Are you considering new flooring for your home? The range of options available can be bewildering. With so many styles and materials to choose from, how do you decide on what’s best for you? Here are some tips to help you make the perfect choice for your home.
Think about lifestyle and durability. What kind of activity takes place in the room? Do you have kids and pets running around? Knowing the level of wear and tear your flooring will have to endure will help you narrow down your options. Highly durable materials such as porcelain tile, engineered hardwood and vinyl can stand up to even the most demanding lifestyles.
Consider comfort and safety. Sure, you want your floor to look amazing but you also want it to be comfortable to walk on and safe. For a softer surface, consider luxury vinyl or plush carpet. There are also antislip treatments to give you extra peace of mind if the surface is likely to get wet.
Picture the way you entertain. Are you a dinner party pro or a family movie night fan? An open concept space with a hardwood floor is great for all types of entertaining. If you’re having fun with friends, plush carpet creates an inviting atmosphere.
Be conscious of budget and maintenance. Want a low-maintenance and wallet-friendly option? Look to affordable vinyl or laminate. Or you may want to splurge with striking marble or ceramic. Picking the right material for your budget and know-how will decrease the long term cost of ownership.
Now that you’ve laid the groundwork for choosing the perfect home flooring, let’s explore some of the more specific options within each material and style.
When it comes to hardwood flooring, the choice is endless. Prefinished hardwood is best for low-maintenance lifestyles; you get a ready-to-install product already finished and only requiring regular vacuuming. On the other hand, unfinished hardwoods can be customized to fit your lifestyle and be personalized with unique stains, colors, and textures.
Engineered wood floors are a great way to get the look of wood without the hassle. Like hardwood, they come in a variety of colors and textures, but are more durable and less expensive. They also come in different constructions such as glue-down, click-lock, and floating installations. Layering an engineered wood also makes them a great choice for areas with high humidity, like bathrooms or laundry rooms.
Luxury vinyl is a great alternative to hardwood. It offers the look of real hardwood, plus the added benefits of being moisture-proof and easy to clean. It also comes in a variety of styles and surface types to fit your lifestyle and budget.
Tile is always a stylish and resilient option when it comes to flooring. Ceramic is a durable and inexpensive choice; it’s available in a range of colors, textures and sizes. Porcelain is a good choice for walls, floors, and countertops, as it resists moisture, resists staining, and is easy to clean.
When selecting carpet, look out for two main criteria: durability and stain-resistance. For both of these qualities, nylon is a great choice: it’s durable, stands up to heavy traffic and is relatively easy to clean. If you’re going for comfort, high-end synthetic fibers are soft to the touch and pair well with luxury vinyl tiles or engineered wood.
No matter which material you choose, there’s no denying the enormous potential offered by new flooring. With the right colour and type, a fresh flooring solution can transform any room in your home. If you’re in the market for new flooring, why not put these tips into practice and take the plunge? You never know where it might take you.