In 2024, the flooring industry is seeing a rise in the popularity of natural materials like hardwood, bamboo, and cork, along with a strong emphasis on eco-friendly options. Laminate’s practicality and the waterproof nature of vinyl and engineered wood are highly sought after, while stone and ceramic tiles remain essential for certain rooms.
Wood floors, known for their timeless charm and enduring value, are at the forefront of new home flooring trends. Prefinished and untreated wood floors, along with engineered wood, lead the trends, followed by laminate, luxury vinyl tiles, and vinyl planks. The selection of flooring materials should consider the intended use of each room in the home.
When choosing the best floor covering for a new or renovated home, it’s crucial to understand current market trends, the function of each room, and focus on durability and maintenance. Lifestyle factors such as having children or pets, social habits, and available maintenance time play a significant role in this decision. Essential considerations include the specific function of each room, proper humidity control, and efficient traffic flow. Wooden floors or laminate are ideal for bedrooms due to their warmth, appealing look, and moderate durability. For kitchens and bathrooms, porcelain and stone tiles are excellent choices, while vinyl tiles offer water resistance and easy cleaning. Engineered floors provide a wood-like appearance suitable for damp areas. High-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms benefit from durable, easy-to-maintain laminate or vinyl flooring.
Each flooring option has distinct advantages, disadvantages, and price ranges. For instance, hardwood floors like oak, maple, and cherry are durable, elegant, and significantly boost property value. Finished hardwood floors, made of solid wood, are popular for their authentic look and longevity, requiring minimal maintenance. Unfinished hardwood floors offer similar benefits but require finishing after installation, providing maximum protection and more vibrant colours.
Engineered wood and laminate are cost-effective alternatives to hardwood, balancing price, durability, and aesthetics. Engineered parquet, composed of a hardwood veneer and high-quality plywood layers, is resistant to moisture, impacts, and temperature changes, making it suitable for any room. Laminate flooring, made from composite wood with a high-resistance top layer, mimics the look of stone or hardwood, is durable, easy to clean, and ideal for families with pets and high-traffic areas.
Luxury vinyl tiles and planks have advanced, offering realistic stone or wood looks at lower prices. Vinyl is durable, water-resistant, and ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and homes with pets, as it withstands spills and high humidity without damage. Vinyl rolls provide jointless installation, perfect for large surfaces, while adhesive tiles are easy to install and suitable for temporary solutions or rented properties.
Lighter-toned floors, such as light brown, grey-brown, white, and bleached wood, are among the most popular choices for new homes and renovations in 2024. Neutral colours are a timeless choice, balancing elegance, durability, and practicality. The best flooring options for a new home in 2024 cater to the needs and style of the homeowners, combining the elegance of wood, the resilience of engineered or laminate floors, the practicality of vinyl, and the unique charm of tiles and stone.
There is a flooring solution to match every trend, need, and budget in 2024.
Likewise Group PLC (LON:LIKE) is a distributor of floorcoverings and matting and has the opportunity to consolidate the domestic and commercial floorcovering markets to become one of the UK’s largest distributors in this sector.
