One of the biggest decisions in a remodeling project is learning about the different types of flooring materials you can choose from.
During a big remodeling project, you’ve got so many decisions to make.
—- Will you be knocking walls down, or building new ones?
—- Will you be changing out appliances?
—- How will you decorate your new space?
One of the most important decisions you’ll make will be choosing between the many different types of flooring for your renovation.
The floor you pick is vital, as it needs to stand up to the use you’ll put it through, and look good while doing it.
How can you be sure you’re picking the right floor?
What To Consider When Choosing Flooring
There’s a few things you’ll need to keep in mind when you’re thinking about the different types of flooring to choose from.
Here’s what you’ll need to ask yourself when you’re shopping around:
—- Is it durable?
If you have children or pets, your flooring has to be able to take a lot of wear. It’ll have to be able to take a lot of use, from being played on, or even being run around on. You’ll also need to be able to clean it properly.
—- Does the floor need to go in a high moisture area?
Are you looking for flooring for a new bathroom or kitchen? Then that floor is going to be in contact with water quite often. Your flooring needs to be able to handle that, without allowing water to seep in and create problems.
—- Can you install it yourself?
You may be looking for a floor that you can install by yourself. Anyone who’s handy at DIY can easily install certain floors, such as laminate and vinyl planks. If you’re looking at carpet or hardwood floors though, you’ll need an expert to install it for you.
—- Do you want flooring that doesn’t need much maintenance?
Some homeowners are happy to put in the time to keep their flooring looking good, but others just don’t have the time to do so. You need to ask yourself how much time you have to take care of your flooring, as that will inform which one you install.
—- Is it in your budget?
This is possibly the most important question. Are you able to afford that flooring that you want for your renovation? If it’s important you have it, then you’ll need to readjust your budget in order to accommodate it.
Different Types Of Flooring Materials To Choose From
Now you know what you’re looking for, you can make a better decision when reviewing the different types of flooring available.
Here’s what’s available, and who the flooring is best suited for:
1. Carpet
This is the standard for many home owners. There’s lots of reasons why you’ll want carpets in your renovation. It’s warm and cozy, and so perfect for cold nights.
If you are renovating a bedroom, then a carpet helps you make the room more inviting and relaxing. If you’re looking to make a statement, then they’re perfect for this.
For example, a bold striped carpet in a hallway will look amazing.
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to clean though, you’ll want to go with something else.
Everyone has had that heart stopping moment when they’ve dropped something on the carpet, and they don’t know if the stain will come out.
If you are worried about cleaning it, you’re better off with a floor you can easily mop clean.
2. Hardwood
In comparison with the different types of flooring on this list, hardwood has become the most popular as it looks fantastic, is long lasting, and adds a lot of charm to your renovation.
If you were lucky, you may have found original hardwood floors under the flooring when you started renovating your house.
Even if you didn’t, you can get hardwood floors installed in your home.
As fantastic as they look though, hardwood floors do take some caring for.
—- They’re not ideal for people with pets, as they scratch easily, something that’s bound to happen with claws going across the floor all the time.
—- They also need to be cleaned with the right cleaning products, and you need to be careful not to get them too wet.
If you have the time to care for it though, that floor will last for years to come.
3. Laminate Flooring
Laminate floorboards are another popular option, and they’ve come a long way in just a few years.
They look just as good as hardwood, and are installed using a ‘floating floor’ method. They’re cheaper too, perfect if you’re on a budget.
You do have to be careful of getting them too wet though, as the floorboards are made up of layers.
If water gets in between the layers, they’ll start to peel apart. If you use these floorboards in drier areas of your home though, you shouldn’t have a problem.
4. Tiling
A regular tile floor is perfect in many situations. If you’re remodeling a bathroom or kitchen, then they’re going to be your go-to floor.
They’re also perfect for people who live in hot climates, as they’re cool to the touch and work well throughout the house.
With full tile floors though you need to take care of them.
Simply swiping a mop over them won’t be enough, as the grouting will ‘soak up’ dirty water and soon discolor.
You’ll need to clean the grout out periodically, to ensure that dirt doesn’t settle into it.
5. Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is a great option for somewhere that you’re expecting a lot of heavy foot traffic.
—- It’s also very cost effective, so if budget is an issue, then this is the flooring option for you.
—- It comes in two different varieties, planks and tiles, so you can pick the option that works best for your renovation.
Be aware though, that vinyl flooring can be faded by bright sunlight if it’s exposed to it for a long time. It may also be scratched by sharp objects or heavy furniture, so you’ll have to be careful about what you place on it.
Conclusion
Now you know the different types of flooring available, pick the one that fits your home and needs the best.
You’ll have a flooring that suits your renovation perfectly.
If you aren’t certain which flooring is best for your remodeling project, we can help.
