Flooring Options for Your Maryland Home: Complete Guide

Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you'll make during a home renovation. Flooring affects your home's aesthetics, comfort, maintenance requirements, and value—while representing a significant portion of your remodeling budget. As Maryland's experienced flooring installation experts, we've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate this decision, and we're sharing our comprehensive guide to help you choose the perfect flooring for your space.

Maryland Climate Considerations for Flooring

Before diving into specific flooring types, understanding Maryland's climate helps narrow your options:

Climate Challenges

• Humidity Fluctuations: Hot, humid summers and dry winters cause expansion and contraction
• Temperature Variations: Seasonal extremes affect some flooring materials
• Moisture: Basements and lower levels often face humidity challenges
• Four Seasons: Flooring must perform well year-round

The best flooring for Maryland homes balances durability, moisture resistance, and temperature stability.

Hardwood Flooring: Timeless Beauty

Hardwood remains the gold standard for flooring, offering unmatched beauty and value.

Types of Hardwood

Solid Hardwood:

• 3/4-inch thick boards of pure wood
• Can be refinished multiple times
• Best for above-grade installations
• Traditional and highly valued

Engineered Hardwood:

• Real hardwood veneer over plywood core
• More stable in humidity fluctuations
• Suitable for basements and below-grade
• Limited refinishing (1-2 times)

Popular Wood Species

Oak (Red and White):

• Durable and traditional
• Accepts stains well
• $6-$12 per square foot installed
• Excellent for high-traffic areas

Maple:

• Very hard and durable
• Light, consistent color
• $7-$14 per square foot installed
• Modern, clean aesthetic

Hickory:

• Extremely durable
• Rustic, varied grain patterns
• $8-$15 per square foot installed
• Perfect for active families

Walnut:

• Rich, dark tones
• Softer than oak
• $10-$18 per square foot installed
• Luxury, sophisticated look

Hardwood Pros

• Adds significant home value
• Timeless, classic beauty
• Can be refinished for decades of use
• Improves indoor air quality (no carpet fibers)
• Suitable for most rooms

Hardwood Cons

• Higher initial cost
• Susceptible to moisture damage
• Scratches and dents (adds character to some, concern to others)
• Requires periodic refinishing
• Cold underfoot in winter without rugs

Best For

Living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms, hallways in Maryland homes with stable humidity control.

Avoid: Bathrooms, laundry rooms, or basements without proper climate control.

Laminate Flooring: Budget-Friendly Alternative

Laminate offers the look of hardwood at a fraction of the cost.

How Laminate Works

• Photographic layer mimics wood, stone, or tile
• Protective wear layer resists scratches and stains
• Core layer provides stability
• Click-together installation saves labor costs

Laminate Pros

• Affordable: $3-$8 per square foot installed
• Scratch and stain resistant
• Easy DIY installation
• Wide variety of styles
• Good for high-traffic areas
• More moisture-resistant than solid hardwood

Laminate Cons

• Cannot be refinished
• Feels less authentic than real wood
• Can sound hollow underfoot
• Damaged planks must be replaced entirely
• Lower resale value than hardwood

Best For

Budget-conscious renovations, rental properties, children's playrooms, and offices in Maryland homes.

Luxury Vinyl Flooring: Modern Versatility

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) have revolutionized flooring with impressive durability and realism.

Types of Vinyl Flooring

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP):

• Mimics hardwood planks
• Waterproof core
• Comfortable underfoot
• $4-$10 per square foot installed

Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT):

• Replicates stone or ceramic tile
• Same waterproof benefits
• Grout-free installation
• $4-$12 per square foot installed

Vinyl Pros

• 100% waterproof (perfect for Maryland basements)
• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Comfortable and warm underfoot
• Easy maintenance
• Affordable
• DIY-friendly installation
• Realistic wood and stone appearances

Vinyl Cons

• Not as prestigious as hardwood
• Can dent from heavy furniture
• Limited refinishing options
• Some cheaper products may off-gas VOCs
• Can fade in direct sunlight

Best For

Basements, bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and any area prone to moisture in Maryland homes.

Tile Flooring: Durable and Water-Resistant

Ceramic and porcelain tile offer exceptional durability and design flexibility.

Types of Tile

Ceramic Tile:

• Clay-based, kiln-fired
• Glazed surface in endless colors/patterns
• $5-$10 per square foot installed
• Good for walls and floors

Porcelain Tile:

• Denser, more durable than ceramic
• Better for high-traffic areas
• Water-resistant throughout (not just surface)
• $6-$15 per square foot installed
• Indoor and outdoor use

Natural Stone (Marble, Travertine, Slate):

• Unique, natural variations
• Requires sealing
• Higher maintenance
• $10-$30+ per square foot installed
• Luxurious appearance

Tile Pros

• Extremely durable (lasts 50+ years)
• Water and stain resistant
• Infinite design possibilities
• Easy to clean
• Adds value to bathrooms and kitchens
• Great for radiant floor heating

Tile Cons

• Cold and hard underfoot
• Grout requires maintenance
• Can crack if improperly installed
• Uncomfortable for standing long periods
• Professional installation recommended

Best For

Bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms, entryways, and basements in Maryland homes.

Carpet: Comfort and Warmth

While carpet has fallen out of favor in some rooms, it remains ideal for certain spaces.

Carpet Types

Nylon:

• Most durable fiber
• Stain-resistant treatments available
• $3-$8 per square foot installed
• Best for high-traffic areas

Polyester:

• Soft and stain-resistant
• More affordable
• Less durable than nylon
• $2-$6 per square foot installed

Wool:

• Natural, luxurious fiber
• Excellent durability
• More expensive
• $8-$20 per square foot installed

Carpet Pros

• Warm and comfortable
• Sound insulation
• Soft surface for children
• Wide range of colors and textures
• Affordable option
• Easy to replace

Carpet Cons

• Traps allergens and dust
• Stains and odors difficult to remove
• Requires regular cleaning
• Shorter lifespan (5-15 years)
• Not suitable for moisture-prone areas

Best For

Bedrooms, family rooms, and finished basements with good moisture control.

Avoid: Kitchens, bathrooms, and below-grade basements in Maryland homes.

Flooring Comparison Chart

Flooring Type	Cost (Installed)	Lifespan	Moisture Resistance	Maintenance	Resale Value
Hardwood	$6-$18/sq ft	50-100 years	Low	Medium-High	Excellent
Engineered Hardwood	$5-$14/sq ft	30-50 years	Medium	Medium	Very Good
Laminate	$3-$8/sq ft	15-25 years	Medium	Low	Good
Luxury Vinyl	$4-$12/sq ft	20-30 years	Excellent	Low	Good
Ceramic/Porcelain Tile	$5-$15/sq ft	50+ years	Excellent	Medium	Very Good
Carpet	$2-$20/sq ft	5-15 years	Low	High	Fair

Room-by-Room Flooring Recommendations

Kitchen

Best Choices:

1. Porcelain Tile: Durable, water-resistant, easy to clean
2. Luxury Vinyl: Comfortable, waterproof, warm underfoot
3. Engineered Hardwood: Beautiful but requires careful maintenance

Avoid: Carpet, solid hardwood in high-spill areas

Bathroom

Best Choices:

1. Porcelain Tile: Water-resistant, durable, stylish
2. Luxury Vinyl: Waterproof, comfortable, budget-friendly
3. Natural Stone Tile: Luxurious (requires sealing)

Avoid: Hardwood, laminate, carpet

Living Room/Dining Room

Best Choices:

1. Hardwood: Classic, adds value, beautiful
2. Engineered Hardwood: More stable, versatile
3. Luxury Vinyl: Budget-friendly, realistic wood look

Avoid: Carpet (unless desired for comfort)

Bedrooms

Best Choices:

1. Carpet: Warm, comfortable, sound-dampening
2. Hardwood: Elegant, timeless, add area rugs for warmth
3. Luxury Vinyl: Comfortable, durable, budget-friendly

Avoid: Tile (too cold in bedrooms)

Basement

Best Choices:

1. Luxury Vinyl: Waterproof, warm, comfortable
2. Engineered Hardwood: Stable in humidity with proper moisture barriers
3. Carpet Tile: Comfortable, replaceable individual tiles

Avoid: Solid hardwood, materials without moisture resistance

Making Your Final Decision

Consider these factors:

Lifestyle

• Pets: Choose scratch-resistant options (tile, luxury vinyl)
• Children: Durable, easy-to-clean surfaces (luxury vinyl, laminate)
• Elderly: Non-slip, comfortable options (textured tile, luxury vinyl)

Budget

• Tight Budget: Laminate, basic vinyl, or carpet
• Mid-Range: Engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl, ceramic tile
• High-End: Solid hardwood, porcelain tile, natural stone

Long-Term Plans

• Staying Long-Term: Invest in hardwood or high-quality tile
• Selling Soon: Focus on popular, versatile options that appeal broadly
• Rental Property: Durable, low-maintenance choices like luxury vinyl

Maintenance Willingness

• Low Maintenance: Luxury vinyl, tile with sealed grout
• Medium Maintenance: Laminate, sealed hardwood
• High Maintenance: Unsealed hardwood, natural stone, carpet

Professional Installation Matters

Quality installation is as important as material selection:

Why Professional Installation

• Proper subfloor preparation
• Moisture barrier installation
• Correct expansion gaps
• Level, stable results
• Warranty protection
• Faster completion

DIY Considerations

Some flooring (laminate, luxury vinyl) is DIY-friendly, but consider:

• Time investment
• Tool requirements
• Learning curve
• Potential for mistakes
• Physical demands

For hardwood and tile, professional installation strongly recommended.

Caring for Your New Flooring

Hardwood

• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Use manufacturer-approved cleaners
• Address spills immediately
• Use felt pads under furniture
• Refinish every 7-10 years

Luxury Vinyl

• Sweep or vacuum regularly
• Damp mop as needed
• Avoid abrasive cleaners
• Use protective pads under furniture

Tile

• Sweep regularly
• Mop with mild detergent
• Seal grout annually
• Re-grout as needed

Carpet

• Vacuum 2-3 times weekly
• Professional cleaning annually
• Address stains immediately
• Rotate furniture to prevent wear patterns

Transform Your Maryland Home with Beautiful Flooring

The right flooring transforms your space, combining beauty, durability, and functionality while fitting your budget and lifestyle. Whether you choose timeless hardwood, practical luxury vinyl, or elegant tile, quality materials and professional installation ensure long-lasting results.

At BM Contracting, we've installed thousands of square feet of flooring throughout Maryland. We'll help you select the perfect flooring for each space, considering your home's specific needs, Maryland's climate, and your design vision.

Ready to upgrade your floors? Contact us for a free consultation and estimate. Let's create beautiful, durable floors you'll love for years to come.