The type of flooring you choose can impact your home’s look, comfort, durability and resale value. It is an important decision that requires research.
Besides aesthetic considerations, the health of your family and the environment should be taken into account. For example, if you have allergies, you should consider avoiding carpeting that traps dust particles.
Hardwood
Choosing the type of flooring for your home can be one of the most important decisions you make. It impacts everything from the look and style of your space to how much wear and tear it can handle.
A common choice is wood flooring, which adds a natural feel to any space and works well in both traditional and contemporary designs. It’s available in a range of colors and species, each of which has its own unique properties.
For example, hickory has a varied grain pattern that can hide scratches and dents, making it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Mahogany has a beautiful color and intricate grain that fit more formal spaces and is resistant to moisture. Oak is the most popular hardwood flooring choice for its durability and affordability, with a range of tones from dark red to golden brown.
When deciding on the right type of wood flooring for your project, consider how you use each room. For example, kitchen floors see a lot of activity and will require a durable material that’s easy to clean and resists spills. If you entertain guests frequently, you’ll want to choose a floor that looks elegant and is comfortable for standing. If you have children or pets, you’ll need a floor that can withstand their roughhousing. In addition, if you’re concerned about the environment, consider eco-friendly flooring options such as bamboo.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood floors offer the beauty of solid wood flooring but are more resistant to moisture and can be installed in areas where solid hardwood cannot. They are a smart choice for kitchens, bathrooms and basements, as well as rooms with radiant heat or log burners.
These planks are crafted with a durable plywood or fiberboard core and a layer of real wood veneer that creates the look of solid wood floors. The core layer and the thickness of the veneer determine the level of durability and performance.
You can choose from several types of engineered wood, including walnut, oak and maple. Each has distinct characteristics that influence the look of the floor and how hard it is, which is important for high-traffic areas. For example, harder woods like hickory can hold up better to heavy foot traffic and dents and scratches than lighter woods, such as maple or oak.
The installation method for engineered wood is also a key factor to consider. It can be glued, nailed down or stapled down. It can also be installed in a ‘floating’ system, where the planks click together and ‘float’ over a subfloor. If you install your engineered wood flooring yourself, make sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance guidelines. You should also read the warranty information, which can range from 10 years to lifetime.
Laminate
Laminate flooring materials have come a long way over the last couple of decades. They now look more realistic and are hard-wearing. They’re great for homes with children and pets, as they can withstand the wear and tear that many other flooring types can’t. They’re also easy to clean and maintain.
Before deciding on a style, consider what other elements are involved in your home décor. For example, the color of your walls will play a part in what kind of laminate color you should choose. Lighter shades can make a room appear larger, while darker tints give a space a cozy feel. Also think about how you want the flooring to transition between rooms. Do you want flooring that is uniform throughout the house or distinct floors for each area?
Another thing to keep in mind is the thickness of the flooring planks. The thicker the planks, the more they’ll resemble real wood. This is important because thickness has a big impact on durability and sound absorption.
A good quality laminate floor comes with a protective finish, which makes it resistant to moisture and scratches. To further enhance the longevity of your flooring, install a vapor barrier and foam underlayment. This will help to detach the laminate from the subfloor, which prevents water migration and provides a softer footfall.
Bamboo
Bamboo entered the flooring market in its earliest forms nearly 20 years ago and, as with all new products, it had to prove its reliability before people were prepared to buy. The original incarnations were expensive, soft and very unstable – but over time the quality has improved enormously and bamboo is now a highly desirable choice for those who are looking for something different in their homes.
Bamboo has a very unique grain that is less uniform than hardwood floors. It can be matched with furniture of any style and can add exotic spirit to rooms full of bold colours and patterns. Bamboo is also a very eco-friendly option, as it grows much faster than hardwoods and requires no replanting after harvesting.
It is available in both solid planks and engineered (bamboo attached to a plywood backing) and comes in natural or stained finishes. It can be used in all areas of the home, including baths, kitchens and basements but, as with wood, it is vulnerable to moisture damage if it is exposed for long periods.
The type of bamboo flooring you choose will also affect its durability and hardness. The way it is made, namely whether the strips are arranged horizontally and glued together or vertically and glued side to side will make it harder or softer. The colouring process can also affect its durability, with dark hues being less durable than lighter stains. This is because carbonization involves steaming the bamboo at high temperatures which alters its structure and colour.