Still have shag carpet in your spare bedroom? Cracked bathroom tile or scratched-up hardwood? Hey, it’s probably time to get new floors. Check out these flooring trends for 2020.
1. Wood-look porcelain tile
Porcelain tiles that look like wood? It may sound too good to be true, but wood-look tiles are all the rage these days. The designs are very convincing, so you could mistake them for real wood, without any wear and tear or risk of scratching. In general, there is increased interest in engineered flooring over natural wood, mainly because it’s easier to maintain, without too much sacrificing of style.
2. Marble-look porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles that look like marble, instead of real marble, is another flooring trend. They look extremely realistic compared to their genuine counterparts, making it difficult to tell the difference but getting the same beautiful look at a fraction of the cost.
3. Waterproof vinyl plank flooring
Waterproof vinyl floors are overtaking laminate in the flooring industry. Like laminate, vinyl can have a wood look and is comparable in price, but it’s more durable. And since it’s water-resistant, it can be installed in kitchens and bathrooms and is more durable than laminate.
4. Large-format tiles
Homeowners and designers alike appreciate the scale of large tiles, plus the format minimizes the number of grout lines, for easy cleaning and maintenance. Large format refers to 12-by-12-inch tiles or larger, up to 40 by 120 inches. Porcelain is a popular material, but ceramic and stone tiles are also popular.
5. Slip-resistant flooring
As aging in place in their existing homes becomes more common with older homeowners, more home improvement projects are focusing on safety, including installing slip-resistant flooring. Falls are the main cause of injury among older adults. Slip-resistant flooring often comes in less expensive materials, such as vinyl or linoleum, making it a cost-effective project.
6. Engineered wood
Engineered wood with a plywood core is a top choice for homeowners. They’re strong and come in many veneer finishes, and use wood very economically and sustainably. Oak, mahogany, and ash are the most on-trend finishes because they’re hard and less photosensitive than other woods, meaning they’ll last longer.