What is the Best Flooring Option for a Home Office?

When it comes to creating the perfect home office, choosing the right type of flooring is crucial.

Your home office should not only be a functional space, but it should also inspire productivity and creativity.

When deciding on the best flooring for a home office, we took a lot of factors into account:

• The sound impact of the flooring. Does it help dampen sound or does it create an echo?

• Furniture commonly used in home offices. If you use a desk chair with wheels, are there floors that work better than others?

• 70% of US households own pets. Will your home office need pet-friendly flooring?

Based on all these factors, and talking to over 25,000 of our readers, we found the best types and brands of flooring for a perfect home office.

We would recommend looking at Proximity Mills, Doma, Paradiso, Liberty Home and Newton flooring as they have a wide range of luxury vinyl plank, hardwood, and carpet styles and colors. They are also the most commonly used flooring brands in home offices.

#1: Luxury Vinyl Plank

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is an excellent choice for flooring in a home office because of its durability, affordability, and versatility. It’s easy to clean and maintain, and it’s available in a wide range of styles, including wood-look and stone-look options.

Pros of Luxury Vinyl Plank

Durability: Vinyl plank is incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is scratch-resistant, making it a great option for a workspace where chairs and other furniture are moved around frequently. If you have a chair with wheels, vinyl plank is what you’re looking for.

Affordability: It’s more affordable than many other flooring options such as hardwood, and is therefore a great alternative for those on a budget who want the look of more expensive flooring without the high cost. 

It can also be installed over your previous flooring so the installation is much quicker and cleaner than every other flooring type

Versatility: LVP is available in a wide range of styles and colors, including options that mimic the look of hardwood or stone. This means you can find a style that matches your home office decor and personal taste.

Ease of cleaning: Vinyl plank is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping. It is also water-resistant, making it a great option for spills and accidents that can occur in a home office. 

Comfort: It’s softer underfoot than other hard flooring options, such as tile or hardwood. This means it can provide additional comfort for those who spend a lot of time standing or walking around in their home office.

Cons of Vinyl Plank Flooring

It’s easy to see why most people choose to use vinyl plank flooring for their home office, but there are a few negatives to consider. The two big ones are:

• Standing for a long time on vinyl plank flooring can get tiring. If you just got a brand new standing desk, this might be something you want to consider.

• Like all hard surface flooring,  vinyl plank flooring will help sound travel more than carpet would.

Should you put a rug in your home office?

Yes you should put a rug in your home office. It will add warmth and comfort to the room and it will help protect the floor from being scratched. 

An area rug in your home office will also help absorb sound, reducing the amount of noise that bounces around the room. This can be especially helpful if you are constantly on the phone, or on zoom video calls.

#2: Hardwood

Hardwood flooring gives every home office that professional, elegant look. It can create a warm and inviting atmosphere that is conducive to productivity and creativity.

There are many different types of hardwood flooring, from engineered wood to solid wood, but both of them can be great options for a home office.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Resale value: Installing hardwood flooring can increase the resale value of your home, as it is a desirable feature that many home buyers look for. Basically, investing in hardwood in your office, is investing in your home’s future sale price.

Durability: Hardwood flooring is durable and long-lasting, making it a great investment for your home office. It is generally resistant to scratches, dents, and stains, so it can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use.

Professional look: Hardwood comes in a wide range of styles and colors and is the most elegant flooring you can put in your home office.

Health benefits: Hardwood flooring is a good choice for people with allergies or asthma, as it does not trap dust, pet dander, or other allergens like carpet can. This can improve air quality and promote better health in your home office.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

While it might be the best looking option (in our opinion), hardwood does have some drawbacks:

Cost: Hardwood flooring can be more expensive than other types of flooring, such as carpet or vinyl plank. The cost can vary depending on the species of wood, the quality of the flooring, and the installation method.

Noise: Hardwood flooring can be noisy, especially in multi-story homes or apartments. Footsteps, pet claws, and dropped objects can create a lot of noise that can be heard in other parts of the home.

Installation: Installing hardwood flooring can be a complex and time-consuming process, especially if you are doing it yourself. It may require special tools and equipment, and mistakes can be costly. It can also make your entire house extremely dusty.

#3: Carpet

Carpet provides a soft and comfortable surface for walking and standing, which is one of the main benefits for putting this flooring option in your home office. For those looking for a more cozy vibe, carpet is the way to go.

Pros of Carpet Flooring

Comfort: It’s by far the most comfortable flooring to have in your home office and it can also help reduce fatigue and provide insulation against cold floors. If you stand a lot at work, carpet will be the most comfortable thing you can install.

Sound absorption: Carpet can absorb sound, making it a good choice if you need a quieter workspace. This can be especially beneficial if you are constantly on calls.

Style: It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, allowing you to choose a style that complements your office’s decor and personal taste.

Cost: It’s often less expensive than other types of flooring, such as hardwood or vinyl plank. This can make it a more affordable option for homeowners on a budget.

Safety: Carpet can provide a safer surface for children, pets and elderly individuals who may be more prone to slips and falls.

Cons of Carpet Flooring

While carpet can provide comfort, style, and affordability for your home office, it may not be the best choice for everyone:

Maintenance: Carpet requires regular cleaning and maintenance to keep it looking its best and to prevent dirt, stains, and odors from accumulating. This can be time-consuming and may require hiring a professional.

Allergens: Carpet can trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can aggravate allergies and respiratory issues. Regular vacuuming and cleaning can help reduce the buildup of allergens, but it may not eliminate them completely.

Stains: Carpet is more prone to staining than other types of flooring, and certain substances such as red wine, coffee, and grease can be difficult to remove. This can be especially problematic if you have children or pets.

Durability: While some types of carpet are durable and long-lasting, others may wear out or flatten over time, especially in areas where you stand a lot, or have your desk on.

Odors: Carpet can absorb odors from spills, pets, and other sources, which can be difficult to remove. This can be especially problematic if you have a sensitive sense of smell or if you frequently use your home office for video conferencing or meetings.