If you are building your dream home or refurbishing your property, choosing the right flooring material can make a massive difference to your enjoyment of the space. Indeed, flooring is a big part of our everyday lives, but we rarely think about it. That’s why it is so important to spend time considering it properly.
Are you in the market for new flooring? Then it is time to look at your options.
Here, we discuss different flooring materials and what they have to offer so that you can make the best decision. You can even take a look at this checklist when shopping for flooring.
Let’s get started.
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Top Flooring Materials You Need to Know About
Having a basic understanding of flooring materials can help you select the right one. However, the most essential factors in this process should be your budget and lifestyle requirements.
Here are some flooring options to consider.
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Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is an entirely natural flooring material made up of solid pieces of milled wood. Just like there are different species of trees, there are different hardwood variants.
According to 90% of realtors, homeowners who upgrade to hardwood floors have a greater desire to be at home. Other than their natural beauty, hardwood floors can also boost your home’s ROI tremendously. So, if you are planning to sell your home at some point, this is something to think about.
Even though they tend to be expensive, hardwood floors are incredibly durable when installed correctly and maintained well.
It should be noted that hardwood is vulnerable to moisture, so it should not be installed below grade or in moisture-prone areas of your home.
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Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered hardwood flooring delivers the best of both worlds: its veneer is real wood so it looks like real hardwood minus the price. Structurally, engineered hardwood is both more stable and water-resistant than hardwood.
When maintained well, engineered hardwood flooring is as durable as real hardwood. Even though the former is more DIY-friendly, it is best to hire professional installers if you lack the skill and experience. When choosing new flooring, keep the area of installation in mind. That way, you will be able to make a good decision.
If you are debating between hardwood and engineered wood flooring, make sure to check their differences and choose the one that best fits your needs.
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Porcelain Tile Flooring
Want stylish flooring for moisture-prone areas of your home? Porcelain tiles are the best choice.
They are a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of their high level of water resistance, aesthetic appeal, and durability. Additionally, they are surprisingly simple to maintain and clean.
Although they come in a variety of price points, porcelain tiles are not cheap. That being said, the upfront cost really pays off in the long run.
If porcelain tiles are not installed properly, it could cause problems with the flooring. To avoid this, choose professional installers.
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Stone Tile Flooring
Nothing says luxury quite like stone tile flooring. This includes marble, granite, and travertine.
Natural stones can be installed both indoors and outdoors with relative ease. Like porcelain tiles, stone tiles also tend to be extremely durable and water-resistant. This can improve your home’s ROI tremendously.
Much like any other flooring, one of the main downsides of stone is that it is quite expensive and needs serious prep work before installation. If you are okay with maintaining it and your budget permits, natural stone tiles are high-quality flooring materials.
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Laminate Flooring
Need a budget-friendly option? Laminate flooring could be the answer. The main layer of this artificial flooring is made of high-density fiberboard, with a wood base and decorative paper layer protected by a clear melamine wear layer. As a result, laminate flooring can perfectly imitate the look of almost any type of flooring, from hardwood to tiles.
You will never run out of options with this flooring because it comes in a variety of styles and finishes. Whatever your preference, there is always something available to meet your needs. Before buying laminate flooring, be sure to select the right thickness; otherwise, it might not be as durable.
One of the main challenges with laminate flooring is that it is susceptible to moisture. That is why it is best not to install it in moisture-prone areas of your home.
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Vinyl Flooring
Have a shoestring budget? Vinyl flooring is waterproof, scratch-resistant, and durable, despite its price.
Vinyl flooring is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and is available in many designs and finishes that mimic popular flooring materials like hardwood, marble, and tiles.
Although vinyl flooring won’t increase your home’s resale value, it’s great for a quick floor makeover. Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of forms, with sheet vinyl being the least expensive. Other types include luxury vinyl planks and tiles. This flooring is good for high-moisture areas of your home, such as basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Easy to maintain and budget friendly, these floors cannot be repaired once damaged, but you can easily replace them.
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Carpet
With the temperatures outside plummeting, do you desire a floor that is warm and cozy? Then consider carpeting your floors. This is an affordable and comfortable option for homes and some offices.
Carpet is prone to stains and spills, but there are models on the market that are stain-resistant. If you have an active household with pets and kids, then this may be worth considering.
Carpet flooring is inexpensive, a great way to increase your home’s insulation, and effectively blocks sound. On the other hand, carpeting is also difficult to maintain and unsuitable for allergy sufferers because it collects dust.
Which Type of Flooring Should You Pick?
Since flooring is something you use every day, it’s good to keep your personal taste, lifestyle needs, and budget in mind. That way, you will be able to pick the best flooring for your space. Please note that these choices are not the only ones available. You can also consider cork, rubber, bamboo, and terrazzo. Make sure to do plenty of research before making your purchase.
