Which Flooring Is Right For You?
Flooring is a key design element that both physically and figuratively holds your house together. As such, it’s an important investment so it’s essential to understand all your options and make the best choice for you.
Flooring comes in two primary varieties: floor coverings and structural installations. Read on to gain more knowledge about each type, so that you can choose which style works best for your home.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment and can add significant value to your home. Not only that, but it also makes your house feel cozier and inviting.
When selecting wood species for your project, there are plenty of options to choose from – domestic varieties like oak, maple and hickory as well as exotic options like teak, ebony or mahogany.
You may find hardwood flooring from local mills at lower costs than big box retailers.
Janka hardness rating, a scientific test that measures wood density and hardness, can help you decide which species of hardwood is most suitable for your requirements.
When selecting wood for your flooring, especially if you have children or pets, durability should be taken into account. Harder woods will be better at resisting dents and scratches.
Tile
Tile flooring is an ideal choice for kitchens, bathrooms and other high-traffic areas due to its durability and ease of cleaning. Plus, its timeless aesthetic can easily be customized to suit your taste and style.
Ceramic and porcelain tiles come in an extensive selection of styles, colors, and finishes to fit any room in the home. They make perfect floor or wall tiles for flooring or walls alike.
Porcelain tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, kitchens and showers due to its durability and ease of upkeep. Plus, porcelain tiles come in an array of colors and patterns so you can create a unique design with ease.
Before beginning to lay the floor, draw a layout on your subfloor that shows where each tile will go. Doing this ensures that your finished flooring will be square and each tile is centered within the room.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic floor covering made of multiple layers that, when compressed, create an impermeable and waterproof surface. It can be installed over concrete, wood or any other subfloor material.
It also comes in an array of colors and textures designed to replicate stone, ceramic, or other high-end materials. Some designs feature skeuomorphic patterns that resemble wood grain, stone texture, or tile patterns.
The design layer can be a printed image of your choice or an embossing that replicates the textures found in materials it mimics. Printable sheet vinyl is also available, allowing you to pick any image and have it custom-printed according to the dimensions of your room.
It can be used in a range of rooms, such as kitchens and bathrooms. It is particularly suitable for areas that receive high foot traffic due to its durability which can withstand wear-and-tear. Plus, regular sweeping and mopping will do the trick – no special tools required!
Laminate
Laminate flooring is an economical way to achieve the look of wood or stone flooring without breaking the bank. With numerous design options and simple installation processes, laminate flooring has become a go-to for many homes.
Laminate planks are constructed with a core made from high-density fiberboard or plywood, giving them strength and stability. The top layer features an image of wood or other natural material encased in a transparent wear layer to protect against scratches.
Laminate floors tend to be more durable and easy to maintain than hardwoods or tile, though they’re vulnerable to liquid damage if left wet for extended periods of time. Thus, it is essential that you keep them dry by not allowing spills to collect in one area for too long.
Laminate flooring comes in a range of styles, including waterproof varieties for rooms prone to spills. Some are even GREENGUARD certified to eliminate chemical off-gassing which is an issue with some other types of flooring.