For both home and business owners who are considering flooring, today they have ample choices of materials to choose from. There is no one particular flooring material that is ideal for every home or business; it just depends on the reasons why you want the flooring and your personal tastes. Each flooring has its unique advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for flooring, here are the pros and cons of the different types of flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring has been around for many years and has withstood the test of time. It is one of the most elegant floorings available with a timeless look. Hardwood is also durable and with regular care can easily last several decades. Depending on the type of hardwood, it can be finished 3-5 times to restore its beauty.
There are many species of hardwood, including oak, hickory, mahogany, Brazilian cherry, pine, cedar, maple, birch, and many more. The more exotic the hardwood, the more expensive to install it. Besides its aesthetics, hardwood is pet and child friendly, it is available in many styles and patterns, and it is relatively easy to clean. It is one of many different types of flooring available.
The one downside to hardwood flooring is that it is not moisture-resistant and, hence, all spills should be quickly cleaned up or it may lead to warping or rotting of the flooring. There are newer hardwood floorings that come with waterproof surface layering that is more moisture-, scratch- and dent-resistant, but they do cost slightly more than the regular hardwood. The final choice of the type of hardwood is based on personal preference. Installation of hardwood is not difficult when done by professionals.
Because of hardwood’s properties, it is ideal for hallways, lobbies, bedrooms, and living rooms. It should generally be avoided in the kitchen and bathrooms where water spills are not uncommon. However, the upgraded versions of hardwood can be installed anywhere.
Laminate Flooring
Different types of flooring include laminate. Laminate has come a long way over the past several decades. Unlike the first generation of laminate which was tacky and cheap-looking, the latest laminate flooring is elegant, durable, and can mimic the looks of hardwood, stone, or marble. It is also one of the most affordable floorings on the market and requires minimal maintenance.
Laminate is also dent- and scratch-resistant, waterproof, and has good sound-absorbing properties. Laminate is available in many styles and designs that are easy to install. Today, laminate is very popular in homes and businesses.
Laminate is available in several shapes, including planks, squares, or tiles. No matter which types you select, the installation has to be perfect; otherwise, water can seep into the base along with the corners and edges.
Laminate is very versatile and because it is water-resistant, it can even be installed in the kitchen, basement, and bathrooms. If you have pets and children, do not worry as laminate is quite resistant to scratches.
However, the two downsides to laminate include 1) if a tear occurs, it is not always easy to repair that segment and sometimes the entire flooring has to be fixed; and 2) because laminate adheres to the floor with a strong adhesive, removal can be time-consuming. Despite these two negatives, laminate is a durable flooring that will easily last several decades with minimal maintenance.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a very popular flooring and has very pleasant aesthetics, making it one of the most sought-after floorings for homes and businesses. Vinyl flooring is durable, scratch- and water-resistant, and can withstand significant foot traffic. Vinyl is made from plastic that includes polyvinyl chloride, acrylic, or other similar polymers.
It is an affordable flooring option for owners looking for elegance, beauty, style, and durability. Vinyl is available as sheets, planks, or tiles – all of which are stylish and highly functional. Luxury vinyl can even mimic stone, marble, or hardwood surfaces. Luxury vinyl is both pet and child friendly and relatively easy to install.
Luxury vinyl can be installed almost anywhere in the home, including hallways, dining room, basement, kitchen, and bathroom. There are many designs, patterns, and colors of vinyl available that can match any interior decor. Vinyl can be installed directly over bare flooring either with the peel and stick method or a click and lock fashion. Unlike hardwood, vinyl does not require additional finishing or waxing.
When shopping for vinyl flooring, make sure you seek one that has a surface coating of polyurethane as it will provide extra moisture, dirt, and stain resistance. The thickness of the vinyl also makes it foot and child friendly. Finally, luxury vinyl is easy to clean and maintain; it will easily last several decades. If you are confused about the many types of flooring, you will never go wrong with luxury vinyl.
Tiles
Tiles are among the different types of flooring. Tiles have been around for many years and are widely installed in homes and businesses. Unlike the first-generation tiles that were prone to crack and stain, the latest tiles are durable, sophisticated, elegant, waterproof, and available in many styles and patterns.
The two types of tiles most often installed are ceramic and porcelain. Tiles are ideal in areas where the humidity is high as they are waterproof. They are best suited for the basement, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Tiles come in many styles and are versatile. They can mimic stone, hardwood, and even marble surfaces. They require very little maintenance and are easy to clean. Tile flooring will easily last several decades with minimal maintenance.
The latest tiles are dense and not prone to cracks. In addition, the latest model tiles also come with a surface cover that makes them stain- and dirt-resistant. If you have children and want flooring that is easy on the feet, go with ceramic tiles as they are made of clay and have a softer consistency. Porcelain tiles are more durable and even more moisture-resistant than ceramic tiles, but they tend to be a little bit more expensive.
Some of the tile options you have include those that look like natural stone, including marble, granite, and slate. They have excellent aesthetics. Other tile options include ceramic, mosaic glass, or metal. These tiles tend to be more expensive. While ceramic and porcelain tiles are easy to install, others like slate and marble require extra care as they can easily develop scuff marks, stains, and chips.
Carpet
Carpet has been used as flooring for many decades. There are dozens of types of materials that are used to make carpets. Carpet flooring has many advantages, including it is easy to install, elegant, and comes in many styles, patterns, and colors. It also is easy on the feet and has excellent sound-absorbing qualities.
However, carpets tend to get dirty quickly and to maintain the aesthetics, they require regular shampooing. Plus, it is often hard to get odors and stains out of the carpet. But the carpet is one of the best choices when you want foot comfort and extra warmth, like in the family rooms and bedrooms.
The key is to select the carpet based on the piles, fabric, and textures. There are nylon carpets that are used in many industries, gyms, and garages that are very durable, and then there is the plush carpet with long looms that are ideal for the bedroom. Carpeting is still a popular flooring.
Miscellaneous
Other flooring options include rubber, bamboo, cork, concrete, and marble. But these flooring materials can be pricey and involve significant labor during installation.
Conclusion
In general, the type of flooring you select should depend on your budget, foot traffic, and lifestyle. It is always important to seek a flooring that is water-resistant, easy to clean, and has good aesthetics. Speak to a professional from East Coast Flooring & Interiors to learn more about all the different types of flooring and which product is best suited for your home.