Consumers should be aware that there are many flooring options available today. Due to the numerous choices, selecting the best flooring material for the home can be difficult. To help decide which flooring option is best for your home, you should take into account the answers to the following questions.
- Do you have heavy foot traffic in the home? If you do, you need something durable and long-lasting, like hardwood or laminate.
- Do you want flooring in any particular room or the entire home? For example, carpet/hardwood is not suitable for the bathroom or the kitchen.
- Do you have children and/or pets? If you do, you need to select a flooring that is scratch- and stain-resistant.
- Does your home suffer from excess heat and humidity? If it does, then hardwood is not a good choice.
- What can you afford? This is something you need to consider as the price of flooring does vary, with hardwood being the most expensive and tiles or vinyl more being more affordable.
- Do you want something that will increase the value of your home? You will not go wrong with hardwood.
- Is your home always cold? Carpet is ideal for homes that are cold.
- Do you want a quick easy installation? You also need to consider how much labor is involved if the old flooring needs to be removed.
Flooring Options
There are several popular flooring options for homes, and they include the following.
- Hardwood flooring is one of the best flooring materials for any home. Not only does it increase the home’s value, but it also imparts an elegant and sophisticated look. The key reason why hardwood is preferred today is because of its visual appeal. It is also available in many varieties to match the decor of the home. And the flooring can be resurfaced every 4-6 years to restore the gloss. Hardwood is best installed in the living room, hallway, and any shared space. The few negatives about hardwood include: 1) it does not tolerate moisture well. This means you will need to clean up all liquid spills immediately and keep the home on the dry side; 2) If heavy items are dropped, hardwood can develop dents and scratches; and 3) hardwood is slightly more expensive than other types of flooring materials.
- Laminate flooring is also a good flooring option for a home. The newer generation of laminate is aesthetically pleasing, and it can mimic hardwood. It is much cheaper than hardwood, easy to install, has a long shelf life, is available in many designs and colors, and is relatively easy to install. Laminate flooring is highly recommended if your home has heavy foot traffic. The downside to laminate is that the installation has to be perfect, especially along with the corners, to avoid seepage of fluids or the underneath can rot. The other problem with laminate is that if there is a crack or a cut in the flooring, it is not easy to repair just one section. Laminate is not ideal for the bathroom or the kitchen. However, if well maintained, it is a good flooring that will last a long time.
- Vinyl or linoleum have come a long way and no longer look cheap or tacky. The latest vinyl or linoleum flooring is aesthetically pleasing, durable, and can even mirror ceramic, wood, or stone. Vinyl is not only very affordable, but it is very versatile as it can be installed in many rooms, and it is easy to maintain and clean. It is ideal for homes that have heavy foot traffic. Unfortunately, vinyl or linoleum still carries a negative stigma and are considered to be a cheap flooring material. Even though the flooring is functional, some people are put off by vinyl flooring. Today’s vinyl and linoleum hope to break those stereotypes.
- Porcelain or ceramic tile is great flooring options. They are available in many designs and are ideal for homes in tropical conditions, such as Florida. Also, because of the hardness, these flooring materials can withstand an enormous amount of foot traffic. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are also waterproof and durable. They can be installed along the hallway, entranceway, bathroom, or kitchen. Some of the negatives about porcelain and ceramic tiles are that they are slightly more expensive than other flooring materials. They can also be difficult to install and require a significant amount of labor. Finally, ceramic can also scratch or crack following heavy use.
- Natural stone tile flooring is often found in the homes of many celebrities and wealthy people. Natural stone tile options include marble, granite, sandstone, and travertine. Even though durable, natural stone tiles also require regular maintenance. Besides being durable, this flooring is not as cold on the feet as other tiles, and it is available in many colors, styles, and shapes. Stone tiles are also eco-friendly. Because the surface can be hard, it may be necessary to place a thick rug over the flooring, especially if you have children. The two cons of natural stone include the cost and susceptibility to cracks and scratches. Repair of stone tiles can be an expensive undertaking. As well, you will need a professional skilled in stone tile used for installation.
- Carpet flooring remains the favorite among many homeowners, especially in the bedroom. Carpet flooring is available in numerous designs, styles, and is relatively cheap compared to hardwood. If you live in a cold climate, carpet flooring will keep your feet warm. Another positive feature of carpet is the ability to absorb sound. However, carpet has a few downsides, including the need for regular cleaning to maintain the aesthetics. Carpets are also notorious for retaining smells and are not great if you have a home with pets. Finally, carpets don’t tolerate moisture well.
What Should You Select?
If you are considering flooring for your home, then the best advice is to speak to a flooring professional. There is no one right answer and there is no one right flooring material for every home. You need to consider things like comfort, durability, affordability, and style. By speaking to a professional at East Coast Flooring, you will have a better understanding on which floor will be your best choice.