10 Important Tips to Know Before Buying New Flooring

Thinking About New Flooring? Start Here

Buying new flooring is one of the most exciting updates you can make to your home. It transforms the look and feel of a space, improves comfort, and can even raise your home’s value. But with so many choices available, it’s easy to feel unsure about where to start.

At Harmony Flooring, we help homeowners across Madison, Verona, and Sun Prairie make smart decisions that fit both their lifestyle and budget. Here are 10 important tips to know before you buy new flooring.

1. Consider Your Lifestyle

Your flooring needs to fit the way you live. Families with kids and pets often need durable, scratch-resistant materials like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or laminate. Homeowners who prefer warmth and comfort might lean toward carpet. Think about how each room is used and choose a surface that can handle daily life.

2. Match Flooring to Each Room’s Needs

Not every floor works well everywhere. Moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, basements, and mudrooms need waterproof options such as tile or vinyl. Bedrooms and living rooms can handle softer materials like carpet or hardwood. Matching the floor to the space will help it last longer and look better.

3. Understand the Different Flooring Types

Before you buy, take time to learn the pros and cons of each flooring material.

• Hardwood: Beautiful, long-lasting, but sensitive to moisture.
  
• Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Waterproof, durable, and available in realistic wood or stone looks.
  
• Laminate: Affordable and easy to clean but not fully waterproof.
  
• Tile: Excellent for moisture resistance and easy maintenance.
  
• Carpet: Cozy and quiet, ideal for bedrooms and family spaces.
  

Knowing your options makes it easier to choose wisely.

4. Set a Realistic Budget

Flooring costs vary widely. It helps to budget not only for materials but also for installation, underlayment, trim, and removal of old flooring if needed. Quality materials often save money over time by lasting longer and requiring fewer repairs.

5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance

Some floors need more care than others. Hardwood may require refinishing after several years, while vinyl and laminate only need simple cleaning. Tile grout needs occasional resealing. Choose something that fits how much maintenance you’re willing to handle.

6. Check How It Feels Underfoot

Comfort is an important factor that many people overlook. Tile is durable but can feel cool and hard, while carpet is soft and warm. LVP and engineered wood strike a nice balance between comfort and durability. Always walk on flooring samples before making a decision.

7. Think About Temperature and Humidity

In Wisconsin, we deal with cold winters and humid summers, which can affect certain materials. Hardwood expands and contracts with humidity, while vinyl and tile stay stable year-round. For basements or lake homes, moisture-resistant materials are usually the safest bet.

8. Ask About Warranties and Product Ratings

A strong warranty often reflects product quality. Look for flooring with solid coverage for wear, water resistance, and structural stability. Ask your installer about performance ratings and how the product is expected to hold up over time.

9. Choose a Trusted Installer

Even the best flooring can fail if installed poorly. A professional installer will check the subfloor, use the right adhesives or underlayments, and ensure proper spacing and sealing. At Harmony Flooring, we take the time to prepare every surface correctly so your floors stay beautiful for years to come.

10. See Samples in Your Own Space

Lighting can change how flooring looks dramatically. Always take home samples and look at them in your actual space, at different times of day. You’ll get a true sense of how the color and texture fit with your home’s lighting and décor.

Bringing It All Together

Choosing new flooring doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you consider your lifestyle, room needs, and maintenance preferences, you can narrow your choices quickly and confidently.

At Harmony Flooring, we make the process simple. Our Madison showroom features a wide variety of flooring options, and our experts can guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re updating one room or your entire home, we’ll make sure you love the result.

Ready to start your project? Schedule a free consultation today and let Harmony Flooring help you create a space that’s beautiful, durable, and built to last.At Harmony Flooring, we’re proud to be Covering Every Detail.