Choosing flooring that compliments your design aesthetic and matches the way you live will ensure your new floors will look great for years to come. There are many features to consider – durability, cost, stain and scratch resistance, comfort, moisture-resistance and more.
For example, Epoxy flooring’s UV resistance makes it an ideal choice for areas with significant exposure to sunlight, such as garages and outdoor spaces. This feature ensures that your epoxy floors maintain their vibrant color and finish even after prolonged sun exposure.
The decision can seem overwhelming, but we’ll help you narrow down your options. We’ll introduce you to the different flooring materials and explain their pros and cons.
Hardwood
When it comes to choosing flooring for your home, there are many factors that come into play. From your personal style preferences to the overall design of the room, you want a floor that reflects your personality and complements the rest of your space. Luckily, flooring doesn’t have to be confined to traditional wood planks or porcelain tile – thanks to new advancements in design and technology, there are now more options than ever when it comes to flooring.
Hardwood is one of the most popular and versatile choices when it comes to flooring, offering a classic look that is timeless. Not only does hardwood have a natural look and feel, but it is also durable and can stand up to high levels of foot traffic. Plus, with proper care and maintenance, you can sand and refinish your hardwood floors to restore their luster after years of use.
To find the perfect hardwood for your home, consider the level of foot traffic in each room and how you’ll use the space. For busy households with kids and pets, opt for a harder wood species like oak or hickory that is more resistant to damage. If you only have moderate foot traffic and are looking for a classic hardwood style that looks clean and neat, consider softer woods such as maple or cherry.
The color of your hardwood floors is also important, with a range of options that include light-colored species such as pine or white oak to dark-colored mahogany and walnut for a more formal and dramatic look. In addition, the grain pattern and appearance of your hardwood floors is another factor to consider. For example, you can add visual interest to your floors by selecting a distressed grain pattern that features techniques such as hand-scraping or wire-brushing.
Once you’ve taken into account the level of foot traffic, aesthetics and color, and the durability of your desired flooring, it’s time to make the final decision. With so many options available, you’re sure to find the perfect flooring for your home that will withstand your family’s lifestyle while providing a classic and elegant look.
Tile
Tile flooring is a great option for high-traffic areas in your home because it’s durable and can withstand the wear and tear of everyday living. It’s also versatile in style and design, allowing you to create a look that suits your lifestyle. The color of your tile floors and the texture can make a big difference in how the room looks. Choose a light-colored tile for a bright, airy feel or a dark-colored tile to create a more intimate atmosphere. You can even find faux wood tiles that look just like the real thing for an extra cozy touch.
Another important consideration when choosing your new flooring is how it will impact your resale value. Some materials, such as hardwood, increase the value of your home while others, like tile, may detract from it. The best way to determine the resale value of your home is to have a professional estimate done by a certified flooring installer.
Once you have a good idea of the resale value of your floor, consider how much time you are willing to spend maintaining it. Some floor materials, such as carpet, require regular vacuuming and special cleaning products. Other options, such as tile, are low-maintenance and easy to clean.
When selecting your tile flooring, keep in mind the size of the space you’re putting it in. Larger tiles work well in larger spaces and help open up the area. On the other hand, smaller tiles are better for creating borders and adding detail to small rooms or bathrooms.
Once you’ve considered these factors, it’s time to start measuring the room or spaces where your tile will be installed. Use a tape measure to figure out the square footage of your floor space and divide it by the size of a single tile to learn how many tiles you’ll need for your project. Don’t forget to account for any obstacles in the space, such as furniture or appliances.
Carpet
Home flooring is an investment, and the right floor can be a key design element in any room. Whether you want a sleek, modern look or a classic and cozy feel, there’s a flooring material that fits your lifestyle. Weighing style, budget and durability against maintenance and comfort needs, resale value, and environmental concerns can help you find the perfect flooring for your home.
Carpet flooring is a great choice for bedrooms, children’s rooms and some family and living areas where you want warmth and comfort underfoot. It’s also an excellent option for moisture-prone spaces, like kitchens and laundry rooms. In addition, carpeting helps reduce noise and echoes in rooms, especially when coupled with a quality bonded polyurethane pad underneath.
Another advantage of carpet is that it offers more traction than most hard-surface flooring, so it can help prevent slips and falls. This is especially helpful in rooms where people spend a lot of time standing, such as in kitchens and laundry rooms. And if you do fall, the softness of carpet can help cushion your head and neck.
Additionally, many homeowners choose carpet as a way to make their homes more energy efficient. Unlike hardwood floors, which tend to cool the home by pulling heat out of the air, carpet keeps the home warmer during the winter. This is because it traps and holds heat within its fibers, making it a good choice for colder climates.
The color and texture of carpeting can also complement the aesthetic of a room. It comes in a wide range of colors and tones, from traditional beiges and grays to the latest trend shades. It can be paired with virtually any color of paint, so it’s easy to coordinate with your home decor.
As a homeowner, you want to make sure that the flooring you choose will last as long as possible, and that it will hold up well over the years. One way to do this is by choosing a low-maintenance flooring material, such as vinyl tile (LVT) or luxury vinyl plank (LVP). These durable and versatile flooring types require less cleaning than traditional hardwood or natural stone tiles, and they’re also easier to install.
Laminate
Laminate is a durable, affordable flooring choice that comes in a variety of textures and colors. Its surface layer is made of an abrasion-resistant material that protects against fading, scratches, and stains.
Laminate also has a design layer that includes high-resolution, detailed photographic images of various wood styles. When installed correctly, it looks like natural hardwood floors. It’s a great option for homeowners who want to achieve the look of hardwood without paying the premium.
For families, laminate is a good choice because it’s resistant to heavy foot traffic and household pets. Its tough outer layer and resin coating protect against stains, scratches, and abrasions. This makes it ideal for homes with kids and teenagers. It’s also easy to replace damaged boards.
The lifespan of laminate varies, but it can last up to 30 years. It’s a good idea to talk to your general contractor about the flooring you choose. They’ve seen nearly every product on the market and can help you make an informed decision about what will work best for your home.
When you’re ready to purchase your new laminate, it’s important to have your measurements and room dimensions in hand. You’ll also need to determine how many boxes you need. A good rule of thumb is to add 10% to the total square footage to ensure you have enough material for your installation.
During the laminate installation, it’s important to use an underlayment that will protect your floor from moisture and reduce the click-clack sound that sometimes occurs with floating installations. It’s also recommended to add a 6mil plastic sheet as a moisture barrier, especially for basement installations or in areas with excessive humidity or moisture.
During the laminate installation, it’s crucial to tap the plank lightly as you lay it down. This will help it lock into place and avoid any gaps. It’s also a good idea to check the tongue and groove to ensure they fit together properly. If there’s a gap that won’t go away, simply take the plank apart and clean out any debris before reinstalling it.