When selecting flooring for a residence, there are numerous options to explore. Every flooring type comes with its unique benefits, drawbacks, and cost ranges. I generated the pricing from averages on the internet so I can't say how accurate they are for Montana but I included Forefront Flooring's prices below as a comparison. We are generally much cheaper than these averages and offer expert installation service.
Hardwood Flooring is made from cut sections of solid wood such as oak, maple, cherry, walnut etc.
Pros:
Classic and beautiful appearance with a natural, cozy feel.
Enhances property value.
Long-lasting and can endure a lifetime with proper care.
Can be refinished to eliminate scratches and dents.
Cons:
Can be vulnerable to scratches, dents, and water damage.
Eventually will need to be refinished, but depending on the finish type it can last a long time.
Pricing:
$5–$12 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation average: $4–$8 per sq. ft. (varies with complexity and location).
Installation cost for Forefront Flooring is $2.75 per sq. ft.
Best For: Living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Pretty much anywhere if there is not excessive water or wear.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring is constructed from a thin layer of genuine wood atop a plywood or composite base.
Pros:
More cost-effective than solid hardwood.
Less affected by moisture and temperature fluctuations.
Can be refinished maybe once unless it is hand scraped where it cannot be refinished.
Cons:
Does not last as long as solid hardwood.
Limited refinishing capability.
Still susceptible to scratches and dents.
Pricing:
$3–$10 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $3–$7 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $2.75 per sq. ft.
Best For: Basements, kitchens, and areas with higher humidity.
Laminate Flooring is a material that mimics the appearance of wood or stone with a photographic layer on top.
Pros:
Cost-effective.
Resistant to scratches and easy to care for.
Comes in a diverse range of designs, such as wood, stone, and tile.
Simple to install (many feature "click-lock" systems).
Cons:
Cannot be refinished or fixed if damaged.
Less robust than hardwood or engineered wood.
May sound hollow or plastic-like.
Pricing:
$1–$4 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $2–$4 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $2.00 a sq. ft.
Best For: High-traffic areas, budget-friendly homes, and DIY households.
Vinyl Flooring (LVT or LVP)
Description: A synthetic flooring choice made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), made to resemble wood, stone, or tile.
Pros:
Highly resistant to water and durable.
Available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures.
Simple to clean and maintain.
Cons:
Can be scratched or damaged by sharp objects.
May release VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
Less luxurious appearance compared to wood or stone.
Pricing:
$2–$7 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation average: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $2.00 a. sq. ft.
Best For: Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements
Tile Flooring is made from clay (ceramic), denser clay (porcelain), or natural stone (e.g., granite, marble, slate).
Pros:
Extremely durable and water-resistant.
Variety of colors, patterns, and finishes.
Ideal for high-moisture areas (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens).
Easy to clean and maintain.
Cons:
Cold and hard underfoot.
Can be slippery when wet (especially stone tiles).
Requires grout, which can stain and needs periodic cleaning.
Pricing:
Ceramic: $1–$7 per sq. ft.
Porcelain: $3–$10 per sq. ft.
Natural Stone: $4–$20 per sq. ft. (depending on type).
Installation average: $4–$10 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $10.00 per sq. ft.
Best For: Bathrooms, kitchens, and entryways.
Cork Flooring is made from cork oak trees, it’s an eco-friendly material that is soft and warm underfoot.
Pros:
Environmentally friendly and renewable.
Soft and comfortable to stand on.
Naturally antimicrobial and resistant to mold and mildew.
Insulates sound and temperature well.
Cons:
Can be damaged by heavy furniture or sharp objects.
Can fade over time with exposure to sunlight.
Needs to be sealed periodically to prevent moisture damage.
Pricing:
$3–$7 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $3–$5 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $2.75 a sq. ft.
Best For: Bedrooms, home offices, and living rooms.
Bamboo Flooring is made from bamboo, and can be an alternative to hardwood.
Pros:
Sustainable and renewable.
Harder than many hardwoods.
Resistant to scratches and dents.
Stylish, with a unique grain pattern.
Cons:
Can be susceptible to moisture damage (unless it's properly sealed).
Not as durable as traditional hardwood.
Limited color options.
Pricing:
$2–$6 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring charges $2.75 a sq. ft.
Best For: Living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens.
Carpet Flooring is made from wool, nylon, polyester, or other fibers, available in a range of textures and colors.
Pros:
Comfortable and warm underfoot.
Sound-absorbing qualities.
Variety of colors, textures, and patterns.
Affordable, especially in lower-end styles.
Cons:
Stains easily (especially in high-traffic areas).
Requires regular cleaning and vacuuming.
Can trap mold underneath, dust and allergens.
Pricing:
$1–$7 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring does not install carpet currently.
Best For: Bedrooms, living rooms, and areas with low moisture.
Concrete Flooring is polished or stained concrete that is treated for aesthetic appeal and durability.
Pros:
Extremely durable and low-maintenance.
Modern and industrial.
Can be customized with staining or stamping for unique designs.
Cons:
Can be cold, hard, and uncomfortable underfoot.
Prone to cracking (if not properly installed or maintained).
High initial cost and labor-intensive installation.
Pricing:
$3–$15 per sq. ft. (depending on finish and customization).
Installation: $5–$15 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring can apply epoxy coatings to existing concrete floors for $7.00 a sq. ft.
Best For: Modern homes, basements, and industrial-style spaces.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Plank (LVP) is another version of vinyl flooring that imitates wood, stone, or tile.
Pros:
Extremely durable, water-resistant, and requires minimal maintenance.
Offered in a variety of designs, including wood and stone appearances.
More comfortable underfoot than standard vinyl.
Cons:
Might not have the same lifespan or texture as authentic wood or stone.
Susceptible to scratches from sharp objects.
Pricing:
$2–$8 per sq. ft. (materials only).
Installation: $2–$5 per sq. ft.
Forefront Flooring installs vinyl for $2.00 a sq. ft.
Best For: Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas.
Summary
Durability: Hardwood, tile, and engineered wood are durable, whereas carpet and laminate are more susceptible to wear.
Maintenance: Tile, concrete, and vinyl are easy to maintain, carpet need more upkeep.
Comfort: Hardwood, carpet, cork, and bamboo offer more comfort underfoot, while tile, stone, and concrete might feel cold and hard.
Cost: Vinyl, laminate, and carpet are often cheaper options, whereas hardwood, stone, and natural materials can be more expensive.
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