We all know that selecting the right flooring for our homes can be a daunting task. Not only do we have to consider the look and feel of the room, but we also need to make sure that the materials used are practical, durable and reasonably priced. Here are some top tips on how to select the perfect flooring for your home:
Consider Your Lifestyle: Look closely at how your day-to-day life actually plays out. Ask yourself: how much foot traffic will the flooring be exposed to? Do you have small children or pets in the home? Answering these questions and understanding which areas of your home receive the most use, can help you decide which flooring type you should go for.
Think About Your Budget: A crucial part of your decision is going to be how much you can realistically afford to invest. Unsurprisingly, the more expensive the flooring type, the more durable it’s going to be. However, there are plenty of affordable options such as laminate and vinyl, which can both provide excellent levels of protection.
Take Note of Your Local Area: Depending on where you live, certain floor types mayby not be suitable. If there’s a risk of flooding in your neighbourhood, for instance, then investing in carpet is probably not the best idea. While it may look nice, it’s a lot more difficult to clean and repair.
Look At Trends: It can be tempting to go with the latest trends when it comes to flooring, but if you’re looking for something timeless that won’t be dated in a couple of years, then stick with classic options like hardwood or stone.
Research Your Materials: Once you’ve narrowed down your materials, take the time to research what each type has to offer. Long lasting flooring materials such as marble, limestone, slate, and granite can all have big benefits, provided you’re willing to put in the extra investment.
Don’t Ignore Maintenance: Many people forget about the importance of maintenance when selecting flooring. Different materials require different levels of upkeep. If you’re not prepared to dedicate time and money to taking care of your floors, then opt for something easier to maintain.
Focus On Comfort: Comfort is key when it comes to choosing the perfect flooring type for your home. Some flooring materials may look amazing, but aren’t always the most practical when it comes to walking or standing in bare feet. Consider options such as cork, bamboo and carpets which can provide excellent comfort levels.
Don’t Get Distracted by the Little Details: While pattern and shades are important factors to consider, the bigger picture should not be forgotten. The most important thing is making sure the flooring fits with the rest of the room’s characteristics and is suitable for the level of traffic it will be exposed to.
Take Time To Test: When it comes to putting the right flooring in your home, you shouldn’t rush the decision. Take the time to test different materials and ask an expert opinion if you feel unsure. Flooring is not something to be taken lightly and should always be thought through carefully.
Seek Professional Help: Investing in a professional can help to ease some of the decision-making worry and may even save you money in the long run. A good flooring installer will be able to recommend the right material for your needs and answer any questions you may have.
Consider Versatility: It’s always wise to consider just how versatile the flooring you have in mind is. This helps you to get the most out of your investment. There are lots of flooring types to choose from which can change the look of a room, while still being durable and practical.
Think About Installation: Installation is an important factor for many and there are different things to consider such as if the flooring can be laid using DIY techniques, or if it needs to be professionally installed. Approaching qualified professionals can help to ensure that the job is done correctly and it may even be cost effective.
Look Into Warranties: Most reputable flooring companies offer warranties on their products which not only provide peace of mind, but may even save you money in the case of accidental damage or repairs. Take a look when researching different providers and find the warranty which best suits your needs.
Choose Quality Over Quantity: Quality is always better than quantity when it comes to flooring. Investing a little bit more can not only get you a much better finish, but it can also save you money in the long run. Quality materials generally last longer and need less maintenance.
Try Sampling: If you’re troubled by the sheer number of flooring options on the market, try sampling before you invest. Many providers offer samples and doing research into the material’s characteristics can help you to make a more informed decision.
Keep Your Options Open: There are so many different types of flooring materials on the market today, ranging from softwood to laminates, so don’t be afraid to keep your options open. You may be surprised by the amazing looks and textures which can be created by the right flooring material.
Think About The Future: When selecting flooring, it’s worth considering how likely it is to still be on trend in a few years time. Try to avoid buying materials which will soon look dated, to avoid having to repurchase sooner than expected. Think about which options provide timeless looks.
Focus on Allergy Sufferers: For those living in a home with allergy sufferers, it’s essential to think about the type of flooring you’re purchasing. Carpets, for instance, can be difficult to clean and hold a lot of dust, so materials such as hardwood or tile may be more suitable.
Think About Resale Value: When selecting flooring, one consideration should be how attractive it will be to potential buyers. As flooring plays a large part in the interior design of a home, opting for something classic such as hardwood is almost always a safe bet.
Look At Acoustics and Insulation: If you’re opting for timber flooring, it’s important to bear in mind how well it will insulate sound in the room. While denser materials such as bamboo can have some acoustic benefits, they may also be more expensive. Consider the level of sound insulation you’re looking for and if the room is noisy, consider carpets or rugs.
Don’t Forget Outdoor Spaces: If you’re looking to make changes to the exterior of your home, such as patio or deck floors, there are plenty of suitable materials available. Think about durability and cleanliness, as well as cost. Likewise, if you have to replace indoor flooring, then consider the function of the room, as well as how much maintenance it will require.
Get Creative With Colour: When replacing old flooring, you can really get creative with colour. Instead of sticking to shades of brown for hardwood floors, go for a bolder look with white or grey. If you fancy a change of pace, there are also lots of colourful materials such as laminates and vinyl which will really brighten any room.
Check Your Property’s Structure: Flooring can be a difficult job for any property and you should always check the structure of your home, the stability of the walls and level of the floor before doing any renovations. If you’re not familiar with the property’s structure, it pays to call in an expert to make sure the job is done right.
Be Aware of Temperature Changes: If you’re looking to put in a new floor, you should take into account how the temperature in the room may affect it. If the room is prone to water damage, for example, then you may want to steer clear of carpets in favour of hardwood or tile.
Choose Carefully: The choice of flooring you make today can affect the look and feel of your home for years to come and it’s important to take your time selecting the right one. By taking the above points into consideration, you can make a more informed decision and have a beautiful floor for years to come.