Whether you’re renovating your home or simply updating the look, flooring is an important investment. The flooring you choose will affect your comfort, appearance and resale value.
To make a smart decision, homeowners need to understand the many flooring options available to them. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of floors and their strengths and weaknesses.
Cost
The type of flooring materials you choose will significantly influence the cost of your project. A low-quality material may look beautiful at first, but it could require frequent replacement or even a complete overhaul within a few years. A higher-quality material may seem more expensive upfront, but it will stand the test of time and likely pay for itself over the long term.
When calculating the cost of your new floors, don’t forget to factor in the underlayment and extra materials needed to install them. Stairway materials, for example, can add up to 15% to the overall cost of a hardwood floor installation. You should also include the cost of any trim pieces, quarter rounds, nose molding or other finishing touches that you will need to finish the job.
It’s generally accepted that different flooring materials are best suited for each room of the house, with moisture-appropriate materials used in bathrooms and kitchens. However, some people are now choosing to use a variety of flooring materials throughout their homes. This can create a stylish, modern look, although it’s important to ensure that any transitions between rooms are smooth and well-integrated.
Wood flooring is popular for its classic beauty, while linoleum, once considered to be a cheesy surface only suitable for commercial settings, has been given a second life with an emphasis on environmentally friendly ingredients like linseed oil, cork dust, recycled wood flour and mineral pigment. It’s also highly resistant to water damage and can be installed over in-floor heating systems.
Durability
Whether you’re doing yoga in the den, entertaining friends in the dining room or cooking dinner in the kitchen, you need a surface underfoot that is comfortable, durable and complements the rest of your decor. In fact, the floor is usually the largest and most visible component of a room. It can make or break its overall look, and many flooring materials have certain unwritten rules about what rooms they should be used in.
There are also a number of ways to ensure that your new flooring lasts as long as possible. For example, if you opt for a hardwood floor, look for a darker, more rugged and tight-grained wood to help the material resist scratches and other signs of wear.
While durability is a key factor in most flooring projects, it’s especially important for high-traffic areas. For example, a hospital needs flooring that can stand up to heavy foot traffic while maintaining cleanliness and safety standards. And while all floors see some wear and tear, it’s critical that the right flooring can withstand the daily grind of high volumes of people, traffic, dust, dirt, moisture, chemicals and more.
Some of the most durable flooring materials include ceramic tile, natural stone and concrete. These options are often reserved for commercial use, but advancements in technology have made them more appealing to homeowners as well.
Appearance
Whether you are building a new home or renovating your existing one, choosing flooring materials is an important part of the renovation process. The flooring material you choose determines not only the look of the room but also its durability and cost.
Before you make your final decision, consider how much time you are willing to spend on a regular basis to clean and maintain your floors. You should also decide how much you are willing to compromise on appearance based on your budget and lifestyle.
For example, if you have young children in your home, consider that spills and stains are a normal part of life and select a durable, water-resistant floor. If you have allergies, you should avoid carpeting that can trap dust particles and opt for hardwood flooring instead, which is easy to keep clean.
In rooms where relaxation or concentration are the aim – such as bedrooms and study – dark, strong-grained woods should be used for a sense of calm. While in kitchens and living rooms where activity takes place, lighter, finer-grained wood is ideal.
Many homeowners are selecting flooring material that complements the architectural style of their home or accentuates natural light. If you are using multiple flooring materials in your house, make sure they excel in their respective rooms and that the different materials are aesthetically separated from each other by well-defined boundaries.
Maintenance
Flooring is subject to a wide range of environmental factors. Besides the wear and tear, a floor is also subjected to external temperatures, which can cause it to expand or contract as a result of the change in moisture level. It should offer adequate thermal resistance to safeguard life and property within the building. Fortunately, flooring materials like wood, rubber and cork are able to provide adequate thermal resistance.
It is important to consider how easy it will be to maintain a particular flooring material. Some require more frequent cleaning than others. For example, a natural stone floor may need to be sealed about once a year.
A good choice for kitchens and bathrooms is vinyl or tile that stands up to spills, stains and high humidity. Carpet or hardwood is a great option for bedrooms because it is soft and warm underfoot.
Choosing the right flooring material is an important decision because it will affect the look and feel of a room. It is best to choose flooring that is in line with the needs and design preferences of the owner. It is also recommended to consult a professional flooring contractor to ensure the quality of the material. A flooring contractor will be able to provide recommendations that best suit the environment and cost constraints of the client.