In choosing which permanent covering to install on your floor, there are things you should take into account before starting your do-it-yourself project or calling a contractor. Think about not just the appearance but most importantly the cost, installation, and maintenance. To make your buying decision easier, we've listed down 5 of the top-rated floorings on the market today.

1. TrafficMaster Saratoga Hickory Laminate Flooring

Do you want solid wood flooring but on a tight budget? Worry not, because TrafficMaster has what you need. This laminate flooring in dark vibrant color excellently mimics the appearance and feel of real hickory wood. It blends elegantly on any home interior design and furniture.

Features:

• Authentic design
• Premium finish
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy installation

The hand-scraped style gives it a classic vibe to modern homes. Its wood-like look is also a darling, it instantly makes any home warm and inviting. It's easier to install as it needs no glue to stick to the subfloor—the planks click together through tongue and groove joints. Aside from making installation a breeze, this product is also exceptionally durable and long-lasting. It withstands dirt and stains, high foot traffic, and scratches which is why it's the ideal flooring for homes with children or pets.

Although it has no underlayment, it's perfect for laying on any surface. It's also appropriate for all grades of installation—above grade, on grade, or below grade. Trimmings and molding can be purchased separately. Each plank measures 7 millimeters thick, 7 2/3 inches wide, 50 5/8 inches long—in one case will cover up to 24.17 square inches of area. This product is perfect for residential and the TrafficMaster is a leading producer of domestic, commercial, indoor, and outdoor flooring products.

2. LifeProof Sterling Oak Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Simple but elegant is what most people say when they see this floor. It has a realistic wood look and embossing that resembles the feel and look of real oak. The texture is not just bumps or waviness to create a more authentic pattern, engineered with the ISO core technology or the closed self-formed PVC core, it's lightweight yet rigid and robust.

Features:

• 100% waterproof
• Scratch-resistant 
• Easy to maintain
• Easy installation

This vinyl plank flooring is absolutely easy to install but durable enough to last for years. Its wear layer is also improved with ceramic beads to resist and increased durability for scratch resistance. It comes with a pre-attached underlayment that makes the surface flat and smooth and provides comfort under your feet. This underlayment is also shock-absorbing and acts as a sound barrier. Installation is a breeze with this product, using the drop and lock end joints. Make sure to use a tapping block and soft face hammer when installing. This luxury vinyl can also be installed over an existing tile wood, concrete, or plastic.

It's perfect for residential and commercial indoor use. It's suitable for all grade levels of installation—on grade and below grade. Unlike other floorings, this product doesn't need to acclimate or condition which makes installation go faster. As for maintenance, it's more convenient and hassle-free, you can clean it with a dust mop or vacuum. Thanks to the Ultra-Fresh treatment it prevents mold and mildew growth that cause odors and stains. It's 100% waterproof so it's safe to install in most rooms in your home and office. 

3. Home Decorators Noble Oak Vinyl Plank Flooring

If you're looking for a luxury vinyl that's appropriate for all grades of installation, this product is what you need. You can install it anywhere you want—above-ground, on-ground, or below ground. It's ideal for indoor residential use and in a temperature-controlled environment.

Features:

• Modern Finish
• Deep texture
• Easy to clean
• Great value

Compared to other floorings you can install this luxury vinyl over existing concrete tile or wood. It also comes with an angled drop lock installation system that requires no glue so those do-it-yourselfers can save more money and time. The Noble Oak Luxury Vinyl Flooring has a real wood look with black color and a low gloss finish that replicates natural oak. It also has the deep texture of hardwood flooring with gorgeous embossing for a more realistic feel and look. Aside from its aesthetic appearance, this luxury vinyl is ASTM compliant and SCS Global Services certified.

Cleaning and maintenance is not a problem with this product, it easily cleans with a dust mop or vacuum. What's cool is this flooring is safe from scratches and scuffs, it has an eight-milliliter commercial-grade wear layer with a ceramic bead overlay that's guaranteed to be scratch resistant. Also. it's a hundred percent waterproof so you can be assured they'll be no warping mold or mildew. Underlayment is not necessary for this flooring.

4. Pergo Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak Laminate Flooring

This laminate floor is aesthetically pleasing and exceptionally durable. It has an attractive warm gray color with realistic patterns that mimics the look and feel of natural oak wood.

Features:

• Warm stylish design
• Water-resistant
• Sturdy build
• Long-lasting

Fret no more about spills that can seep through the gaps between the boards. With Pergo exclusive surface defense wear protection and 24-spill protection technology, your floor is safe against spills for up to 24 hours. This laminate flooring is suitable for both residential and light commercial use. It's ideal for all types of great installation—above grade, on grade, or below grade. The planks can be installed over existing flat surfaces like concrete, ceramic tile, vinyl, or wood. A radiant heating system is also approved to use underneath the laminate.

The Pergo Outlast+ Vintage Pewter Oak Laminate Flooring is perfect for commercial and medium traffic, it has an IIC rating of 60 and an STC rating of 50. It comes with an attached 2-millimeter underlayment to reduce the floor noise and subfloor imperfections which also inhibit moisture. It has beveled edges to replicate the look of real wood perfectly. This flooring is 100% waterproof for life. It's also backed up with a lifetime residential warranty and a 10-year limited light commercial warranty. Also, for buyer security, the Outlas+ is California Air Resources Board-certified and California 93120 Phase 2 compliant for formaldehyde.

5. TrafficMaster Chestnut Vinyl Plank Flooring

Remodeling your home's interior living space is simple with this luxury vinyl floor. Its high point chestnut color finish perfectly replicates the look of real wood. Wherever you install it, it instantly makes the area warm and inviting. It also beautifully complements contemporary or traditional home decor. What's great about this product is you can install it on any level of your home. Its water-resistant feature makes it appropriate for all grades of installation—above grade, on grade, or below grade.

Features:

• Classic design
• Water-resistant
• Easy installation
• Affordable price

It's ideal for high traffic areas like a basement, kitchen, or living room. You can also install it over existing wood, vinyl, tile, or concrete. Its four-milliliter wear layer makes it perfect for a residential application. As stated above, this luxury vinyl is ideal for indoor residential use and in environments where the temperature is controllable. It also features the TrafficMaster patented Gripstrip design that enables quick and hassle-free installation, so adhesive and floor preparation are not necessary for installing the planks. Cleaning up and maintaining the floor is even more comfortable with this product. It easily cleans up using a dust mop or vacuum.