Does New Flooring Increase House Value? A 2026 Guide

When looking for ways to boost the value of a property, some of us might consider attic conversations or kitchen remodels. But sometimes you don’t have to do anything too major. In fact, fixing up the floor could be a simple way to increase the price tag of your home.

Not all types of flooring necessarily add value and it’s vital that any flooring upgrades are done to a high quality. Consequently, you need to plan out your flooring fixes carefully, as this post explains.

Modern kitchen and dining area featuring a wooden table, black chairs, and a large window with a view.

Choose hardwood for a high ROI

Hardwood is king when it comes to value-boosting properties with a ROI of 70-80%. This can include solid hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring. Homebuyers love hardwood because of the character it brings to a home and because it’s long-lasting. Hardwood floors can also be refinished if they get stained or scratched – which can sometimes have the same value boosting effects as replacing it.

Modern living room and dining area with large windows, bright sunlight, white sofa with colored cushions, striped rug, and a dining table with stylish chairs.

Keep upfront costs low with with vinyl

A lot of people are put off by hardwood’s high upfront cost ($11 to $25 per square foot). When combining the cost of materials and installation, luxury vinyl typically costs a lot less ($4 to $16 per square foot), while also adding a lot of value. In fact, such vinyl can come in designs that imitate wood, as well as textures that imitate stone. Just make sure that vinyl is high quality – low quality vinyl can easily mark and tear, and may reduce value.

Modern living room with large windows, showcasing an urban skyline, featuring wooden furniture and stylish decor.

Know when to call in the pros

Installing flooring is an easier DIY job than some other renovation tasks, and it could boost the ROI compared to paying for contractors. However, poorly fitted floors will lead to problems that could negatively affect your home’s value. By working with professional remodelers, you can make sure flooring is installed properly. You may even be able to combine this with other renovation tasks to help add further value. Only install flooring yourself if you truly know what you’re doing (the likes of laminate are usually easy to lay oneself).

A split image showcasing two room designs: the left side features an unfinished room with a wooden ladder, tools, and a floor ready for installation, while the right side displays a completed room with polished wooden floors and beige walls.

Maintain consistency throughout your home

Combining too many different types of flooring in your home could negatively affect its value. It could make your decor seem disjointed. Consequently, try to stick to no more than three types of flooring throughout your home. These should fit the style of your property – avoid modern vinyl or laminate flooring in a period property.

Avoid these types of flooring

Flooring choices are ultimately a matter of personal preference. However, if your goal is to add value, you should avoid certain styles of flooring that may be seen as niche or controversial. This includes:

Colorful deep pile carpets: Although cosy underfoot, shag-style carpets in 60s psychedelic colors are an acquired taste and very hard to clean.
Intricate tile patterns: Historic tile floors with intricate patterns may add character to older homes, but a new tile floor with an unusual pattern may devalue a property due to its niche appeal.
Linoleum: This flooring material is typically seen as dated.
Dark stained timber: Dark stained timber can make a room gloomy and dust tends to show up on them.
Carpets in bathrooms and kitchens: Many interior design experts view this as the ultimate flooring sin, and most buyers won’t find it attractive either. Carpets and moisture don’t mix, so keep carpets away from wet areas.