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Our Favorite Flooring Options for New Custom-Built Homes

May 17, 2019

Take a moment to think about all the new memories you’re able to create once you move into your New Tradition Home. Maybe you’re envisioning a house warming celebration as you welcome in your friends and family to show off your new abode and embark on your new journey. Or perhaps your mind wanders to Christmas—a favorite holiday—and how much fun it will be to decorate, as you already know the exact right spot for your tree. Think also about those quiet nights you’ll spend relaxing with a cup of tea, sitting next to the fireplace. Are you surrounded by your cats and dogs, the newest little member of the family, your partner for life? You’ll reach those moments and maybe life will fall into place exactly as you imagine. But what you can control now is the look and feel of that space. One major decision you’ll need to make as you design your dream home, before you can sit down with that cup of tea, is about your flooring. While you may already have something in mind, it’s worth exploring various options. It’s not easy selecting the perfect floor, one that’s the ideal combination of long-lasting, stylish, and functional. Here are our favorite flooring options for new custom-built homes: 1. Hardwood Flooring This timeless option will never go out of style and fits nearly every aesthetic, so we’d be remiss if we didn’t start with classic hardwood flooring. As you likely know, it can come in various shades, and now there are even options to get creative with plank size and layout to add more dimension. Hardwood floors will stand the test of time. While hardwood may need to be sanded and stained over the years, the ability to refinish it when needed makes it a top choice. It may cost more to install, as subflooring does need to be laid down first when laying natural hardwood, but you’ll recoup the cost because it will retain its value. However, as much as hardwood will never go out of style, it’s more likely to warp or stain than other options on the list. For that reason, it’s important to consider all your options before making a final selection. 2. Engineered Hardwood Flooring This has been around for some time now, but it’s continuing to pick up in popularity due to the advancements that have really enhanced the visual appeal. Unlike natural hardwood, engineered wood doesn’t require subflooring, is impervious to warping, and is easier to install, as it basically just clicks together like a puzzle. More importantly to homeowners, it’s easier to clean, rarely stains, comes in even more ranges of color than traditional hardwood, and is a bit lower in cost. It also comes in a range of widths from 3 to 7 inches, as well as varying thicknesses, so you’ll get the exact look you’re envisioning when you think of your home. Expect a 20- to 30-year lifespan when you select this flooring option. 3. WPC Vinyl Flooring One of the top trends in new custom-built homes flooring is the use of WPC vinyl. This isn’t the classic vinyl you remember from the 1970s that slaps down, peels off, and will certainly not portray the look you want in your new home. This is a completely different product that is taking the market by storm. The main appeal: 100% waterproof. You read that correctly. Both WPC (wood plastic compost) vinyl planks and WPC vinyl tile are 100% waterproof. This, plus it’s aesthetic, which mimics traditional hardwood flooring, makes it a natural contender. While it varies between manufacturers, this flooring is typically made up of four layers. The backing layer is literally the backbone of the floor, the waterproof WPC core, the printed vinyl later (i.e., the visual design of your choosing), and the wear layer, which acts as a strong topcoat like in nail polish. It’s most important to note that WPC vinyl is not luxury vinyl (which is also a popular option). The distinction is important, as not all luxury vinyl flooring is waterproof—the main appeal of WPC. This flooring realistically mimics hardwood and stone, requires zero maintenance, is durable beyond belief, and is even more resilient than time, but you’re going to pay for it. 4. Tile Flooring While WPC vinyl might be the way to go in high-traffic areas, for new custom-built homes, we still often recommend the ever-popular tile, as you won’t find anything more diverse. Subway tiles, herringbone designs, small squares, and more are coming back with a vengeance. Add a pop of color to your bathroom or kitchen. Design a basic laundry room but add in a dynamic tile pattern to show off your personality and make you smile each time you enter. You can even go with wood-look tile. This can be a fun alternative to stone if you want to develop a bathroom that has a spa-like quality and bring the outside world in. What’s the biggest downside to this selection? You guessed right if you thought cleaning, as it can be an annoyance to clean, particularly the grout. Other popular flooring selections in new custom-built homes include stone (i.e., granite, marble, or porcelain), eco-friendly options, some of which are listed above, and carpet. Still not sure which is right for you? That’s not a concern when you’re building a house with New Tradition Homes. We have an exclusive Design Studio to help guide you with this and the many other choices you’ll make along the home-building journey. Want some more inspiration? You can also take a look at our gallery or come to us with images of your own, and we’ll find what works best for your new space. Reach out today. We can’t wait to get started!