Get matched with top epoxy flooring pros in Kaunakakai, HI

It all depends on what you’re looking for in a floor. Cork flooring is certainly softer and more sound-absorbing than hardwood floors, and the two share very similar maintenance routines. That said, for some homeowners, the pristine appearance of hardwood floors may be more appealing, and they may be less prone to scratches and dents than cork flooring. Hardwood flooring also tends to be more expensive than cork flooring.

The cheapest flooring is standard vinyl plank flooring, which costs about $2 to $7 per square foot, depending on the brand and style. Vinyl mimics the look of wood or stone and is durable and great for high-traffic homes. It’s easy to install, and moderate DIYers can tackle the job to save further on costs.

The type of flooring you plan to install will determine if it goes in before or after the cabinets. It's okay to swap the order in many cases. However, hardwood floors, sheet materials, and tile often go down before the cabinets go in. Floating floors like laminate or luxury vinyl planking should go down after the cabinets are in place.

You can use underfloor heating with most kinds of flooring. However, particularly thick carpet will create problems, since it will absorb a lot of the heat and make it difficult to feel. Also, there are some concerns that underfloor heating can dry out natural wood over time, so if you have wood flooring, get an expert opinion on whether radiant heating is appropriate.