With renovations, remodels, and building, the biggest problem that homeowners face is finding the perfect flooring to match their home decor. With so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best flooring for your home. Here are five essential things to consider when selecting home flooring:
Durability: The life span of your flooring will largely depend on the type of material you purchase and the kind of environment you live in. For those living in moist environments, ceramic tiles or stone tiles hold up well. For homeowners with pets at home, vinyl flooring is ideal as it is scratch and stain-resistant.
Aesthetics: Flooring is an important aspect of home design, and when selecting the flooring for your home, it is important to consider whether it will compliment the furniture, walls and other aspects of your home decor. Taking time to consider your design theme, and pairing the flooring with the right colour, texture and pattern, will help to bring out your interior design aesthetic.
Cost: Different types of flooring come with different price tags and cost should be taken into consideration. When choosing flooring for your home, consider your budget and what kind of flooring you can afford.
Level of Maintenance: Depending on the type of flooring you choose, maintenance can range from minimal to intensive. Consider what kind of cleaning and polishing is required when selecting a flooring for your house.
Resale Value: Always consider the resale value of the flooring you are planning to install before investing in it. Flooring such as hardwood, vinyl, cork and stone have the potential to give your home higher resale value in the future, making them a worthy investment.
Style: Consider the elements of the style when making a decision about the flooring you want in your house. To make things easier, try matching the style of furniture with the flooring.
Ecology: Environmental sustainability is a major factor to consider when selecting flooring for your home. Is the material sourced responsibly? Is it biodegradable? Is it recyclable or reusable? These are all factors you need to consider when trying to choose a more ecologically friendly flooring material.
Installation: The complexity of installation is another factor to consider when making your selection. Is the material easily installed, or will you need to hire a professional to do the job for you? Consider this carefully as it will impact the cost and stress of the renovation process.
Return on Investment: Based on the cost you invest initially in your flooring, what return on investment will it generate? Different flooring materials will offer different levels of return, so consider these if you’re planning to resell your house later.
Soundproofing: Flooring has an effect on the acoustics of your house or apartment. Materials like cork, cork rubber, linoleum, or acoustic underlayment help absorb sound and increase noise-cancellation.
Durability and Comfort: Consider how durable and comfortable your flooring is when making a decision. Certain materials are more comfortable for your feet, like cork, while others are harder. Likewise, the higher the durability, the fewer repairs you’ll need to make over time.
Fire Resistance: Check if your flooring is fire resistant or flame retardant, especially if you live in a condo or apartment complex that’s prone to fire hazards.
Hygiene: When evaluating flooring materials, hygiene levels should also be taken into consideration, especially if there are family members with any type of allergies or asthma.
Resilience to Wear and Tear: Different types of floorings have different levels of resilience to wear and tear. Consider this especially if you are living in a family with young children or pets, or if you plan to move the furniture around often.
Visitors: Do you often have visitors to your home? Certain flooring materials like carpets don’t age well with high foot traffic. Consider the number of visitors, and the amount of foot traffic, to determine the best flooring material.
Cleaning Solutions: Choose flooring that is suitable for the kind of cleaning solutions that you use. Strong cleaners can damage certain floorings, so consider this carefully when making a decision.
Light Washing: Some materials respond better to light washing if they become dirty, so the frequency of cleaning must also be taken into consideration when selecting flooring.
Budget: Even if you have an idea of the material you want, check your budget before investing. Staying within budget is a key factor when renovating.
Local Regulations: Make sure to check local regulations before purchasing your flooring. Some local building codes may limit the type of flooring material you can choose due to safety regulations.
Design Flexibility: Types of flooring also differ in terms of design. Certain wood-based floorings are easier to cut into shapes than stone floorings.
Support System: If your flooring will need waterproofing, make sure to consider the cost and complexity of installing this type of support system before investing in it.
Installation Process: Flooring installation for some materials, like wood, is complex and can require professional help. Consider the installation options before you purchase.
Installation Warranty: Installation warranty varies depending on the type of material you are choosing, so be sure to check the product description before investing in it.
Water Resistance: Some materials are more suitable for wet conditions than others, so it’s important to check if your flooring has water-resistant properties before sealing the deal.
Deconstruction: It’s also important to consider how difficult the material is to deconstruct when you want to replace it. Some materials can be recycled or repurposed, while others are destined for the landfill when taken out.
When it comes to choosing the best flooring for your home, there are many important factors to consider. From durability and aesthetics to eco-friendliness and cost, think carefully and research your options before making your decision. With the right flooring, your home will look great and last for years to come.