The choice of flooring can make or break the look and feel of a home. There are numerous choices and deciding which type of flooring to purchase can be daunting.
Solid hardwood and tile are the most popular choices for common areas. Both offer beauty, durability & added value to the home.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors have been a popular choice for homeowners for decades. They are durable and add a natural design element to any room. Hardwood floors also look beautiful with any color or style of decor. They are easy to maintain and can last for generations with proper care. However, before you choose hardwood for your home, there are a few important things you should consider.
The first thing to consider when choosing wood flooring is what type of wood you want. There are many different species of wood available, each with its own unique characteristics. Some types of wood are harder than others, and some may react differently to stains or finishes. You should also consider the amount of wear and tear your floor will receive, as this can affect durability.
Another factor to consider when choosing wood floors is how much light your space gets. Some woods will fade in sunlight, so you should be sure to select a shade that will work well with your lighting conditions.
Finally, you will need to decide whether you want solid or engineered hardwood. Solid hardwood is made of thick planks of real wood joined together with a tongue and groove along each edge. This type of hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it a great long-term flooring option.
Engineered wood is a more cost-effective alternative to solid hardwood. It is made of multiple layers, with the top layer being real hardwood and the core layers being pressed plywood that have been bonded together. Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete subfloors and radiant heating systems, as well as in basements. However, it is important to note that most engineered hardwood can only be sanded and refinished a limited number of times, and the thickness of the top layer determines how often it can be refinished.
Once you have determined what kind of hardwood you would like, it is time to choose a color and finish. There are many options available, from traditional oak and maple to exotic woods such as hickory and tigerwood. Each species of wood has its own unique graining and color, so you will need to think about how the finished product will look in your home. For example, oak has a straight grain that works well with traditional homes, while hickory has more irregular graining and presents a more rustic aesthetic.
Carpet
Carpet is a versatile floor covering that can be the foundation for an entire room or act as a focal point with color, pattern and texture. Its softness underfoot makes it a cozy and inviting flooring option. Plus, it’s a good insulator and sound-reducing choice, especially if installed with a carpet padding underlay.
Carpet can be made of either manmade or natural fibers. It is most often manufactured using a tufting machine that inserts yarns into a primary backing material, such as jute or synthetics like nylon, polyester and polypropylene (Olefin). It can also be made of wool, which is considered eco-friendly, but it’s less durable than other types of carpeting.
The yarns are then cut or looped to create various styles and designs, which in turn determine the style and texture of the carpet. Some popular carpeting options include:
Loop pile, which has uncut yarns that form small loops, which are very durable and offer excellent appearance retention. Its texture and appearance are often more casual than other types of carpet.
Frieze, which has twisted yarns and is less formal. It has a medium height that works well with a variety of spaces. Cut and loop pile/patterns, which has both cut and looped yarns that create a wide range of patterns. It has the durability of cut-pile and the appearance of loop-pile, making it very versatile and suitable for many different types of spaces.
Nylon and polyester are the most common manmade fibers used in carpeting. Nylon is very hard-wearing and resistant to staining, while polyester has the added benefit of being hypoallergenic. Polyester is also easy to clean and maintain, as it doesn’t hold moisture as easily as other carpeting materials.
While hardwood and vinyl planks have been growing in popularity, new carpeting continues to make a strong showing, especially among younger buyers. It’s still one of the lowest volatile organic compound (VOC) flooring choices and is a great choice for families with young children or pets.
Laminate
Laminate is a synthetic, composite flooring material that can look like wood, stone or tile, and it’s one of the easiest floors to install in your home. It can be nailed, stapled or glued down, or it can be installed as a click-together floating floor. This makes laminate a great choice for DIYers or those who don’t want to pay the extra cost of having their floors professionally installed.
When choosing laminate flooring, it is important to consider thickness as this impacts durability and aesthetics. Thicker floors will look more authentic than thinner ones, and they’ll also better resist dents and scratches.
Another consideration when choosing a laminate floor is color. Different color options can have a huge impact on the mood of a room, so it’s essential to consider this when making your final decision. Darker floors can create a warm, cozy atmosphere while lighter floors can brighten a space.
You should also take into account where you’re installing the floor. The type of flooring you choose will depend on how it will be used, and some floors are better suited for certain areas of the house than others. For example, you may want to avoid laminate with a melamine core if you live in an area that’s susceptible to water damage. On the other hand, concrete polishing would suit high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
The AC (Abrasion Class) rating of a floor is an important factor to consider as it will indicate how resistant it is to everyday wear and tear. The higher the AC rating, the tougher the floor. A laminate with a high AC rating is suitable for areas of the house that receive high levels of traffic, such as living rooms and hallways.
Laminate flooring comes in a variety of lengths and widths, so you can find the perfect fit for your home. Narrower planks can add a traditional touch to smaller spaces while wider styles are ideal for creating a more open feel in larger rooms. You can also find laminate floors with a glossy finish that adds a beautiful sheen to your floors.
You should always remove all furniture from the room where you’re having laminate flooring installed before the day of installation. This will help the installers get the job done quicker and prevent any accidents from happening. You should also make sure that the area is free from moisture, dust, paint and other debris.
Tile
Whether you’re looking for a modern update or something to bring classic elegance, tile flooring is a great option. Its durability and ease of maintenance make it a good choice for high-traffic areas, like kitchens, bathrooms, foyers and mudrooms. But you can also find tile flooring that works well in living spaces, bedrooms and even in some outdoor spaces.
When choosing floor tile, it’s important to consider the color and pattern that best fits your style and home décor. You’ll also want to think about the amount of foot traffic you expect to get and if any family members have special needs that require consideration. For example, if someone in your household uses a wheelchair, you’ll want to choose a flooring material that is easy to navigate and won’t become slippery when wet.
You may also want to consider how much your budget is for the project and what type of installation you’re comfortable with. Some types of tile flooring require professional installation, while others can be installed as a DIY project. In either case, it’s a good idea to consult with a reputable and experienced installer before you begin.
Another factor to consider when choosing a tile floor is how it feels underfoot. Many people don’t like the hard, cold feel of tile and prefer other flooring options that are more comfortable to walk on barefoot. You can warm up the look and feel of tile floors with radiant heating or by adding thick area rugs.
There are many different types of tile for floors, from ceramic and porcelain to natural stone tiles. Each offers its own unique look and benefits. Some types of tile, such as travertine and marble, have a distinctive surface appearance and are typically used in higher-end homes. Tile also comes in many shapes and colors, from traditional squares to a range of more adventurous designer shapes, including planks shaped like a natural wood floor or that can be mixed and matched to create a one-of-a-kind design.
One other thing to keep in mind is that a tile floor can be more expensive than other flooring options, but it’s also a long-term investment. It should last for decades and will increase your home’s resale value.