While there are many ways to rejuvenate a condo, one of the best ways is to update your flooring. After all, do you know the last time your condo flooring was updated? If you’re like most people, you may not, and this one simple step can mean your entire condo looks fresh and new. What is one factor people consider over others lately? Quiet flooring for condos.
What is the best flooring for condos, though? After all, today, there are more than half a dozen flooring materials on the market that look absolutely stunning and will make your condo look amazing. Even though new flooring materials are regularly being developed, the classics from the past like hardwood, laminate, luxury vinyl, carpet, tiles, and engineered wood still reign supreme.
The aesthetic appeal, though, isn’t the only thing that matters. You want condo flooring that lasts, too. What’s the right choice to meet your needs? Take a look at a few different options.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring may be relatively expensive, but it is still one of the most popular floorings for condos chiefly because of its aesthetics and durability. It’s an excellent way to increase the resale value of the condo. Light-colored hardwood flooring also creates an illusion of a wider open space, but the best thing is that this flooring is very easy to clean. If well maintained, it will easily last many decades. Some of the most popular hardwood flooring varieties are walnut, maple, pine, oak, cedar, and hickory.
The one big advantage of hardwood flooring is that it can be refinished several times to restore its aesthetics. The two downsides to hardwood flooring include 1) the flooring is loud when one walks on it with shoes and 2) hardwood flooring is not moisture resistant- if water spills are left on the flooring for too long this can result in warping and rotting of the wood.
Tile
Tile flooring is also very popular in condos. Today’s tile market means access to a variety of shapes, sizes, patterns, and colors. In fact, tiles can even mimic hardwood, concrete, or even marble. Tiles are also moisture and heat-resistant and require minimal maintenance. They are easy to clean and will easily last several decades with good care. Spills on tiles simply can be wiped or moped up. Tiles can be installed almost anywhere in your condo but they are ideal for the kitchen, hallway, bathroom, and living room. They’re also incredibly affordable.
Carpet
Carpet can create a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout your condo. Today carpets are available in hundreds of colors, styles, patterns, sizes, and aesthetics. It’s also relatively soundproof, so if you live on the second or third floor of your building, it’s a great choice throughout your space. Keep in mind that carpet isn’t moisture resistant, so you may not want to use it in the kitchen or the bathroom. Carpet is typically on top of the list for people looking for quiet flooring for condos.
Laminate flooring
Laminate is fast becoming the number one choice of flooring for condo owners for a number of reasons. First, today’s laminate looks great and it has the ability to match any decor. You’ll find many different styles, patterns, and colors, and it can even mimic marble, hardwood, or concrete. It’s also fairly inexpensive and requires very little maintenance. It’s not moisture resistant, so it’s likely not right for the bathroom or the kitchen, but it’s a great choice in many other spaces in your condo.
Engineered wood
Engineered wood is fast becoming a popular flooring option for condo owners too. Unlike hardwood, engineered wood is made by adhering wood planks of different lengths and widths with adhesive. The surface is then coated with a veneer. Because of the way engineered wood is made, it is sturdier than solid wood and less prone to distortion when exposed to humidity and high temperatures. Also unlike hardwood, engineered wood is also moisture resistant; hence it can be installed in the bathroom, kitchen, and living room. The only downside to engineered wood is that the styles and designs are limited. However, if you want something that looks as pleasant as hardwood, you will not be disappointed with engineered wood.
Cork
Cork is another great material for condos. Manufactured from the bark of the cork oak tree, it is eco-friendly and has a unique, natural appearance. It also has many of the same features as hardwood flooring. Unlike hardwood flooring, cork is also soundproof, moisture resistant, and can withstand significant foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. For condo owners, cork flooring is easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance.
Luxury vinyl
Perhaps the most popular flooring for many condo owners is luxury vinyl. Available in many styles, designs, colors, and patterns, it can match almost any decor. It’s also soundproof and waterproof and can withstand significant foot traffic without showing signs of wear and tear. In fact, it can even mimic the look of stone or hardwood. For condo owners, you simply cannot go wrong with luxury vinyl.
Factors To Consider for Condo Flooring
Before you install any type of flooring, you must know your condo rules and regulations. In almost every jurisdiction in Florida, condo rules prohibit hardwood flooring or flooring material that may cause loud noise and disturb the neighbors. Speak to your condo board about the rules and what type of flooring is allowed in your building. Are you looking for quiet flooring for condos? That’s something to consider when you purchase.
Making the Right Choice
Today condo owners have at least half a dozen flooring choices that have good aesthetics, are durable and functional. All of them have pros and cons and the final decision will be based on your personal preferences, needs, and affordability. If you are considering flooring for your condo, consult with an East Coast Flooring professional. We’ll be happy to help you select the perfect flooring to meet your needs.
