Best Flooring Brands: Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl and More
By Hudson GrayLast reviewed
The right floor depends on the room, the subfloor and how you live. Kids, pets and moisture rule out some choices, and a basement slab rules out others. These are widely available flooring brands, with how to choose a material by room and what to compare between brands.
Our Picks
1. Shaw Floors
Best for: A very broad choice across floor types
A large U.S. manufacturer with options in vinyl, hardwood, carpet and more.
Watch out: Lines vary, so compare wear layers and warranties.
Retailers and dealers
2. Mohawk
Best for: Wide selection in many categories
Another of the largest U.S. flooring companies.
Watch out: Compare specific products rather than the brand name.
Retailers and dealers
3. COREtec
Best for: Waterproof luxury vinyl
Known for durable, waterproof LVP and LVT.
Watch out: Check subfloor requirements and the warranty terms.
Retailers and dealers
4. Armstrong Flooring
Best for: Resilient flooring, including commercial-grade
A long-established name in resilient flooring.
Watch out: Confirm the right product for residential use.
Retailers and dealers
5. Mannington
Best for: Luxury vinyl, laminate and hardwood
A U.S. company offering several residential options.
Watch out: Check each product's warranty.
Retailers and dealers
6. Karndean
Best for: Design-focused luxury vinyl
Known for design-oriented LVP and LVT.
Watch out: Some lines need a skilled installer and a very flat subfloor.
Retailers and dealers
Choose by room
Kitchens, baths and basements need moisture resistance. Luxury vinyl and tile are common choices for those. Hardwood adds warmth in living areas and bedrooms, but it needs more care and doesn't suit every subfloor.
What to compare
For vinyl, compare wear layer thickness and waterproofing claims. For hardwood, look at species, finish, and whether it can be refinished. Bring samples home and test them in your real light.
Plan your finishes together
Continuous flooring makes connected rooms feel bigger, as we explain in open and airy interiors. Check how each floor transitions between rooms.
Choosing Flooring Brands by Room
Pick the material for each room first, then compare brands:
| Room | Good choices | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Kitchen | Luxury vinyl, tile, sealed hardwood | Spills and heavy traffic |
| Bathroom | Porcelain tile, luxury vinyl | Water resistance |
| Basement | Luxury vinyl, tile | Moisture from the slab |
| Living areas | Hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl | Warmth and continuity |
| Bedrooms | Hardwood, carpet, engineered wood | Comfort underfoot |
Common Questions
What's the most durable flooring for a home?
Porcelain tile and quality luxury vinyl are among the most durable for everyday use, though comfort, cost and subfloor conditions also matter.
Is luxury vinyl plank better than hardwood?
LVP handles water and wear well, while hardwood offers natural beauty and can often be refinished. The right choice depends on the room.
What flooring is best for pets?
Scratch-resistant, water-resistant floors such as quality luxury vinyl and porcelain tile usually handle pets best. Compare wear layers and finishes.
Can I put hardwood in a basement?
Solid hardwood generally isn't recommended below grade because of moisture. Engineered wood, luxury vinyl or tile are more common choices; check the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Our foundations guide explains basement moisture.
Should I use the same flooring throughout the house?
Running one floor through connected living areas makes them feel larger and calmer. Wet rooms may still need a different, water-resistant material.
Choosing Floors That Last
Choose flooring by room and lifestyle first, then compare brands on wear layers, finishes and warranties. Bring samples home and view them in your own light before ordering.
Planning an open, airy interior? See how flooring helps.
Open floor plan ideasHow we made this guide
Order reflects our editorial judgment of fit for the job described, not a measured score. It's based on vendor documentation and public information. We haven't run hands-on benchmarks. We leave out prices because they change often, so please confirm pricing, features and license terms with the vendor. Product names belong to their owners. Suggest a correction or a product, or learn about labeled sponsorships.
