When searching for a new home, many prospective buyers are consciously scoping out current trends in home flooring in areas such as living rooms, kitchens and baths.

Flooring, maybe the most overlooked part of your dream home, is crucial. Whether you find what you’re looking for already built in your home or you decide to a remodeling update yourself, there are various flooring options and trends to choose from, whether you prefer a classic look, or a unique and colorful option.

Flooring often comes down to personal preference, but tile is one of the most durable options, said Kurt Duitsman, president of Floors For Living, which has several locations in greater Houston.

“You should also look for look for grout that is stain-proof. Meanwhile, trends vary by region when it comes to bathroom flooring, but for the most part, you can’t go wrong with porcelain tile. Porcelain is around 60% harder to crack and break than ceramic,” he said.

Luxury vinyl is the fastest-growing flooring option, Duitsman said. The durability of luxury vinyl is directly related to the amount of wear layer, shown as mil. The more mils the better the scratch resistance and wear.

If you opt for laminate, thicker laminate is more dimensionally stable and less likely to warp, Duitsman said. Warping causes the locking system to open up, absorb moisture and fail. Thicker laminate has a stronger locking system and also has a better, more solid sound.

Additionally, “do not choose a laminate with an attached cushion. You will still need a moisture barrier (which is typically an extra expense) if you are on concrete. Attached cushion laminate can also create weak spots when the attached cushion does not fully cover the laminate at the edges where they click together,” he said.

One classic home flooring option that will never go out of style is hardwood flooring. It’s a good idea to choose engineered real wood and not solid wood for humid climates. Engineered real wood is especially important on concrete to avoid warpage, splits and expensive replacements, Duitsman said.

According to the site Realtor.com, stained concrete can work well in homes that are modern, industrial, or midcentury and with a clean, minimal design. This flooring option is typically mixed, poured, and polished by hand.

Cleaning up stains, spills and pet hair is easy, and the look can be very minimalist.

Finally, home buyers can’t forget about carpet when it comes to living room flooring.

According to Duitsman, carpet tends to me more preferable for families without pets, as it’s comfortable to walk on, and without pets there are fewer odors and stains to worry about. ■