When you’re looking for a new floor the process can seem overwhelming. The first thing to consider is what room you are going to install flooring in? If you’re only putting new floors in the kitchen you probably aren’t in the market for carpeting. But there are still a lot of options.
Living rooms present their own problems: do you prefer carpeting or hardwood floors with potentially an area rug added later? The design choices with flooring are nearly limitless so it can be difficult to sort through the different choices of flooring to know which option you should go with.
You can always consult a flooring coontracting company for their advice, but if you want to sound prepared with your questions then here is a breakdown of five common types of flooring and some of their many benefits.
1. Carpeting
With so many options it can be almost overwhelming to think about carpeting your home, but once you figure out what kind of style of carpet you prefer, choosing your new carpet can be a lot of fun. There are two main varieties of carpeting, cut-pile or looped. But deciding between those two types is really a personal preference in the style and design of the carpet.
Berber carpeting is an example of looped carpeting and works great for high traffic carpeting, but it doesn’t feel as plush as cut-pile carpeting like a Saxony carpet for instance. Taking home small carpet samples will help you decide which you prefer.
Carpet can make a room feel cozier because of the carpet pad, opting for a thicker carpet pad will make your floors even cushier and will provide a more comfortable place to sit. Carpeting not only can provide cushion but also thermal insulation! Especially if you live in a colder climate having carpeting can keep your home feel warmer and retain the heat better than a bare floor.
Carpeting can also help reduce echoing in a larger room, making it a particularly good flooring choice for rooms with vaulted ceilings and the potential for sound to bounce around. Carpeting absorbs sound waves to keep the noise of televisions and even the sound of people walking will be muted.
Many carpeting options on the market are treated to be stain resistant so they are easy to care for and will look nice for a long time. If you are looking for a flooring option that offers both comfort and ease of upkeep then carpeting is definitely the choice you should make.
2. Tile
If you are looking for a flooring option that is excellent for high traffic areas because it is resilient to stains and dirt. A tile floor is also impervious to water, making it the ideal choice for areas that could get wet often, like a bathroom or a kitchen. Tile is also wonderful for homes in high humidity areas.
In the tile world, there are two options: ceramic and porcelain. The only difference between the two is that porcelain tiles are made from a more pure source and baked at a higher temperature which makes them stronger and less likely to break. (And also more expensive.) All tile has a risk of cracking at high impact so if you consistently drop items your tile floor could crack.
Tile is easy to install and also easy to care for. Tile may need a sealant applied every five years or so, but your flooring expert can walk you through the specific needs of the tile you choose. Depending on the installation pattern you choose you can completely change the look of your tile so consider what style you’re hoping to achieve.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood floors are some of the most commonly thought of floors for good reason. They are classic and look great in any home. From bedrooms to hallways, choosing hardwood floors are great for any room that doesn’t get too much moisture. One of the only drawbacks to a hardwood floor is that it can weaken if it gets wet so it isn’t a good flooring choice for a bathroom.
There are two kinds of flooring that fall under the heading of “hardwood floors.” One is the classic solid wood floor, made from a single timber. This type of flooring dates back to the 1600s and has never waned in popularity. But also on the market is engineered hardwood which is made of thin sheets of wood pressed together.
As long as hardwood floors are well-cared for they can last a very long time, probably longer than you will live in your home in fact. On the low end of things, a hardwood floor will last about twenty-five years but can last much much longer than that. Because of their long lifespan, having hardwood floors can boost the value of your home.
There are many different styles, colors, and finishes available in hardwood flooring, making it a fun time to design your space the way you’d like it to look. Planks are available in many sizes as well to truly have the floor you’ve always wanted.
Each wood option brings it’s own benefits as well. For instance, if you are looking for a wood grain pattern that is unlike your neighbor’s floor then consider floor made from ash with its unique grain. Or if you want the most durable wood floor look at floors made by hickory or birch. A flooring expert like Direct Flooring Online can help you make the best choice for which wood type would work well.
4. Vinyl
Being able to withstand damage, spills and fading the durability of vinyl flooring is nearly unmatched and makes a great flooring option for a family home. Vinyl flooring can also be quite cost-effective depending on your preferences.
Many vinyl floors are 100% waterproof so accidental spills aren’t any of your concern. It may surprise you that some floors can be damaged if spills aren’t wiped up quickly. Since vinyl is also scratch and dent resistant you can be sure your floors will be able to withstand your active lifestyle and look great for many years to come.
Vinyl is also a much more inexpensive flooring option compared to porcelain tile or traditional hardwood floors and requires very little in the way of upkeep. There isn’t any need to refinish your vinyl floors, simply keeping them clean is your only goal!
5. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a great flooring option that can look very similar to hardwood flooring but doesn’t require any resurfacing or upkeep to maintain how it looks. Because laminate floors are so durable, they are often preferred by pet owners who like the style of hardwood but don’t want the concern that their pet will scratch the wood’s surface.
Laminate flooring is processed by fusing together multiple layers to create the planks. All these layers make the laminate strong and the top layer is a protective clear finish that helps protect the floor from fading in sunlight or staining from spills.
Available in many styles and colorways laminate flooring is a great choice because it is long-lasting and easy to care for. Laminate flooring is easy to keep clean as well, making it a wonderful choice for busy families.
Conclusion
Getting new floors can be a lot of fun once you know which type of floor you want to make your home look amazing. Whether you’re looking for an option to help your living room stay warmer or get the most durable kitchen floor possible, there is a material that will perfectly suit your needs waiting for you.
I love the idea that I can have a classical look with my hardwood floors that would look great in any part of my home. I’ve decided that I want to make my children’s study room made out of mostly wooden components to make them feel like it’s their own little library so they’ll be motivated to study there, and I thought that the floors should be made out from wood as well. In my opinion, I think it might be best to hire a service to install that for me since the room is on the second floor, and mistakes should be avoided for the installation.