Your Complete Guide to the Different Type of Flooring

You know that moment when you step into someone’s home, and before you even notice the furniture or the wall colour, the flooring grabs your attention? Maybe it’s that rich oak tone, a smooth patterned layout, or the kind of finish that makes the whole room feel warm and well put together. Flooring has a quiet power. It sets the mood before anything else has a chance.

But choosing the right one? That’s where many people start spiralling. There’s wood, engineered wood, laminate, tile, LVT, stone, parquet, and then even more variations inside each category. It can feel like trying to choose your favourite tea in a shop with too many options. Everything looks good, but you don’t know what will suit your daily life.

So, let’s keep things simple and talk through the most popular flooring options you’ll come across.

Different Types of Flooring Options

Solid Wood Flooring

Solid wood flooring is a classic for a reason. It’s warm, it’s natural, and it brings character into any space. Every plank has a unique grain pattern, which means no two floors look exactly the same. It’s the kind of flooring types that ages well and develops personality over time.

It works best in living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and other dry, cosy spaces. If it begins to show marks or wear years later, it can be sanded and refinished, which gives it an impressive lifespan.

Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood resembles solid wood, but it is constructed differently. It consists of a real wood layer on the top with several layers underneath. This design enables it to be more stable, particularly in the home where the temperature varies or under floor heating.

The variety of colours and finishes available on engineered wood is enormous, although one of the styles that has recently become the focus of attention is tumbled herringbone oak. It has that soft, lived-in appearance with smooth edges, making it seem classic. It is wonderful in case you prefer the flooring that is warm and not too modern and polished.

And when you like the concept of traditional wood look, yet you desire something that is practical and stable, engineered wood can be an excellent compromise.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is one of those options people turn to when they want something great-looking, easy to clean, and budget-friendly. It’s designed to mimic the look of wood or stone, and, with modern technology, some styles look surprisingly realistic.

It’s resistant to scratches and general wear, which makes it perfect for busy homes, especially if you’ve got pets or children. It doesn’t require much fuss to maintain; just regular cleaning will do. The only thing it can’t offer is refinishing. Once worn or damaged, you normally replace the affected area rather than repair it like solid or engineered wood.

Luxury Vinyl (LVT)

Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, has become a very popular choice. It offers the style of wood or stone while being waterproof, comfortable underfoot, and easy to maintain. It is an excellent option in the kitchen, bathroom, hallway, or any other area where spills and daily mess may occur.

It is functional, multi-purpose, and can fit contemporary or conventional homes, depending on the level of finish that is applied.

Tile and Stone Flooring

Flooring of tile and stone provides durability and a clear and smooth look. Natural stone flooring categories, such as limestone, marble or slate, infuses a natural, earthy feel to a room.

Meanwhile, porcelain and ceramic tiles give you endless styling options from minimal and calming to patterned and bold.

Related Products:-

Softly Aged Stone:- https://www.beswickstone.co.uk/stone-tiles/cotswold-style-flagstones/Castile-Soft-Tumble

Heavily Aged Stone:- https://www.beswickstone.co.uk/stone-tiles/cotswold-style-flagstones/avignon-heavy-tumbled-limestone

They’re perfect for kitchens, entryways, bathrooms, and conservatories. If you want the premium feel of a cool floor but still want warmth and comfort, pairing tiles or stone with underfloor heating makes a noticeable difference.

Parquet and Herringbone Flooring

Parquet and herringbone flooring styles are ideal if you love flooring that feels thoughtful and design-led. They bring pattern and structure into a room without being overwhelming.

A herringbone layout, especially in tumbled or aged oak tones, feels both traditional and modern at the same time. It brings that subtle wow factor, especially in hallways, lounges, and open spaces.

If you want flooring that feels special and makes the room feel more put-together, herringbone might be the one.

How to Choose the Right Flooring

Still unsure which direction to go? Here are a few quick but helpful questions:

Will your flooring need to handle pets, children, or lots of foot traffic?

Do you prefer low-maintenance materials, or do you want something that can be refinished over time?

Which room is this flooring for?

Do you have underfloor heating?

Do you want something classic and natural, or something sleek and modern?

Moreover, here’s a tip most people forget: think about how the flooring will look next to the rest of your home. Consistency can make your space feel calmer and more spacious.

Final Thoughts

Flooring isn’t just a practical choice. It’s part of your home’s personality. The right choice will make everyday living feel smoother, cosier, and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re drawn to engineered oak, something practical like vinyl, or a statement layout like tumbled herringbone flooring, take your time and choose something you’ll enjoy seeing every day, not just something that ticks a box.

If you're exploring options and want flooring that feels stylish, well-made, and thoughtfully designed, you’ll find brilliant choices and friendly guidance at Beswick Stone.

FAQs

Q1. Which flooring is best for kitchens or bathrooms?

Waterproof flooring such as LVT, tiles, or even stone looks and works best in kitchens or bathrooms.

Q2. Will engineered oak flooring look like real wood?

Yes, because it is real wood on the top, so it has the same warm and natural grain as solid wood.

Q3. Is laminate flooring suitable for homes with pets?

Absolutely. It is long-lasting and scratch-resistant, easily washable and therefore suitable for busy families.

Q4. Will herringbone flooring make a room look smaller?

Not necessarily. The pattern can even be very interesting and can be used to add depth to long hallways or open-plan areas.

Q5. How long does wood flooring last?

Well-maintained, solid and engineered wood flooring should last decades, and can be refinished when necessary.