Choosing the right flooring for your custom home isn’t just about looks — it’s about how it lives with you. From muddy paws to steamy showers to high-traffic zones, floors do more than just lie there. Here are the four most important things to think about before locking in your choices.
☕ The Morning After Moment…
Picture this: You wake up in your brand-new custom home. Sunlight’s pouring through the windows, coffee’s brewing, and your feet hit the floor on the way to the kitchen — only to be greeted by a surprise chorus of squeaks from that beautiful laminate you picked out three months ago.
It looked amazing in the showroom. But now? You’re wondering why you didn’t ask more questions.
At Welbilt Homes, we’ve guided hundreds of homeowners through this exact moment. Flooring seems simple — until it isn’t. With so many materials, finishes, and lifestyle factors to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You can simplify your decision by focusing on four key things:
✅ 1. Room Function: Match Your Floor to the Space
Not every room pulls the same weight—and your floors shouldn’t either.
- Kitchen floors need to be tough, water-resistant, and easy to clean.
- Bedrooms are more forgiving. Comfort might take priority here.
- Living rooms strike a balance between cozy and durable.
- Mudrooms/laundry rooms? Go waterproof, nonslip, and worry-free.
💡Quick Tip:
What’s the best flooring for kitchens and mudrooms?
Waterproof tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is your best bet — durable, easy to maintain, and made to handle messes.
Room function should guide your flooring — it’s the difference between a floor that frustrates you and one that fits your life.
🚶♀️ 2. Foot Traffic: Who’s Using This Space (and How Often)?
A quiet guest room has different needs than a kid-filled living room or a hallway that sees 100 steps an hour. Choosing without thinking about wear and tear is like buying shoes without knowing your size.
For high-traffic households, consider:
- Scratch-resistant options like LVP or engineered wood
- Finishes that hide dirt, not highlight it
- Low-maintenance surfaces that don’t demand constant care
While hardwood is gorgeous, it may need refinishing more often. For something more hands-off, tile and LVP offer serious staying power.
💧 3. Moisture-Prone Areas: Don’t Let Floors Fight the Elements
Bathrooms. Basements. Laundry rooms. These areas deal with water regularly — and not all flooring is built for it.
Moisture can warp wood, lift laminate, and lead to headaches down the road.
Here’s what holds up best:
- Tile – waterproof, classic, and timeless
- Luxury Vinyl Plank – especially waterproof lines with click-lock installation
- Sealed concrete – modern, super durable, and ideal for basements or minimalist styles
💡Expert Tip from Welbilt Owner, Larry:“
Don’t just pick flooring based on what looks good in a dry living room. Think about your lifestyle — and how every room functions differently. The right material in the right spot makes all the difference.”
🐾 4. Pets & Kids: Plan for Paw Prints and Crayon Marks
That dreamy white carpet may look amazing… until your toddler drops a juice box or your dog drags in half the backyard.
If your home includes little ones (furry or human), you want:
- Floors that are durable
- Easy cleanup (because life happens)
- Stain resistance for the unexpected
LVP, tile, and sealed concrete shine here. They’re not just kid- and pet-friendly — they’re sanity-saving.
🧼 Bonus chuckle: No judgment if you’ve considered naming your Roomba and letting it raise your kids.
📋 Quick Room-to-Flooring Guide
Need a cheat sheet? Use this during design meetings to make flooring choices less stressful and more strategic:
| Room | Best Flooring Options |
| Kitchen | Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP), Tile |
| Bathroom | Tile, Waterproof LVP |
| Living Room | Hardwood, LVP |
| Bedroom | Carpet (if preferred), LVP |
| Basement | Sealed Concrete, LVP |
| Laundry/Mudroom | Tile, Waterproof LVP |
🛠️ Want Help Choosing Flooring That Lives With You?
Talk to a Welbilt design specialist. We’ll walk you through your options, answer questions, and help you choose floors that work for your style, family, and future.
