HOW TO CHOOSE FLOORING THAT WON’T DAMAGE YOUR HOME
Are you thinking of renovating your home? Do you want to upgrade your dwelling and give it a modern touch? We suggest you focus on the integral aspects and put in much thought before choosing materials. Flooring sets the vibe of the entire house and can either make or break the complete look. Moreover, flooring is not something that you can change in some months. Thus, it would help to weigh the pros and cons of different materials before choosing one.
The floor bears the house’s whole weight, and you must consider its sturdiness. Since it plays a vital role in setting the mood of the place, it should also be aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, it has to be long-lasting to keep you from getting into the predicament of changing flooring now and then. Considering so many factors may seem overwhelming, especially when markets overflow with choices.
Let’s delve into different types of flooring and learn their characteristics. It will help you pick one flooring material that will not damage your home:
- Hardwood
Hardwood flooring contains solid wood throughout and appears sleek and smooth. The material gives the house a sophisticated look and generally blends in with various decorations styles. Besides, it provides a natural feel and feels rich to residents’ feet.
Hardwood flooring comes in plenty of options, such as Brazilian Walnut, Oak, Hickory, and several others. Besides, you do not have to change the hardwood flooring often unless severe hardwood damage occurs. Even then, you can quickly get professionals’ services who can repair the damage. However, this flooring is prone to termite attack and requires high maintenance.
- Tile
Gone are the days when tiles were only used for moisture-prone places like kitchens or bathrooms. Today, many people opt for tile flooring in their house, considering the sleek touch to the floor. Tiles come in different shapes, prints, and colors. In addition, they are durable. You can have different tiles for different areas in your home to give your house a distinctive character.
Many people find tile installation expensive and consider other options. Furthermore, tiles are cold and may not be a wise flooring choice in colder areas.
- Carpet
Carpet flooring is popular, and many people choose it to hide uneven and unflattering floors. Carpets give feet a warm feeling and provide a room with a sophisticated touch. You can be creative with carpet flooring, cover half the floor with a rug, and leave the other half bare.
Carpets are made of various materials. Contrary to popular belief, not all carpers are made of synthetic fibers. Other materials used for carpets include jute, seagrass, and coir. Mats made of synthetic fibers come in various prints and colors, giving people ample choices.
If you rent out a house for a shorter duration, carpet is better than installing a floor. Besides, carpets are easy to clean and do not require much maintenance.
- Cork
Cork is not a new material, but it has recently gained popularity as it is biodegradable. The cost of cork flooring installation generally depends on the thickness of the material. Its installation is an easy DIY project and does not require much maintenance.
The disadvantage with cork flooring is that it is prone to many damages. However, you can refinish it with one coat and give it an almost new look. Traditional cork flooring does not have many designs but engineered cork flooring comes in various styles and hues.
- Laminate
One of the critical characteristics of laminate flooring is that it is reasonable. People who want a sleek finish of hardwood or tiles but cannot afford them can opt for laminate. Laminate offers a plethora of textures and color options. It is easy to maintain, is scratch-resistant, and has a protective layer.
However, unlike hardwood flooring, it does not give feet a comfortable feeling, and neither does it appear like solid wood. Besides, it is susceptible to moisture and chips easily.
- Vinyl
Vinyl is composed of plastic and is highly water-resistant. Vinyl comes in different varieties, and Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) and Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) have lately gained immense popularity.
Since vinyl flooring Is water-resistant, it is an exceptional choice for kitchen and bathrooms. It is easy to maintain and durable, but its ROI is comparatively lower than hardwood.
- Bamboo
Bamboo flooring is getting immense momentum as it is eco-friendly and gives a home a warm color. The flooring is pest-resistant, sturdy and you can install it easily without seeking professional help. Although bamboo flooring loses its color in a shorter span, you can quickly refurbish it without spending an exuberant amount.
Vacuuming or simple sweeping keeps the floor clean and dust-free. Since bamboo is strong, it is suitable for high-traffic areas. Compared to other flooring materials, people do not have many options when choosing bamboo flooring. Additionally, it is susceptible to scratch. People can refinish the flooring and place felt pads on furniture to extend its life. Environment friendliness is its most important quality and makes it a popular choice.
- Linoleum
Another eco-friendly flooring option is linoleum, made of linseed oil and cork. The flooring comes in sheet form and offers a variety of styles and colors. People prefer linoleum over other materials as it is comparatively inexpensive, requires little maintenance, and is DIY friendly.
The disadvantage of linoleum flooring is that it is easily breakable and does not resist scratch. Moreover, it is neither suitable for moisture-prone areas nor does it increase home value in any way.
Bottom Line
Modern markets have numerous options for almost every other thing. Similarly, when you decide to upgrade the flooring of your house, you can find several choices. The truth is that changing the house’s flooring is not a minor decision, and many people find themselves in a dilemma. The above guide will help you choose the flooring that will not damage your house.
