With so much buzz about new and inventive flooring products, it’s hard to separate the real trends from buzz-worthy fads. Which flooring materials are builders recommending, and what are homeowners actually installing? Let’s take a look at some of the most popular flooring materials on the market, and see how you might put them to use.

Wood Flooring Stays on Top

For just about every room except the bathroom, homeowners are saying that they prefer wood flooring. This includes the bedroom, where a surprising 56% would rather have hardwood over carpet.

Part of this trend coincides with the “great room” trend. Homeowners want a unified look between the kitchen, living and dining areas. Hardwood floors are durable, more stain resistant than carpet, and more comfortable than tile, which makes them the perfect choice as a floor covering for these three spaces.

The floors that people install today aren’t your average hardwood floors, either. Designers and homeowners are placing more emphasis on rustic and reclaimed woods. There is also a movement towards pine, hickory and other species that are considered traditional American woods.

The Tile Trend is Fading

With the rise of wood flooring, fewer homeowners are installing tile. Because of moisture concerns, however, tile is still the most popular choice for bathrooms. As a non-floor material, it’s the top choice for shower stalls and kitchen backsplashes. Among homeowners that do install tile, many feel bigger is better. Large rectangular tiles and square tiles measuring 12 to 24 inches are gaining in popularity.

Where do you Stand on Carpet and Laminate?

Carpet and laminate continue to be the cost-effective alternatives. However, Homeowners, builders and designers are prioritizing quality and appearance over the material and labor costs, which means hardwood and tile are by far the more popular options.

That said, laminates and carpeting still have a place in modern homes. Homeowners that are remodeling often find that carpeting is more justifiable than the costs of restoring or replacing badly damaged tile and hardwood floors. And in moisture-prone areas – like basements or rooms with concrete flooring – homeowners are hesitant to spend on expensive hardwoods, so they’re much more likely to choose carpet or laminate as an inexpensive, easily replaceable option.

These days, flooring trends put the focus on looks and durability rather than installation costs. Whether you’re building a home for a client or remodeling a home for resale, base your flooring choices on these trends to maximize the return on your investment.