Have you ever paid attention to the floor? We walk on it but have we ever taken notice of it? Only a few would, especially if the floor screams “Attention on me, please!”. But this only happens when the floor blends perfectly with the overall interior of the place. Believe it or not, it can be a dealbreaker in your interior. Aside from the style, the kind of flooring and its purpose of it should be taken into consideration as well.
Choosing the Right Flooring
When you come to think of it, the floor is the thing that takes up most of the space in the home. It may not be as prominent as other parts of the house but it surely makes a huge impact on a home. Here are some tips on how to choose the right flooring for your home.
- Style. Your home is your safe haven. You can do whatever you want with it. It is reflective of your personal taste. For your house to look cohesive and consistent with your style, choosing the kind of floor shouldn’t be taken lightly. Take into consideration the already existing decors or accents at home.
- Lifestyle. Are you living with kids or the elderly? Do you have pets? These are factors you need to consider. For example, what if you spill some liquid on the floor? Will it be safe for the kids or elderly or even yourself to still walk around? Yes, style is a plus but safety should never be compromised.+
- Budget. Let’s face it – everyone’s working on a budget these days. House renovation or house building is expensive. You need not to go over the budget just to achieve the style you are going for.
8 Flooring Options
Hardwood Flooring
Comes from a solid piece of hardwood that is then cut according to your desired size and shape. It is famous for its versatility, quality, and quite a hefty price tag. It needs regular maintenance like applying a hardwood cleaner monthly and a fresh coat finish every 3 to 5 years. While known for its durability, hardwood is susceptible to moisture damage and can incur dents from heavy things on it. Thus, it is not suitable for the bathroom, laundry room, and basement.
Engineered Wood Flooring
Offers the real feel of hardwood but it is much more affordable. The hardwood is bonded with high-quality plywood substrate. With proper care, it can be as durable and long-lasting as hardwood flooring. For people who are into DIYs, this flooring is ideal for them. One of the cons though is that this kind of flooring produces VOCs also known as Volatile Organic Compounds. These VOCs are emitted by household materials that are made up of organic compounds. It is reported to have short-term or long-term effects when exposed in huge quantities.
Laminate Flooring
If you are working on a budget, use laminates over carpets. It is scratch resistant and easy to clean. It looks just like wood, stone or other materials without the hefty price tag and difficulty in installation. With the variety of styles to choose from, this is an easy choice for people who like DIY projects. However, in terms of durability, laminate flooring is not at par with the other choices. It chips easily and is very susceptible to moisture.
Vinyl Flooring
Composed of plastic, this flooring is extremely water resistant. Even if water will sit on it for a very long time, the vinyl will remain intact and not be damaged easily. It is still not at par with the durability of wood and stone but it is a good alternative. It is easier to install and maintain. You also have a variety of designs to choose from.
Tiles
They have become popular choices for places that are usually in contact with water like the bathroom and kitchen. It is durable and long-lasting. However, it can be very slippery and accident-prone. One of the downsides of using tile flooring as well is that there are a lot of preparations involved before the tiles are laid for usage.
Stone Flooring
Natural stone floorings are very durable and long-lasting. They also add a different feel and look to your overall home interior. However, it can be expensive, cold, and slippery. It is also hard to install because of the time it takes to prepare the surface.
Linoleum
Made from linseed oil and cork, linoleum is an eco-friendly option for flooring. Aside from being resilient, it is also easy to install and could last you decades if properly taken care of. But it can change in color and appearance when exposed to sunlight for a long time.
Carpet
Carpet is the best option for bedroom flooring. Cozy and warm, carpets are also good for soundproofing your room. On the other end, however, it is hard to clean and is very prone to staining. Another is that it is not suitable for people with allergies.
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Sources
https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/flooring-material-types/
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/renovation/a40617015/best-flooring-guide/
https://www.hgtv.com/design/remodel/interior-remodel/choose-a-floor-youll-love
https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-choose-flooring-1821631
https://www.lowes.com/n/buying-guide/flooring-buying-guide
https://www.houselogic.com/remodel/windows-doors-and-floors/flooring-dos-donts/
https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality