Flooring Basics

Flooring is one of the most important additions you can make when it comes to beautifying your home and increasing comfort level. Since the right choice of floors can make a world of difference in creating the ideal home, it’s important to consider thoughtfully the multitude of materials available when making this important decision.

What is the best flooring option on the market? That depends on your life situation and personality. A family with three small kids will more than likely want to put noise reduction and durability at the top of their list of considerations, while a retired couple building their vacation home might be more concerned with creating atmosphere and beauty. The following is a list of the most popular flooring options and their benefits.

Carpet

Carpet is one of the most popular choices for homeowners for a variety of reasons including comfort. Stretching out and laying down on hardwood or stone just isn’t the same as relaxing on a plush floor. And let’s not forget carpet’s insulating properties. It stays warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer than most other materials. Add to that the fact that it absorbs noise, both in a room and between floors, and it’s easy to see why many homeowners turn to carpet to meet their flooring needs.

Ceramic Tile

Tile is a good option for anyone looking for a low maintenance and beautiful floor. Ceramic tile offers a large variety of styles and designs that can fit almost any homeowner’s vision and it is versatile enough to be used in almost any room. It’s also more cost effective, durable, and easier to keep clean than most other materials.

Stone

Stone floors are a top choice for those who want breathtaking results. Polished marble and granite are both classy and tough, while other stone materials like sandstone, limestone, and slate create a more natural look. Stone is certainly a good choice, but it’s important that you consider it carefully to be sure it fits your lifestyle. While stone is more resistant to cracks and chips, it is also more vulnerable to water damage and other stains. Polished varieties require daily maintenance to ensure that dirt and dust don’t damage and dull the finish.

Hardwood

You can’t beat the beauty of a hardwood floor. Hardwood adds an atmosphere of warmth and class to any room in which it is installed. It is a little less durable than other materials, but the application of a urethane finish will help prevent scratches and other blemishes. Also, a hardwood floor can always be refinished (multiple times if necessary) to look like new, something that isn’t possible with most other materials.

Laminate

Laminate is fast becoming one of the most sought after floor materials on the market because of its aesthetic appeal, incredible level of durability, and favorable price when compared to other options. Laminate floors are made of pressed, composite wood with a thin layer of veneer laid over the top. This layer can mimic almost any other surface, though hardwood looks are far and away the most popular. Laminate is nearly impossible to scratch and is water and stain resistant.

Vinyl

Vinyl is perhaps the most durable and cost effective flooring solution on the market. It doesn’t turn eyes like other materials do, but you can’t beat a linoleum floor when it comes to practicality and saving money.

Specialty Materials

Your flooring options aren’t limited to these common materials. Rubber flooring is tough and long lasting when applied in the right setting. Those who are more ecologically-minded might want to consider bamboo floors, which are just as durable and beautiful as hardwood, but made from a renewable resource. Talk to a flooring professional to get a complete list of the less common materials that might meet your specific needs.

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