Best Flooring For Resale Value: Top 10 Picks In 2024

When it comes to selling your home, every detail counts, especially your flooring choice. The right flooring can not only boost your home’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly increase its market value.

Hardwood flooring tops the list for best resale value, increasing home value by 3-5% and offering an ROI of 70-80%. Engineered wood and high-quality vinyl are also great choices, providing durability and appeal at a lower cost.

From the timeless elegance of hardwood to the practicality of vinyl, let’s explore the best flooring options to maximize your resale value.

What’s The Best Flooring For Resale Value: Quick Review

Flooring Type	Cost per Square Foot (Installation Not Included)	Resale Value Increase	ROI
Hardwood Flooring	$6-$12	3-5%	70-80%
Carpeting	$3-$7 (including installation)	Varies	50-70%
Vinyl Flooring	$2-$8	Good	60-70%
Laminate Flooring	$1-$6	Generally positive	50-75%
Tile Flooring	$5-$10	Good	55-70%
Engineered Wood	$4-$10	Comparable to hardwood	70-80%
Bamboo Flooring	$5-$8	Positive, but niche	70-80%
Cork Flooring	$2-$8	Positive, but niche	50-70%
Polished Concrete	$3-$12	Good	50-75%
Alternative Materials	Varies widely	Can be high	Highly variable

Best Flooring For Resale Value: 10 Options

1. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are a timeless choice that can enhance the look and feel of any home. They’re known for their durability and the warm, natural beauty they bring to a space. Hardwood floors can also be sanded and refinished several times, allowing them to look new again, which is a huge plus for potential buyers.

• Cost: $6-$12 per square foot (installation not included).
• Resale Value: Can increase home value by 3-5%.
• ROI: Approximately 70-80%.

Pros

• Timeless appeal
• Can be refinished
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Higher cost
• Requires maintenance

2. Carpeting

Carpeting is a cozy and comfortable option for bedrooms and living areas. It’s available in a plethora of colors and textures, allowing homeowners to customize their spaces easily. Carpets also add a layer of insulation, making your home warmer and more inviting.

• Cost: $3-$7 per square foot (including installation).
• Resale Value: Varies greatly; often seen as a less desirable option in main living spaces.
• ROI: 50-70%, depending on the quality and location (e.g., bedrooms).

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Adds warmth and comfort
• Noise-reducing

Cons

• Shows wear and stains
• Some buyers prefer hard surfaces

3. Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring, especially luxury vinyl plank (LVP), has gained popularity for its versatility and resilience. It mimics the look of hardwood or stone but at a fraction of the cost. Vinyl is water-resistant and easy to maintain, making it a great option for kitchens and bathrooms.

• Cost: $2-$8 per square foot for luxury vinyl planks (LVP) or tiles (LVT), installation not included.
• Resale Value: Good, especially for high-quality LVP/LVT.
• ROI: 60-70%.

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Affordable
• Easy to maintain

Cons

• Less value addition compared to hardwood
• Can feel less premium

4. Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring offers the look of hardwood or stone at a more affordable price. It’s made of composite wood pressed together at high temperatures. The photographic layer on top can mimic various natural materials, providing aesthetic appeal without the hefty price tag.

• Cost: $1-$6 per square foot (installation not included).
• Resale Value: Generally positive, but less than hardwood.
• ROI: 50-75%.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Durable
• Easy to install

Cons

• Cannot be refinished
• May feel less premium to some buyers

5. Tile Flooring

Tile flooring is a durable and water-resistant option, perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and other high-moisture areas. Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in a variety of designs, allowing for customization according to your home’s decor.

• Cost: $5-$10 per square foot for ceramic or porcelain, installation not included.
• Resale Value: Good, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.
• ROI: 55-70%.

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Durable
• Versatile designs

Cons

• Hard and cold underfoot
• Installation can be complex

6. Engineered Wood Flooring

Engineered wood offers the beauty of hardwood with added stability and moisture resistance. It’s constructed in layers, with a top layer of hardwood veneer and a core of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This makes it suitable for areas where solid hardwood might not be the best choice.

• Cost: $4-$10 per square foot (installation not included).
• Resale Value: Comparable to hardwood in some cases.
• ROI: 70-80%.

Pros

• More stable than solid hardwood
• Can be used in basements
• Can be refinished

Cons

• Wear layer varies
• Some types cannot be refinished

7. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring is known for its strength, durability, and eco-friendly properties. It offers a unique look and feels similar to hardwood but is made from bamboo grass, making it a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners.

• Cost: $5-$8 per square foot (installation not included).
• Resale Value: Positive, but niche.
• ROI: 70-80%.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Durable
• Unique aesthetic

Cons

• Susceptible to scratches
• Moisture sensitive

8. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring provides a soft, cushioned feel underfoot, making it comfortable to stand on for long periods. It’s an eco-friendly option derived from the bark of cork oak trees. Cork is also naturally insulating, helping to reduce energy costs.

• Cost: $2-$8 per square foot (installation not included).
• Resale Value: Positive, but niche.
• ROI: 50-70%.

Pros

• Eco-friendly
• Comfortable and soft
• Natural insulator

Cons

• Can be damaged easily
• Moisture sensitive

9. Polished Concrete

Polished concrete floors offer a modern, industrial look that’s incredibly durable and low maintenance. It’s a cost-effective option that can be customized with stains and finishes. Concrete is ideal for homes in warmer climates, as it stays cool even in high temperatures.

• Cost: $3-$12 per square foot, depending on finishes.
• Resale Value: Good in modern/industrial homes.
• ROI: 50-75%.

Pros

• Durable
• Low maintenance
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Hard and cold underfoot
• Requires rugs for warmth

10. Alternative Materials

Exploring unconventional materials like rubber flooring, leather tiles, or recycled glass tiles can add a unique touch to your home. These options can offer high-end appeal in niche markets and make your property stand out.

• Cost: Varies widely depending on the material.
• Resale Value: Can be high for unique, high-quality finishes.
• ROI: Highly variable.

Pros

• Unique aesthetic
• Potential for high-end appeal

Cons

• May not appeal to all buyers
• Can vary in cost and practicality

Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring can significantly impact your home’s resale value. While hardwood floors remain a top choice for their universal appeal and durability, other options like vinyl, laminate, and tile also offer considerable benefits.

Consider your home’s style, your budget, and the preferences of potential buyers in your area to make the best choice for your investment.

Remember, the goal is to make your home as appealing as possible to a wide range of buyers, ensuring a quick sale at a great price. Happy flooring!