What type of flooring should you use for your next home project?
When it comes to flooring in your home, I’ve always thought of it as the fine dining of the design industry. There is anything from the 3 star Michelin meal to McDonald’s and everything between. Both will get the job done, but you get what you pay for.
Of course there are a variety of factors to consider for what flooring best suits your home. Everything from budget to aesthetic feel, what flooring you want in your home depends on your situation (I know I won’t be dining with Gordon Ramsey any time soon). So enough food talk, I’m getting hungry, let’s break down what you need to consider when you’re looking for new floors in your home.
Budget
A key factor into what floors to install in your home. The price of flooring varies on the material used. A material like Hardwood is more expensive then something like Laminate or Linoleum, yet each isn’t without its own pros and cons. Of course, the brand and style of each factors into the price as well. Most manufacturers produce a variety of styles and materials to fit any home need. For example, Baroque (a Flooring manufacturer) has hundreds of different types of engineered hardwood ranging from $7-$14 a sq. foot. All depending on the wood, grain and style used.
The same goes for any type of material wanted for your home. Manufacturers of each will have a range of prices and looks to fit any homeowners wants and needs. Like ceramic or porcelain Tile, Vinyl sheets or Vinyl planks (LVP) and the endless varieties of carpet to name a few.
Location, Location, Location…
The biggest key factor into what flooring your home will need is, What Room Will You Be Installing It In? Imagine Carpet in the bathroom, might as well just tear the house down and start over.
Speaking of bathrooms, The type of room is the biggest consideration when picking floors. Rooms with a high chance of moisture being present, such as bathrooms and kitchens, Tiles and LVP are great options to consider for their waterproofing and durability. (Check out our blog on LVP to learn more)
For living areas and shared spaces of the home such as, living rooms, hallways and kitchens, Hardwood or Engineered hardwood are a timeless option. While Hardwood is not advised in kitchens for their lack of water resistance, Engineered Hardwood isn’t unheard of. While more resistant than natural hardwood, Engineered Hardwood still does not hold a candle to Tile or LVP. However if looking for a strong, warm, and classic surface area for your shared spaces, Hardwood/Engineered is the top of the food chain. Other cheaper but viable options for living areas is Laminate or Linoleum, while not as strong they are softer on your feet and wallet.
Last but not least, The bedrooms. Carpets reign supreme in this room in most homes. But having a material such as laminate, Hardwood or Engineered Hardwood is not unheard of. But the main considerations for flooring in the bedroom is comfortability and warmth. It’s the coziest room in the home and should reflect as such to you. While carpet gets a bad wrap for being hard to clean, modern technology is making more stain resistant carpets and better cleaning solutions. So don’t let convenience outweigh style.
Maintenance
Each surface material has different levels of durability and are better suited for different situations. As previously stated, Hardwood is the strongest material you could have for your floors, however it is expensive. Also Hardwood (depending on the wood used) is more susceptible to scratching and denting but a good buff will remove most minor marks.
Tile is as simple as it gets. With soap, water and a good mop taking care of most cleaning needs. Extremely durable, and even if they are to get damaged single tiles are replaceable instead of the whole floor.
For active families worried about damaging hardwood floors, Laminate is a great option to consider. Some soap and water will get it done with ease. Resisting scratching and fading, Laminate has color and grain variations to make them look like real wood (without all the maintenance).
Vinyl being perfect for high traffic areas of your home, are durable, waterproof, and low maintenance.
Linoleum often gets mixed up with vinyl, but there are slight differences to consider. It’s low-maintenance, long lasting but requires sealing to protect against water damage. Yet, since it’s recyclable, it’s a more eco-friendly option than vinyl.
Carpeting, everyone knows what a pain carpet can be to maintain. Dust, fur, and stains can be a nightmare without the proper cleaning solutions. But, with causal maintenance on a regular basis carpets can stay looking fresh for years to come.
In conclusion…
Choosing the best flooring for your home isn’t always as simple as selecting the best looking or the one that’s on sale. Several factors such as moisture, durability, ease of maintenance and budget influence the decision. A new floor can be an investment, so your floor choice should balance your needs with your style. And as always, Make sure to consult with your designer or a flooring professional (if going DIY) before starting on any project.