If you’re thinking about renovating your home, one of the smartest upgrades you can make is your flooring. It’s more than just a surface you walk on, it’s one of the first things buyers and guests notice. The right flooring can instantly boost the appeal, functionality, and resale value of your property.
In this guide, we’ll explore how choosing the right flooring not only transforms your space aesthetically, but can also put serious cash back in your pocket when it’s time to sell.
First impressions matter: flooring as a selling feature
When potential buyers walk into a home, flooring is one of the first visual elements that grabs their attention. Scuffed tiles, outdated carpet, or uneven planks can instantly reduce your home’s perceived value.
On the flip side, updated, modern floors send a clear message: this home is well-maintained, stylish, and move-in ready.
Key Insight: Homes with hardwood flooring can increase resale value by 2.5% to 5%, and may boost the selling price by as much as 10%.
Top flooring types that add the most value
Different rooms call for different materials, but certain flooring types are consistently linked to higher resale value.
1. Hardwood Flooring
- Perceived as premium: buyers often view real hardwood as a sign of quality;
- Timeless and durable: it never goes out of style and can last for decades;
- Refinishable: can be sanded and re-stained to look brand new.
2. Engineered Hardwood
- Looks like solid wood: but with more versatility and lower cost;
- Ideal for moisture-prone areas: better suited for basements and kitchens.
3. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
- Water-resistant and affordable: great for modern families with pets and kids;
- Stylish: comes in wood-look finishes that mimic premium flooring.
4. Tile Flooring
- Perfect for bathrooms and kitchens: durable and easy to clean;
- Boosts value in high-moisture areas: buyers love low-maintenance finishes.
Room-by-room flooring recommendations
Below, we’ve listed the best flooring recommendations for each room in your home.
Living room
Go with hardwood or LVP. These materials give a warm, inviting feel that makes an emotional connection with buyers.
Kitchen
Engineered hardwood, waterproof vinyl, or tile are best. Modern buyers want clean, stylish kitchens that are easy to maintain.
Bathrooms
Tile is king here. Porcelain or ceramic tile offers moisture resistance and elegant finishes.
Bedrooms
Hardwood or carpet depending on region. In warmer areas, hardwood is preferred. In colder states, plush carpet is still a plus.
Basements
Engineered hardwood or LVP only. Avoid solid wood due to moisture issues.
Don’t forget about consistency
Buyers love continuity. Having consistent flooring throughout the main living areas creates a seamless, modern flow. A mismatched patchwork of materials can make the home feel smaller and outdated.
Pro tip: if full replacement isn’t in the budget, at least update the entryway and common areas to match. This alone can elevate the home’s value.
ROI: flooring upgrades that pay off
According to the National Association of Realtors:
- New wood flooring recovers 118% of the cost in home resale value;
- Refinishing hardwood recovers 147% it’s one of the highest ROI home projects;
- Even budget-friendly options like LVP can return over 90% of their cost when professionally installed.
Bottom line: few renovations bring back as much value as updating your floors.
Flooring mistakes that can hurt your property value
- DIY installations gone wrong: uneven gaps or poorly cut edges can be a red flag;
- Choosing ultra-trendy styles: what’s hot today might be out next year;
- Inconsistent materials between rooms: breaks the visual flow of the home.
Stick to classic tones, neutral finishes, and get professional installation for best results.
Upgrade with resale in mind
Flooring is one of the easiest ways to dramatically improve how buyers feel about your property. It sets the stage for every room, increases functional value, and delivers a solid return on investment.
At MAR Flooring, we help homeowners and investors choose the right materials to maximize both style and market appeal. Whether you’re staying long-term or prepping to sell, we’ve got options to match every goal and budget.
Let’s upgrade your home’s value, starting from the ground up.