Choosing the Right Flooring for Each Room in Your Rhode Island Home

September 1, 2025by sid

Your floors go through a lot. From muddy boots in the entryway to spilled drinks in the kitchen, each room of your home brings its own set of challenges. That’s why choosing the right flooring for each space matters—especially in a state like Rhode Island, where weather shifts and moisture levels can vary drastically.

At D&M Hardwood Flooring, we help homeowners throughout Rhode Island select materials that are not only beautiful but also practical. Here’s our room-by-room guide to help you make informed flooring decisions for your entire home.

Kitchen: Durable, Easy-to-Clean Flooring

Kitchens are high-traffic areas with frequent spills, so durability and moisture resistance are key. Hardwood floors offer timeless appeal, but engineered wood or vinyl and laminate flooring are great choices for homeowners looking for extra durability without sacrificing style.

Best Options:

  • Engineered hardwood
  • Luxury vinyl plank
  • Laminate with water-resistant core

Explore more in our vinyl and laminate section.

Living Room: Classic Comfort and Style

The living room is often the heart of the home, making it an ideal space for traditional wood flooring. Hardwood provides warmth, value, and timeless elegance that complements any style.

Best Options:

  • Solid hardwood
  • Engineered hardwood

Bedrooms: Cozy and Quiet Underfoot

For bedrooms, comfort is king. Wood flooring offers a soft, warm feel underfoot and pairs well with area rugs for added coziness. If you’re looking for budget-conscious alternatives, water-resistant laminate or luxury vinyl plank can still deliver a quiet, smooth finish.

Best Options:

  • Hardwood flooring
  • Laminate
  • Vinyl plank

Bathrooms & Laundry Rooms: Moisture-Resistant is a Must

These areas experience high humidity and direct water contact, so traditional wood isn’t always the best fit. Instead, moisture-resistant materials like vinyl are the smarter choice.

Best Options:

  • Luxury vinyl tile or plank
  • Waterproof laminate

Basement: Engineered or Vinyl All the Way

Basements in Rhode Island are especially prone to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Avoid solid hardwood here and opt for flooring designed to handle variable conditions.

Best Options:

  • Luxury vinyl flooring
  • Engineered wood
  • Waterproof laminate

Need help assessing your basement? Contact us here.

Entryways & Mudrooms: Built for Wear and Tear

These spaces see the most abuse: muddy shoes, wet boots, and high foot traffic. You’ll want a scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean material that stands up to Rhode Island weather.

Best Options:

  • Vinyl plank
  • Laminate with a durable wear layer

Stairs: Safety Meets Aesthetics

When it comes to stairs, slip resistance and durability matter just as much as looks. Many homeowners opt for matching stair treads during their staircase refinishing projects to create a cohesive look throughout the home.

Best Options:

  • Hardwood treads
  • Laminate or vinyl stair overlays

Decks & Outdoor Spaces

Technically outside the home, but worth noting—if you’re looking to revamp your deck, proper material choice is key to long-term results in New England’s climate. See how we handle deck refinishing for Rhode Island homeowners.

Best Options:

  • Pressure-treated wood
  • Composite decking

Let D&M Help You Find the Right Fit

At D&M Hardwood Flooring, we know every room serves a different purpose—and your floors should match that functionality. Whether you’re planning a full-home update or starting one room at a time, our team will help you find the right product, finish, and installation plan.

Check out our work for inspiration or contact us to book a consultation.

Ready to Upgrade Room by Room?

We’re here to make the process simple and seamless. Explore more tips on our blog or visit our about page to learn what makes D&M a trusted name in Rhode Island flooring.

Let us help you bring beauty and durability to every room of your home.