Wood-Inspired Ceramic, Stained Concrete: The Top 10 Flooring Trends for 2020

The start of a new year is a time for change, and for builders, this year could be the opportunity to shake up their flooring options with new trendy styles. Thirty percent of homeowners rated flooring as what they dislike most about their homes, according to a survey by LightStream, so getting the floors right the first time can bring the wow-factor needed to get the edge on competition. Take 2020 as an opportunity to ditch old, worn carpets for sleeker, more modern flooring options for your builds—whether you are use wood, porcelain tiles, or vinyl, these new trends will floor potential homebuyers. 

Still have shag carpet in your spare bedroom? Cracked bathroom tile or scratched-up hardwood? Hey, it's probably time to get new floors.

More than 30% of homeowners cited flooring as what they dislike most about their homes, according to a survey by LightStream, the online lending division of SunTrust Bank. And, 73% of homeowners were planning some type of improvement project—so, it’s a safe bet that new floors will be high on many home improvement to-do lists.

New floors are a significant design refresher, as well as a solid investment that can increase your home’s value, says Dan DiClerico, home expert at HomeAdvisor.

“Putting down new flooring is a smart investment,” he says. “But more importantly, it can dramatically transform the look and feel of the home, while making it safer and more functional.”

But with so many flooring options out there today, what's best? We asked DiClerico and other home design and improvement experts to share their top picks for the biggest flooring trends of 2020.

Porcelain tiles that look like wood? It may sound too good to be true, but wood-look tiles are all the rage these days.

“The designs are very convincing, so you could mistake them for real wood, without any wear and tear or risk of scratching,” DiClerico says. “In general, we’re seeing increased interest in engineered flooring over natural wood, mainly because it’s easier to maintain, without too much sacrificing of style.”

Cost: Installing ceramic or porcelain tile can run $3,000 to $4,000 for a 200-square-foot area, according to HomeAdvisor.

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