Orem calls itself “Family City USA,” and it earns the title. When Orem homeowners call us about new flooring, the question is almost never “what’s the most luxurious option?” It’s “what’s going to look great and survive my household?”
This guide covers the best flooring for Orem’s family homes, how to update the 1970s-1980s split-levels that dominate the city, and where to spend versus where to save.
Orem at a Glance
Orem (pop. 97,182) sits between Provo and Vineyard/Lindon in the heart of Utah County. The housing stock spans three main eras: 1960s-1970s ramblers near 800 North and Scera Park (often still rocking original carpet and sheet vinyl), 1970s-1980s split-levels everywhere between State Street and the east bench (Orem’s signature floor plan), and 1990s-2000s construction near Timpanogos Park that’s now reaching replacement age.
The common thread: big, active families with dogs, soccer gear, and weekend projects. The floor needs to keep up.
Best Flooring Options for Orem Homes
LVP: Kid-Proof, Pet-Proof, Parent-Approved
Kids under 12 and a dog? LVP is your floor. At $5–$9 per square foot installed, a typical Orem home (1,200-1,800 sq ft) runs $6,000–$14,000 depending on product and subfloor prep.
It’s 100% waterproof, scratch-resistant with a 20-mil+ wear layer, and maintenance is just sweep and damp mop. Products with attached cork underlayment have genuine warmth for kids sitting and playing on the floor. Look for products that meet EPA indoor air quality standards with low VOC emissions, especially important in homes with young children. And if a plank gets damaged, you swap it without touching the rest.
Go mid-range to premium: the $7-9/sq ft range gets you better texture, a thicker core, and a wear layer that still looks new in 10-12 years.
Engineered Hardwood: The Long-Term Family Investment
For homeowners who want real wood, engineered hardwood at $8–$14 per square foot installed makes main living areas feel elevated. Choose white oak over red (it’s harder and hides wear better), go with wire-brushed textures and matte finishes that camouflage daily life, and aim for wider planks (5”+) for a modern look.
We recommend it for living rooms, dining rooms, and master bedrooms, paired with LVP in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. Engineered handles Utah’s dry winters far better than solid hardwood. Details in our climate guide.
Laminate: Budget-Friendly for Large Square Footage
Big families often mean big houses and a lot of square footage. Modern laminate at $4–$7 per square foot installed gets you a clean look at a lower price. AC4 or AC5-rated products handle family traffic well. Just keep laminate out of wet areas. For 1,500 square feet, the savings over mid-range LVP can be $2,000–$4,000.
Orem-Specific Considerations
Updating 1970s-1980s Split-Levels
The split-level is Orem’s signature home, and it presents unique flooring challenges.
Carry one floor through every level. Three or four distinct levels connected by half-flights, treat them as one continuous surface, not separate projects.
Invest in stairs. You see them from every angle in a split-level. Budget $40–$80 per step for LVP or $60–$100 for engineered hardwood. Cheap stair work ruins an otherwise good floor job.
Test sunken living rooms for moisture. Lower main levels that sit partially below grade can have basement-like moisture conditions. LVP is the safer choice.
Watch ceiling height on the lower level. With 7-foot ceilings, thick flooring buildup eats headroom. Choose a slim-profile product or one with attached underlayment.
Flooring for Large Families
A floor that lasts 15 years for a couple might only last 8-10 with five kids. Invest in wear layer over appearance, a 28-mil LVP in basic oak outlasts a 12-mil in fancy walnut. Choose underlayment with cork for noise reduction (multiple kids on hard floors get loud). If you’re comparing LVP vs. laminate, LVP wins on durability for high-traffic family homes. And plan for zones, LVP where mess happens, carpet in bedrooms for comfort and quiet.
The Carpet Question
“Should we replace all the carpet?” We get this a lot. Not necessarily. Carpet in bedrooms at $3–$6 per square foot installed is warm, quiet, and soft for playing on. Where carpet needs to go: living rooms, kitchens, entryways, and basements, anywhere that collects stains, allergens, and heavy wear.
What Orem Homeowners Are Choosing
The trend is clear: hard-surface on main levels, carpet in bedrooms. Most common projects:
- Main-level LVP replacement: pulling up old carpet and vinyl on the main level (600-1,000 sq ft) and replacing with LVP. Cost: $4,000–$8,000 installed. This is the single best value upgrade for an Orem split-level.
- Whole-home renovation: new LVP or engineered hardwood throughout the main areas, new carpet in bedrooms, tile in bathrooms. Full scope: $10,000–$18,000 depending on size and product.
- Split-level stair and main-level combo: LVP on the main level with matching stair installation. This is the project that makes the biggest visual impact in a split-level. Cost: $6,000–$11,000.
For detailed pricing, check our 2026 flooring cost guide.
See the Options in Your Home
We bring the showroom to you. Book a free in-home consultation and we’ll come to your Orem home with samples, check your subfloor, and help you build a flooring plan that fits your family and your budget. No pressure. Just honest advice.