How to choose the perfect flooring material is an important decision, that can make or break your home design dreams. Whether you’re building your dream home from scratch, no matter if it’s a tiny studio or a sprawling estate, one decision you will face is the flooring. Before investing in beautiful flooring for your home, there are a few important factors you need to consider – budget, suited to your lifestyle and style of your home.
Nowadays, the multitude of flooring materials to choose from can be dizzying. Depending on the style of the home, some options may look better than others. In this article, we’ll share some insights into the type of flooring best suited to your requirements – so you can decide which investment will last.
Before investing in new flooring, it’s important to think about your lifestyle. Think about how the room is used, the amount of traffic it’s likely to experience and how easy it is to clean. Different materials come with their own range of pros and cons, so it’s best to do some research into the kind of flooring that’s best suited to the level of use a particular area of your home is likely to experience. Laminate flooring, for instance, usually requires less maintenance, so would be particularly suited to family homes with a lot of foot traffic.
Once you’ve established the material you’d like to invest in, it’s time to think about the cost. While there are some flooring options that may be more budget friendly, it’s important to remember that the more expensive choice may end up being the smarter one. Take time to explore and compare all flooring options, evaluating the long-term cost of ownership, in order to get the best value out of your investment.
The design of your home should play a major part in the decision-making process. Different materials have a range of color options, so take into account the existing color scheme, furniture, and balance of the room. Tile flooring, for example, comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures – so you have room to be creative.
Don’t forget to factor in important details such as how sound travels in the new finish. This is especially important if the material is being installed over several stories. Also, look into how long the material will last, as well as any limitations the flooring may have when it comes to temperature.
When it comes to kitchen flooring, making sure the surface is waterproof and heat-resistant is key. Think of materials like textured tiles, which are versatile, hygienic, and less likely to suffer water damage. On the other hand, if you want a more relaxing atmosphere, the bathroom is an ideal place for materials such as travertine, marble, and granite, which are known for their beauty and durability.
In the living room, there is room for play. Consider the range of distinct materials such as vinyl and hardwood, to achieve the desired feel and design appeal. When looking at hardwood flooring, there is a wide range of species, stains and styles to choose from, allowing you to create a completely unique and attractive room. The biggest catch? Hardwood flooring is generally more expensive than other flooring materials.
Bamboo flooring is another popular investment due to its biodegradable properties, affordability, and modern look and feel. Additionally, it is water-resistant making it ideal for areas of your home that may experience moisture, such as bathrooms and laundry rooms.
For bedrooms, there is an array of carpet options that are soft, comfortable, and affordable. From shag carpeting to bold geometric prints, your bedroom flooring can match and compliment virtually any existing aesthetic.
So there you have it – some of the things to consider before investing in new home flooring. Quality and the right kind of flooring material is worth the investment in the long run. With some research, planning, and the right materials, you’ll be able to create a look that will last for years and years.
In the following sections, we will look at the different types of flooring materials available and how to install them.
When shopping for flooring materials, simply understanding the basic types available on the market goes a long way. Hardwood, tile, laminate, carpet, stone and even cork are all viable options for homeowners.
Hardwood flooring is one of the quickest routes to bridging the gap between stylishness and functionality in the home. Generally available in two forms: solid and engineered, hardwood floors are prized for their beauty and durability. When installed in the right climate and properly taking care of, solid wood floors can last for generations.
Laminate, on the other hand, is a functional and attractive material that offers the look of hardwood and tile at a lower price. It also requires less time and effort to keep it looking great, and is relatively warm and comfortable to stand on. Laminate is also a great option for bathrooms as its moisture-resistant surface will keep it free from damage.
When it comes to tiles, they are durable, resistant to moisture and easy to clean. With so many styles, colors and materials available, tile flooring provides homeowners with plenty of choices to turn something functional into something beautiful.
Carpet, while not as durable, can be a great addition to the home due to the soft feeling when walking on and to add some insulation. Also, since the biggest factor when determining the lifespan of carpet is how well it’s maintained, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for a longer life span.
Stone is a higher-end material that offers a luxurious look and timeless appeal. Stone tile pieces come in a variety of materials such as travertine, granite, limestone, slate and marble. While it’s a relatively expensive investment, stone tile is an excellent choice for its durability and timeless style.
Finally, there’s cork—an eco-friendly flooring material that is warmer and softer than some of the other materials – perfect for any space in the home. As for the installation process, it may be best to invest in the services of a professional, as the process can be challenging and if not done correctly could result in damage.
The job of installing the floor isn’t complete until the grout and adhesive have dried, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s directions on drying times. If the floor isn’t installed properly, it could result in buckling or it simply won’t last as long. After the floor is installed, remember to keep it clean and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations; it will help extend its life by years, saving you the cost of a later replacement.
As you can see, there are plenty of flooring solutions to choose from, so it’s important to properly research and understand all of the options available to you. It’s also important to considering the cost of ownership going forward, ensuring you invest in flooring that won’t need to be replaced after a few years. Whether it’s hardwood or laminate, tile or stone, carpet or cork – each come with their own range of appeal, maintenance and cost considerations. Take your time and make a selection that best fits your home and your lifestyle.