From running barefoot through the kitchen to trudging muddy tennis shoes through the carpeted living room, flooring will always be a consistent part of your home. So, how do you choose flooring that can keep up with your lifestyle? Finding the best flooring in Wichita comes down to materials that match your style, activity, budget, and comfort. In this Wichita flooring guide, Star Lumber will walk you through everything you need to know before you invest in new floors. So, let’s start exploring some popular flooring options.
Understanding Your Flooring Needs
Lifestyle
Choosing new flooring has a lot to do with lifestyle and day-to-day activity. For example, outdoorsy homeowners that have pets may want to prioritize flooring that can withstand Wichita’s climate. So, hardwood or tile flooring that is easy to clean and highly durable may be the best flooring choice.
Daily routines, cleaning preferences, and foot traffic should all impact flooring choices. The key takeaway: remember how and why you’ll use the flooring and its purpose in your home.
Room Function
Different rooms need different types of flooring. Moisture-resistant, luxury vinyl plank is excellent for catching splattered food and kitchen messes, while tile is great for toddler-prone bathrooms where spills are a certainty. Homeowners should consider the kind of activity that may happen in each room and explore the options best suited for those areas.
Budget
For many homeowners, budget is king, and for good reason. Flooring can be a significant investment; Angi claims the average homeowner spends over $3,000 on a 500-square-foot area. Choosing a budget-friendly flooring material can dictate the lifespan of the floor, level of maintenance, overall quality, and even return on investment. Star Lumber recommends homeowners choose flooring that fits into a specific budget.
Style Preferences
The first thing you’ll notice about flooring is the style. So, ask yourself: what do you like? What type of flooring would accentuate and add to your home’s style. The design team at Star Lumber recommends putting together a list of ideas and inspiration. While doing so consider pattern, color, texture and how the flooring may complement your furniture.
Wichita’s Climate and Weather
It may not seem like it, but Wichita’s weather can seriously impact your flooring. The rapid changes in temperatures can cause flooring to expand, contract and warp over time. Durable flooring in Wichita like engineered hardwood or certain tiles prevent warping and cracking, saving you money in the long run. Ultimately choosing Wichita climate-appropriate flooring helps protect your investment for years to come.
Best Types of Flooring Options For Wichita Homes
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is made from solid wood like oak, maple, or walnut. Known for the timeless, authentic look and texture it can last 100+ years with proper routine maintenance. Typically, maintenance really only includes regular cleaning and refinishing every 10+ years.
Best For:
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms
Pros:
- Longevity – lasts decades with proper care
- High Return on Investment – The National Association of Realtors (NAR) estimates an ROI of 118%.
Cons:
- Upfront Cost – higher upfront material and installation cost compared to synthetic
- Scratch-able – Surfaces are finished but are also scratch-able over time
Wichita Considerations:
Given Wichita’s fluctuating humidity, it’s particularly important to be aware of areas where moisture may be a concern. Steer clear of hardwood in bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. And plan to refinish any hardwood flooring every 7-10 years.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a synthetic material made of several fused protective top layers that can mimic almost any wood, stone, or other style but cost a fraction of the price. Its durable wear layer protects against scratches, staining, and fading, making it a low-maintenance option that never needs refinishing. However, homeowners may need to replace laminate flooring every 15-25 years.
Best For:
- Basements
- Living rooms
- Kitchens
Pros:
- Cost-Effective – often much more affordable than natural wood or stone flooring
- Variety of Styles – can mimic natural materials and offers diverse designs.
Cons:
- Lifespan – normally has a shorter lifespan compared to hardwood.
- Synthetic Feel – lacks the same natural feel as wood or stone flooring.
Wichita Considerations:
Remember, Wichita’s high humidity and fluctuating temperatures can cause expansion gaps in moisture-sensitive flooring; prioritize water-resistant laminate. Also, keep in mind that older Wichita homes may have uneven subfloors. So, it’s essential to make sure quality underlayment and leveling are in place before installation.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is similar in concept to laminate flooring. Generally, LVP is made from vinyl sheets and then layered with a design, transparent film, and wear layer. The layers in LVP make it more durable than traditional vinyl flooring. LVP comes in narrow strips that are easy to install. On average, luxury vinyl flooring lasts 15-25 years in residential settings, with more premium options lasting 30 years or more.
Best For:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Basements
Pros:
- Low Maintenance – easy to clean, replace and resists scratches and dents.
- Affordable – often less expensive than hardwood.
Cons:
- Can Fade – prolonged sun exposure may cause fading.
- Varying Quality – cheaper options may look less realistic.
Wichita Considerations:
Moisture and humidity is still a major concern for LVP in Wichita homes. To help prevent damage, leave small gaps during installation to accommodate for any contracting or expanding. For long-term moisture protection, focus on finding waterproof LVP vs. water resistant LVP.
Tile
Most homeowners have considered stone tile flooring at some point during their decision. In fact, according to The National Wood Flooring Association, tile flooring is in over 58% of U.S. homes. Tile is one of the most durable and often decorative types of flooring used today. Totally water resistant and known for its toughness, tile flooring can last 20-50 years but may come at a higher price than other flooring materials.
Best For:
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Mudrooms/Entryways
Pros:
- Extremely Durable – can last decades with proper care and protection.
- Waterproof – 100% waterproof, resists stains, spills and is easy to maintain and clean.
Cons:
- Hard Flooring – less comfortable than softer flooring.
- Expensive Installation – labor intensive install, and costs more for professional service.
Wichita Considerations:
While tile flooring is waterproof, the grout used to seal tile flooring can cause moisture damage over time. Wichita homeowners should choose high-quality, stain-resistant grout that can withstand prolonged moisture. Doing so will add to the tile’s lifespan long-term.
Carpet
Carpet offers a soft, warm, and comfortable flooring option with endless colors, patterns, and textures to match any home’s style. Modern carpet installation features enhanced stain resistance and durability, with quality options lasting 5-15 years while providing excellent sound absorption and insulation benefits.
Best For:
- Bedrooms/Children’s playrooms
- Living rooms
- Offices/Dens
Pros:
- Maximum Comfort – provides soft, warm support, and great insulation.
- Affordable – generally less expensive than hardwood or tile.
Cons:
- Stain Prone – can be difficult to clean and shows stains easily.
- Wear and Tear – Flattens and shows wear over time, needs replacement more often than other flooring materials.
Wichita Considerations:
Carpet is an attractive option for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures year-round while helping reduce heating and cooling costs. However, Wichita homeowners should consider moisture-resistant padding and mold-resistant carpet materials to combat humidity, especially in basements or areas prone to moisture issues.
Cost Considerations for Wichita Homeowners
| Flooring Type | Material Cost Per Sq Ft | Installation Cost | Average Cost | Additional Costs | Lifespan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood | $3 – $12+ | $4 – $8+ | $7 – $20+ | Refinishing 10+ yrs | 100+ yrs w/ refinishing |
| Laminate | $1 – $5 | $2 – $5 | $3 – $10 | Underlayment, Subfloor Leveling | 15-25 yrs (replace) |
| LVP | $2 – $7 | $2 – $5 | $4 – $12 | Underlayment, Subfloor Leveling | 15-30+ yrs (replace) |
| Tile (Ceramic) | $1 – $15+ | $5 – $10+ | $6 – $25+ | Grout, Backer Board, Subfloor Leveling, Sealing | 20-50+ yrs |
| Carpet | $1 – $5 | $1 – $3 | $2 – $8 | Carpet Pad, Subfloor Leveling, Deep Cleaning | 5-15 years (replace) |
Tips for Staying on Your Flooring Budget
- Set a Firm Budget – determine your maximum spending limit upfront
- Prioritize Needs – focus on essential flooring areas first.
- Compare Material Costs – research various flooring materials and their price ranges.
- Factor in Installation – Get multiple quotes for professional flooring installation in Wichita.
- Consider DIY Options – Explore DIY-friendly materials like laminate or LVP.
- Get Samples – Before you buy, get samples so you can see what will work for your needs.
- Plan For Maintenance – Factor in long term costs of cleaning and care.
Wichita Flooring Maintenance and Care
Regardless of your flooring, the amount of care and maintenance will significantly impact the overall lifespan. We’ve compiled some essential maintenance tips for flooring in Wichita, ks to help keep your floors looking great for years.
- Regular Cleaning is Key – sweep, vacuum, or mop regularly, this is especially important in Wichita with our windy conditions.
- Wichita’s Humidity Matters – Use dehumidifiers as needed to manage humidity levels
- Protect from the Outside – Use mats at entrances and area rugs in high-traffic areas to minimize wear and tear.
- Mind the Temperature Changes – Acclimate new flooring properly and watch for expansion/contraction, especially with solid hardwood flooring and laminate.
Quality Building Materials & Expert Service at Star Lumber
The key takeaway when choosing flooring is prioritizing your needs. If you want flooring that stands the test of time and adds value, oak or walnut hardwood is a great choice. Something easy to maintain and pet-friendly flooring? Try tile in bathrooms or mudrooms. Over time, you’ll be much happier with the flooring that matches your preferences.
If you need a little guidance finding your style, Star Lumber offers free design consultations for every homeowner. Schedule your free design appointment today.
