Flooring Options Compared: Types, Pros, Cons and Ratings
Compare hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl plank, tile and carpet by moisture, hardness, refinishing and the ratings each type uses.
Author
Ryan
Ryan writes Home Remodel Guidance's planning guides: the order of a remodel, permits, contracts, budgets and contingencies, room-by-room renovations, and which jobs a homeowner can do versus which need a licensed trade.
Ryan has written most of Home Remodel Guidance, covering a renovation from first plan to final inspection: the sequence of work, permits and inspections, contracts and change orders, contingency budgets, financing and insurance, and guides for kitchens, bathrooms, additions and home systems. His DIY-versus-professional guides separate the jobs a careful homeowner can take on from those that need a licensed electrician, plumber or engineer. Guides on this site cite their sources and are updated when the facts change.
Articles by Ryan
Bathroom Renovation Guide: Steps From Planning to Completion
Step-by-step bathroom renovation process: scope, layout clearances, permits, demolition, rough-in, waterproofing, inspections and punch list.
Renovation Timeline Planning: What to Expect Month by Month
See what usually happens in each month of a renovation, from design and ordering to rough-in and finishes, using published manufacturer and city ranges.
Eco-Friendly Renovation Materials Worth the Investment
Which green renovation materials earn their cost: insulation, WaterSense fixtures, ENERGY STAR windows, cool roofs and low-VOC finishes, with sources.
Aging-in-Place Renovations: Room-by-Room Checklist and Funding
A room-by-room aging-in-place renovation checklist, plus the IRS medical deduction and VA HISA grant rules that can offset the cost.
Outdoor Kitchen Design: Layouts and Ideas for Entertaining
Design an outdoor kitchen for entertaining: zones, layout shapes, seating, shade, wind, lighting and small-yard ideas, with safety tips for guests.
10 Home Office Renovations for Maximum Productivity
Ten home office renovations built on OSHA ergonomics guidance: chair and desk setup, lighting, sound control and electrical capacity.
How to Add Value to Your Home with Strategic Renovations
Which projects to pick before you sell: fix condition first, then curb appeal and a modest kitchen refresh, using 2025 Cost vs. Value national data.
How to Choose and Install a Bathroom Vanity
Choose a bathroom vanity by size, style, storage and top material, check code clearances, then follow the install steps and know when to hire a plumber.
Creating an Energy-Efficient Kitchen: Appliances and Design
How to build an energy-efficient kitchen: ENERGY STAR refrigerators, dishwashers and cooking products, induction, ventilation, placement and rebates.
