Flooring properties include appearance-related characteristics like texture, grain and color as well as mechanical traits such as dimensional stability and machinability. These qualities are described in a variety of ways by flooring professionals.
A rental property needs floors that are resistant to damage and easy to clean. They also need to be able to reduce noise.
Hardwood
Hardwood is an enduring flooring choice for many homeowners due to its beauty and natural authenticity. It also adds value to a home and is relatively easy to clean and maintain.
When choosing a hardwood floor you must consider the species, color and grain pattern. Lighter hardwoods such as ash or hickory create a feeling of airiness and openness in a room while darker woods like walnut or maple can add warmth and richness to your space.
Another important property of hardwood is its bending strength, which determines how much weight it can support without warping or bowing. This is especially relevant for flooring installed over beams.
Dimensional stability is a measurement of how well wood will resist changes in humidity and temperature that can cause it to expand or contract. A higher number will indicate more resistance.
When purchasing hardwood it is important to know your lifestyle because the type of hardwood you choose will impact how well it will hold up to everyday wear and tear. For example, if you have pets or children, steer them away from solid wood floors and instead opt for engineered or composite wood that is designed to withstand moisture. These products have a top layer of real wood bonded to a rigid core and are able to be installed in rooms with high levels of humidity.
Carpet
Carpet is a popular, cost-effective flooring material that adds warmth and texture to a room. It also helps to reduce noise and traps heat for a cozy living environment. Carpet comes in a range of color, material and style options that can complement any design aesthetic.
Carpets are made with natural or synthetic face-fiber, the most common being nylon, polyester, Triexta and olefin (polypropylene and polyethylene). The majority of carpets available are synthetic due to their better performance at a lower cost than natural fibers.
When selecting a carpet, you need to consider two important characteristics: the type of fiber used and its pile construction. The face-fiber determines the comfort, appearance and durability of the carpet while the pile construction influences its strength and wear resistance.
There are three types of carpet styles: cut-pile, loop pile and Berber. Each of these types has its own characteristics. Cut-pile carpets, which are commonly used in homes, have short strands that are looped together to create a soft and fuzzy surface. They are easy to walk on and can hide footprints and vacuum trails. The downside is that they can become matted down easily and are not as durable as other types of carpets.
Loop pile carpets are generally used in commercial areas because they are more durable than cut-pile carpets. They are created with twisted fibers that form a dense, long-lasting loop that resists matting and crushing. The twist of the fibers and their length influence the level of comfort, texture and durability.
Tile
Tile is one of the most versatile flooring and wall design elements available. Whether it is as decorative backsplash in the kitchen, or as an art deco feature cladding, tile can be used to create unique designs and add personality to any home.
But tile is not just a pretty face; it is also highly durable and practical. When properly maintained, glazed ceramic and porcelain tiles can last up to 100 years or more. They are also fireproof and have a low 0.5% porosity rate which prevents moisture absorption, keeping your floors odour free.
As well as being strong, tile is also non-slippery and can be used in areas where building codes require specific slip resistance. Additionally, unlike hardwood floors, glazed tile is electrically neutral and does not transfer static electricity from foot to foot.
Tile also offers a wide range of colour, texture and material options. From pristine glossy whites, to linen textured sage greens, geometric and modern styles, or old world and rustic, tile can suit any design. It is also easy to maintain, requiring little to no effort other than regular sweeping and mopping. It is also hypoallergenic and PVC, formaldehyde and VOC free making it safe for asthma sufferers. And, unlike carpet, tile is antifungal and mold resistant. In addition, tile is heat- and cold-resistant, providing comfort in any season.
Bamboo
Bamboo entered the flooring market in its earliest incarnation nearly two decades ago, and quickly became a popular option for consumers looking for an alternative to hardwood. Both solid plank and engineered bamboo floors are available in a variety of finishes, and a wide selection of widths as well.
Bamboo is dimensionally stable, so it can be used in rooms with fluctuating temperatures. It can also be used with underfloor heating, making it ideal for many areas of the home and even commercial applications. Bamboo is very durable, and the hardest styles like stranded or woven bamboo can be as tough as oak and hickory.
One of the key features of bamboo is that it is not prone to water damage as is traditional hardwood. Nevertheless, it is important to keep bamboo dry, and prolonged exposure can cause warping and discolouration. For this reason, it is best to avoid areas that can get wet, and consider using felt protector pads on the bottom of furniture legs.
Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that is harvested much faster than hardwood, allowing it to be replanted more frequently. Additionally, it does not require soil stability or chemical fertilizers, and the fact that it is a grass rather than a tree makes it less likely to contribute to erosion and environmental problems. Many brands of bamboo carry the Forest Stewardship Council logo, which means that they have been sourced responsibly and are helping to take pressure off other forests and species of trees.