Updating Your Flooring Has Great ROI—This Option Will Outlast Carpet by Almost 100 Years
And it might even boost your home’s value.
Updated Oct 14, 2022 10:30 AM
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Flooring options have come a long way. Not only is carpeting becoming cooler (we’re loving wall-to-wall sisal), but wood-look porcelain and even checkered linoleum are gaining popularity. And while these new options are serving fresh looks for our spaces, when it comes to longevity, not all are created equal.
According to Realm, a free-to-use source that aims to help homeowners tap into their potential home value, slate floors rank the highest in terms of life span (they can last a century). Tile (75 years), wood (50), linoleum (25), laminate (15), and carpet (8) follow, respectively. Slate is super-durable and has the ability to seamlessly transition to an outdoor patio. And given indoor-outdoor flow is a must-have on a lot of buyers’ checklists these days, it could potentially boost your home’s value. Per Realm’s latest data, installing new flooring in a space has a return on investment of 342%. Here are three refined ways to introduce it to your house.
Counteract Cool Stone With Warm Wood
With a family of four and two dogs, designer Dee Murphy needed flooring that could double as camouflage, so she chose a dark gray slate from Clé with matching grout. The Mondrian pattern adds a subtle but interesting visual, and the wood-paneled ceiling keeps the predominantly gray and white space from feeling sterile.
Bring Contrast to a Small Bathroom
Designer and stylist Justin DiPiero opted for a full-on wet room in his Brooklyn apartment. The thing about slate is that it stands up to water well, making it a great choice for the entire bathroom floor, in the shower and out. Paired with classic white subway tile on the walls, the dark stone delivers a high-impact moment in the most unexpected space.
Give Your Toes a Soft Spot to Land
Afraid it will feel too chilly beneath your feet? Natural jute rugs, vintage runners, and sheepskin throws look right at home on a slate floor.
Get the Look
This story was originally published in December 2021. It has since been updated.