in your actual space.
Step 1: Upload your photo. | Step 2: Pick a product. | Step 3: See the change right away!
Use the visualizer to pick your favorites online. Then ask for those specific samples to test in person. This gives you both online ease and hands-on proof.
Try the Pro Floors and Blinds Flooring Visualizer today!
These three flooring types look similar from a distance, but they are made very differently. Here is how they compare where it matters most.
Laminate
Vinyl
Which One Should You Pick?
If budget is tight, go with vinyl. It is waterproof, easy to install, and holds up well in every room.
If you want long-term value and can manage moisture, go with hardwood. A well-maintained hardwood floor can outlast the house itself.
Laminate splits the difference. It gives you a wood look at a lower cost, but keep it away from wet areas.
We keep all three side by side in our Pro Floors and Blinds showroom in Spokane for exactly this reason. Once you step on each one, the choice usually becomes obvious.
Once you have narrowed your choices, here is how to make the most of your visit to a flooring store.
Walking in prepared saves you time and helps you get the right floor on the first try. Keep these five questions in mind.
At Pro Floors and Blinds, we walk through every one of these questions with our customers during a personal consultation. Call ahead to book your appointment so we can give you our full attention.
Let one of our experts help you find the perfect floor!
Spokane - 6018 E Broadway Ave Suite #1
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