Best Flooring Options to Increase Your Home Value in 2026
Smart flooring upgrades that improve buyer appeal, comfort, and long-term value
1/12/2026
In 2026, buyers aren’t just looking for a house. They’re looking for a home that feels move-in ready. As interest rates and housing costs stabilize, flooring has become one of the top renovations homeowners can make to improve resale appeal and return on investment. Upgrades like engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), laminate, and modern carpet remain some of the smartest investments for boosting resale value.
Updating your flooring is one of the most effective ways to increase your home’s value and improve buyer confidence when selling. But not all flooring upgrades deliver the same return. Whether you are preparing to sell or making smart upgrades for the future, choosing the right flooring can make a meaningful difference. Here are the flooring options that consistently add value, where they work best, and what today’s buyers want.
Why Flooring Matters When Selling a Home
Flooring sets the tone for the entire space. Worn, outdated, or mismatched floors can make a home feel tired, while updated flooring creates a clean, fresh, cohesive look that signals a well-cared-for home. And let's face it, if a home is empty, the floor is the center of attention.
The right flooring upgrade can:
- Improve first impressions during showings
- Increase buyer confidence
- Reduce objections during inspections
- Help homes sell faster and closer to asking price
Hardwood Flooring: Timeless Value
Hardwood flooring remains the undisputed leader in perceived home value, the gold standard for resale. Buyers view real wood not just as a design choice, but as a long-term asset. If your budget allows for it, this is the upgrade that offers a significant "wow factor".
Why it adds value
- Strong resale perception
- Long lifespan with the ability to refresh and refinish
- Broad appeal across styles
2026 buyer insight
Engineered hardwood is increasingly preferred for its stability and performance. Wider planks and natural, matte finishes currently tend to be favored over glossy or heavily distressed looks. The ability to refinish appeals to buyers looking for their “forever home”.
Best rooms
Main living areas, dining rooms, hallways, and open-concept spaces
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP): Practical and Always Popular
Luxury vinyl plank continues to grow in popularity for its balance of performance, beauty, and value. It is now a first-choice material for active families who refuse to sacrifice style for durability. For a seller, LVP offers a high-end look at a great price.
Why it adds value
- Waterproof and scratch-resistant performance
- Lower cost than hardwood
- Ideal for busy households
2026 buyer insight
Buyers respond best to LVP with realistic visuals, thicker wear layers, and consistent installation throughout main living spaces. Its versatility creates a unified look across the entire home.
Best rooms
Kitchens, basements, family rooms, and main living areas
Laminate Flooring: Smart and Stylish
Laminate flooring has evolved significantly and remains a smart choice for homeowners looking to balance style, durability, and value. It is the "go-to" for homeowners who want the warmth of wood with extreme resilience.
Why it adds value
- Durable surface built to withstand everyday wear
- Cost-effective alternative to hardwood
- Consistent visuals across open spaces
2026 buyer insight
Today’s laminate offers improved moisture resistance and realistic wood visuals. Neutral tones and wider plank styles perform best, especially in homes with open floor plans.
Best rooms
Living rooms, dining areas, hallways, and upstairs spaces
Carpet: Comfort That Matters
Carpet continues to play an important role in how a home feels, especially in spaces meant for comfort and relaxation. It has transitioned from a "whole-house" staple to a "comfort zone" feature providing maximum impact.
Why it adds value
- Creates warmth and softness underfoot
- Reduces noise between floors
- Refreshes bedrooms and living spaces quickly
2026 buyer insight
Buyers expect carpet in bedrooms and upper levels to feel clean, comfortable, and durable. Stain-resistant options with strong warranties are especially appealing to families and pet owners. They want high-performance, low-profile fibers that feel like a retreat.
Best rooms
Bedrooms, bonus rooms, theater rooms, and upper levels
Stair Runners: A Thoughtful Finishing Touch
Staircases are a major focal point for interior design. A custom stair runner is often the detail that makes a home feel professionally decorated and pops in your listing photos. Many buyers appreciate having a soft surface on stairs for safety and noise reduction, even when hard flooring is used throughout the home.
A stair runner adds traction and comfort while allowing hardwood or LVP to remain visible. While neutral is best for resale, a subtle pattern adds a "designer" feel that justifies a higher asking price, enhancing buyer appeal without distracting from the primary flooring choices.
Flooring ROI: Cost vs. Value
When evaluating flooring upgrades, it helps to balance upfront investment with long-term appeal.
| Flooring Type | Average ROI | Best For | 2026 Buyer Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered Hardwood | High | Living rooms, dining rooms, open-concept spaces | Wider planks, natural matte finishes |
| Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) | Moderate to High | Kitchens, basements, family rooms | Realistic wood visuals, thicker wear layers |
| Laminate | Moderate to High | Living areas, hallways, upstairs spaces | Neutral tones, wider plank styling |
| Carpet | Practical, Comfort-Driven Value | Bedrooms, bonus rooms, upper levels, stairs | Earthy neutrals, stain-resistant fibers |
- Hardwood: Higher initial cost with strong perceived value
- LVP: Balanced cost and durability for everyday living
- Laminate: Affordable, durable option with a modern look
- Carpet: Comfort-driven value in the coziest areas of the home
Homes that feel cohesive, durable, and low-maintenance consistently perform better with buyers.
Pro Tip: If you have a limited budget, prioritize the entryway and kitchen. These are the "first impression" zones that dictate a buyer's perceived value of the entire home.
Final Thoughts
The best flooring upgrades are not about chasing trends, but about choosing materials that align with how people live today. Neutral tones, professional-looking installation, and durable surfaces continue to deliver the strongest return and broadest buyer appeal.
Our Flooring Experts can assist you in choosing the perfect flooring to add value to your home. Stop by one of our showrooms or schedule an in-home shopping consultation today to explore the possibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Flooring and Home Value
Q: Does new flooring increase home value?
A: Yes. Updating flooring can increase home value by improving buyer appeal, perceived condition, and move-in readiness. Durable, neutral flooring options tend to offer the strongest return.
Q: What flooring do buyers prefer in 2026?
A: Buyers favor durable, low-maintenance flooring such as luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, laminate, and carpet in appropriate areas. Neutral tones and consistent flooring throughout main spaces are also preferred.
Q: Is luxury vinyl plank better than hardwood for resale?
A: Both can be strong resale options. It depends on the priorities of the buyer. Hardwood often carries higher perceived value, while quality LVP appeals to buyers focused on durability and easy maintenance.
Q: Should stairs be carpeted when selling a home?
A: Many buyers prefer some type of soft surface on stairs for safety and noise reduction. Options like stair runners provide traction and comfort while keeping hard flooring visible.
Q: What flooring choices could hurt resale value?
A: Bold colors, highly personalized styles, and mismatched flooring between rooms can reduce buyer appeal. Neutral, cohesive flooring choices typically perform best.
Q: Should I replace my hardwood flooring or refinish it?
A: If you have solid hardwood, refinishing can be more cost-effective and helps retain original character that many 2026 buyers love. If floors are damaged or heavily dated, replacing them with engineered hardwood or luxury vinyl can be a great resale option.
