5 Questions To Ask Before Choosing New Floors

Selecting the right flooring for your home can completely change the look and feel of your space, making it more beautiful, functional, and comfortable. Whether it’s your busy family kitchen, your social living room, or your dream master bedroom, we know that flooring is a major investment. We recommend being thoughtful and deliberate in your selection. With so many options available, it’s important to ask the right questions to help you find the perfect fit to match your unique vibe.

Pergo flooring in a stylish living space

1. What Rooms Are Best for New Flooring?

First, decide which rooms will get the new flooring. Each room has its own requirements, and by recognizing these, you can select the most suitable flooring for each space.

Waterproof Flooring

For areas more prone to spills and moisture — kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, basements, and spaces with pets or children — water-resistant or waterproof flooring is best. Pergo® Flooring offers innovative solutions like Pergo Elements and Pergo Extreme, both 100% waterproof options with beautiful styles to help you achieve your desired look and texture.

The Best Flooring for Active Spaces

In high-traffic areas with kids and pets, opt for top-tier hard surface flooring like Pergo laminate or vinyl, engineered to resist scratches, dents, and moisture. Features like All Pet® protection — guarding against all pet-related accidents — provide an extra layer of assurance for a home that's always on the go.

Mopping spilled milk on a Pergo Elements waterproof floor

2. What Maintenance Does the Flooring Need?

Different types of flooring require different levels of maintenance. Be sure to find a surface that’s not only perfect for your home but also fits your lifestyle. If you have a busy household, you’ll want to choose a floor that’s easy to keep clean and resists stains.

Pergo waterproof hard surface options allow for wet mopping, making cleanup quick and easy. Additionally, Pergo Extreme vinyl flooring offers exceptional durability and easy maintenance, so it’s a great choice for busy households.

Stylish and bright home with Pergo Elements flooring

3. How Will Your New Floor Go With Your Home Decor?

Flooring can impact your current decor and any future design changes. Think about your current furniture and decor and consider whether you want a classic look that will stand the test of time or a trendy style that reflects your personal taste.

Go With a Classic Look

For those who enjoy updating their decor frequently, selecting flooring with the greatest flexibility is key. Opt for timeless designs and textures in neutral hues to ensure they will stand the test of time, allowing you to transform your space with ease. Bold design elements such as vibrant area rugs or patterned upholstery can be added or removed to refresh your room's ambiance.

Embrace Your Style Favorites

Don’t be afraid to try something new or showcase your personality in your space. For example, if you love the coastal look, opt for sun-bleached wood. If jewel tones are your thing, go for that emerald green or amethyst carpet. Individualized style is trending, and you aren’t likely to tire of your favorite colors or design styles.

Bonus Tip

Light colors are not the only way to create an illusion of space, nor do darker hues automatically shrink a room. However, a lighter floor can infuse a dim area with brightness and a sense of airiness, while a darker floor can anchor a larger space, creating a more intimate and grounded atmosphere.

Family playing pool in a stylish rec room with Pergo flooring

4. Will Your New Floor Coordinate With Other Flooring in Your Home?

If you’re not planning to redo your floors in the entire home, you’ll need to determine whether the floors in the adjoining rooms will coordinate or clash. The right style and color of your new floors can create a seamless look, even if the new floors are a different material or installation type.

Ask for samples to take home, and look at them with your existing flooring. Check at different times of day, since light affects color. Our experts can help you choose a floor that transitions well between rooms and living areas.

Woman reading in a cozy home with Pergo Elements flooring

5. What Is Your Flooring Budget

One of the most important and top-of-mind thoughts when it comes to flooring is your budget. It’s not just the price per square foot. It’s important to account for the full cost of installation — the materials and labor for the job as well as any add-ons.

Flooring Accessories

If you’re considering laminate or vinyl, don’t forget to think about underlayment, trim, and other accessories. For a professional and seamless finish, we recommend Performance Accessories® products, designed to complement all flooring types.

DIY or Professional Installation

While some projects can be tackled by experienced DIYers, most homeowners prefer to leave the installation to the professionals. The cost of a failed DIY project often goes over budget, so hiring our experts to ensure a flawless result from the start may be best.

Prioritize and rank what’s most important to you, whether that’s budget, style, durability, color, or material. Once you ask yourself these questions, you are well on your way to selecting the perfect flooring for your home.

Then it’s time to visit our store so we can assist you with any remaining questions or design dilemmas. We are glad to help you make a flooring choice you'll cherish for years to come.