What is the Most Popular Upstairs Flooring Now? (5 Trending Options!)

Technology changes everything—even how we design spaces upstairs in our homes. Over the last decade, flooring options for upper levels have shifted dramatically thanks to innovations in materials and installation methods. When I first started in this trade, hardwood was king everywhere. But now? There’s a rich menu of choices that make upstairs floors more comfortable, stylish, and long-lasting than ever before.

I want to share what I’ve learned from years of hands-on experience and research about the most popular upstairs flooring options right now. Whether you’re renovating or building new, this guide will help you get the best floor for your lifestyle and budget.

What is Upstairs Flooring and Why Should You Care?

Upstairs flooring is the material laid down on second stories or higher levels in a home. It’s a bit different from downstairs flooring because it has to:

• Support lighter weight loads
• Reduce noise traveling downstairs
• Cope with temperature and humidity changes better
• Feel comfortable underfoot since bedrooms and living areas often go upstairs

Choosing the right upstairs flooring can be tricky because you want something durable but not too heavy, quiet but not bulky, attractive but easy to maintain. The wrong choice can lead to squeaky floors, noisy neighbors downstairs (or yourself!), or expensive repairs.

Over the years, I’ve worked closely with hundreds of homeowners who wrestled with these questions. One family I remember had their upstairs solid oak floor buckle every summer. They didn’t realize solid hardwood swells with moisture changes on upper floors more than on ground levels. After switching to engineered hardwood, their problem vanished.

So, upstairs flooring is a mix of science, art, and practical considerations all rolled into one. Let’s explore some of the top trending options I see today.

1. Engineered Hardwood — The Classic Wood Look with Modern Stability

Engineered hardwood remains a bestseller for upstairs floors because it offers real wood beauty without the downsides of traditional hardwood.

What Makes Engineered Hardwood Stand Out?

This type of flooring consists of a thin veneer of genuine hardwood bonded over multiple layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF). That layered construction makes it more dimensionally stable than solid hardwood.

Why does that matter? Upstairs rooms tend to experience bigger fluctuations in temperature and humidity than basements or ground floors because they’re closer to the roof and exposed to heat loss or gain more rapidly. Solid wood can expand or contract drastically in these conditions, causing warping or gaps.

Engineered hardwood handles these changes better due to its cross-ply layers resisting movement. So you get the beauty of wood with less worry about damage.

My Experience Installing Engineered Hardwood Upstairs

I installed engineered hickory flooring in a mountain cabin last year. The client loved traditional wood but was worried about humidity swings during snowy winters and warm summers.

After installation, they told me the floor looked beautiful year-round without any cupping or cracking—a common problem they’d had with solid wood elsewhere.

How Durable Is Engineered Hardwood Upstairs?

Depending on the thickness of the wood veneer (typically 2-6mm), engineered hardwood can be sanded and refinished once or twice over its lifetime. Thicker veneers mean longer refinishing potential and better longevity.

According to the National Wood Flooring Association’s 2023 report, homes with engineered hardwood upstairs had 15% fewer complaints about flooring defects than those with solid hardwood installed in similar climates.

Installation Insights

Engineered hardwood can be floated over underlayment, glued down, or nailed depending on subfloor type. This flexibility speeds up installations upstairs where access might be tighter.

One tip I share is always to acclimate the planks in the room for several days before installation to reduce post-installation expansion surprises.

Cost Considerations

Engineered hardwood upstairs usually costs between $5 – $12 per square foot including materials and labor depending on wood species and finish quality. Higher-end exotic woods push prices upward but add wow factor.

2. Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) — Practicality Meets Style

Luxury vinyl plank has exploded in popularity for upper floors due to its combination of durability, water resistance, and realistic aesthetics.

What’s Behind LVP’s Popularity Upstairs?

Modern LVP uses photographic layers with high-definition printing to mimic wood grain and textures incredibly well. It also features thick wear layers resistant to scratches and dents—perfect for active households or rental properties upstairs.

Water Resistance Is a Game-Changer

Bathrooms and laundry rooms upstairs are notorious for water spills that ruin hardwood floors fast. LVP shines here because many products are fully waterproof.

In fact, according to Floor & Decor’s 2024 sales data, waterproof LVP accounted for nearly 40% of upper-floor bathroom renovations last year.

Comfort & Noise

LVP is softer underfoot than tile or hardwood and can include attached sound-absorbing underlayment layers that reduce footfall noise downstairs—a huge plus for multi-level living.

My Projects with LVP Upstairs

I recently helped a couple remodel their upstairs bathrooms and laundry room using waterproof LVP planks that looked like natural walnut wood. They loved how it felt warm and soft compared to cold ceramic tiles they had before.

Installation & Maintenance

Most LVP uses click-lock systems that make DIY installation possible. For upstairs jobs where stairs are narrow or complex, this ease speeds up the process.

Cleaning is simple—regular sweeping and damp mopping keep it looking fresh without special cleaners.

Pricing

LVP prices range from $2 – $7 per square foot installed, making it an affordable alternative to hardwood or tile for upstairs areas prone to moisture.

3. Carpet Tiles — Flexible Comfort That Keeps Noise Down

Carpet tiles are making a comeback among homeowners who want comfort and noise control upstairs without committing to wall-to-wall carpet.

Why Choose Carpet Tiles Upstairs?

They offer all the warmth and softness of carpet but with modularity—damaged or stained tiles can be replaced individually without ripping out the entire floor.

Soundproofing Benefits

Upstairs bedrooms often suffer from sound traveling downstairs. Carpet tiles absorb footsteps better than hard surfaces and reduce echo inside rooms too.

Design Freedom

I’ve seen clients pick carpet tiles in different colors or patterns to create fun geometric designs or borders in kids’ rooms or offices upstairs. This level of customization isn’t possible with broadloom carpet.

Installation Ease

Carpet tiles can be glued down or installed loose over proper underlayment. Loose lay versions work great for renters who want temporary flooring they can take when moving out.

Real-World Example

A family I worked with recently installed carpet tiles in their upstairs playroom. When their toddler spilled juice on one tile, they easily swapped it out themselves without hassle.

Cost Range

Carpet tiles typically cost $2 – $6 per square foot including installation—a good middle ground between budget carpets and luxury flooring options.

4. Cork Flooring — Softness with an Eco-Friendly Edge

Cork floors might not be mainstream yet but they’re definitely gaining fans among those wanting natural materials that feel good upstairs.

What’s Unique About Cork?

Harvested from cork oak bark sustainably every 9 years without harming trees, cork is a renewable resource with built-in resilience.

Its cellular structure gives natural cushioning that reduces fatigue from standing long periods—a bonus in bedrooms or offices upstairs.

Noise & Thermal Insulation

Cork naturally dampens sound both within rooms and through floors below. It’s also an excellent insulator keeping rooms warmer in winter—important for less-heated upper levels.

Maintenance & Durability

Cork needs regular sealing to protect against moisture damage but otherwise holds up well against everyday wear if installed properly with underlayment.

Personal Experience

I installed cork flooring in an upstairs nursery recently. The parents loved how quiet and soft it made the room compared to their previous laminate floors that felt cold and noisy.

Price Point

Cork generally runs $4 – $8 per square foot installed—more than carpet but less than premium hardwoods or tile.

5. Bamboo Flooring — Sustainable Hardwood Alternative With Style

Bamboo flooring has carved out a niche as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional hardwoods with a distinctive look all its own.

Why Bamboo?

Bamboo grows 3-5 times faster than hardwood trees making it a renewable option that still delivers hard-wearing planks suitable for upstairs use.

Strand-woven bamboo is especially tough—sometimes harder than oak—and resists dents and scratches well.

Appearance & Finish Options

Bamboo offers unique grain patterns ranging from smooth plains to dramatic knots depending on processing methods. Finishes include natural tones or carbonized darker hues that add warmth upstairs.

Installation & Care

Like engineered hardwood, bamboo can be nailed down or floated over underlayments suitable for second floors.

It requires similar care—regular sweeping plus occasional refinishing if solid plank is used—to keep it looking fresh.

Case Study from My Work

A client wanted sustainable materials for their condo renovation. We chose strand-woven bamboo upstairs because it checked boxes for hardness, style, and eco-friendliness beautifully.

Cost Factors

Bamboo flooring averages $3 – $9 per square foot installed depending on grade and finish quality.

How These Options Stack Up Against Each Other (Detailed Breakdown)

Choosing between these materials involves considering multiple factors beyond price:

Deeper Insights: Why Upstairs Flooring Choices Matter More Than You Think

You might ask why all this fuss about floors above ground level? Here’s what I’ve learned working on dozens of multi-story houses:

• Noise travels easily: What you step on affects those living below you more than you realize. Thin laminate or hardwood without soundproofing can make restless nights downstairs.
• Moisture swings: Upper floors near roofs have more temperature extremes causing some woods to warp if not engineered properly.
• Comfort counts: Bedrooms need softer floors sometimes; kitchens might demand water resistance; offices want quiet spaces—each room’s function changes flooring needs upstairs unlike uniform ground floor demands.

My Personal Flooring Journey Upstairs

When I was renovating my own home’s upper floor five years ago, I faced these exact questions: Should I go with classic hardwood for style? Or something easier like vinyl? After weighing pros and cons, I went with engineered oak in bedrooms for warmth plus waterproof LVP in bathrooms for peace of mind around moisture.

That combo has worked flawlessly since then—no squeaks or cracks despite seasonal weather swings—and my guests always comment on how cozy the bedrooms feel underfoot.

This personal experience taught me that mixing materials thoughtfully can solve multiple problems at once rather than forcing one flooring type to do everything.

Troubleshooting Common Upstairs Flooring Issues

Even the best floors can run into trouble if installation or maintenance falls short. Here are some common problems I’ve seen:

• Squeaky Floors: Usually caused by loose subflooring or improper fastening; engineered hardwood nailed down properly reduces this risk.
• Warping/Gapping: Happens when wood expands/contracts too much; engineered products with stable cores minimize this.
• Noise: Hard surfaces transmit sound; adding underlayment or choosing carpet tiles helps cut noise dramatically.
• Stains & Wear: Carpet tiles allow easy repair; vinyl resists stains better than carpet or wood finishes.

If you ever face these problems upstairs, addressing subfloor prep and product choice upfront saves headaches later.

Installation Tips from the Field

Here are some quick pointers I always share:

• Always check moisture levels in subfloors before installing any wood-based products upstairs.
• Use soundproofing underlayment if noise reduction is a priority—especially for multi-family buildings or renters below.
• Acclimate wood planks in the room where they’ll be installed for several days before starting work—this reduces expansion issues later.
• For DIYers: LVP click-lock systems are easiest and safest to install without professional tools when working on stairs or tight spaces upstairs.
• When mixing materials on one floor (like carpet tile plus vinyl), ensure transitions are smooth using proper thresholds to avoid tripping hazards.

The Future: What Flooring Innovations Are Coming?

Flooring technology doesn’t stop evolving:

• Expect more eco-friendly composites combining recycled materials with natural fibers for better sustainability upstairs.
• Advances in soundproofing layers that integrate directly into planks will make noisy footsteps a thing of the past.
• Smart floors embedded with sensors are emerging—imagine monitoring temperature or detecting spills instantly on your upper floors!

Wrapping Up: Which Upstairs Flooring Should You Pick?

Choosing your upstairs floor depends on what matters most:

• Want classic looks + durability? Go engineered hardwood.
• Need water resistance + easy care? Luxury vinyl plank is hard to beat.
• Prioritize softness + soundproofing? Carpet tiles or cork shine here.
• Looking for eco-friendly + style? Bamboo offers a beautiful option.

Every material has strengths and trade-offs; knowing those helps avoid costly mistakes later on.

If you want help calculating costs tailored to your area or project size, I recommend using tools like FloorTally—they give detailed estimates factoring local labor and waste so your budget stays realistic from day one.

Feel free to reach out if you want me to help you pick the perfect upstairs flooring based on your home’s unique needs—I love helping people create floors they’ll love living on for years!

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