Flooring is an important part of home design. It’s the first form of physical contact we do when we enter the house, and we build up our first impression of the interior from there. No matter how it looks, the floor has to be durable and withstand the test of time. When looking to buy flooring consider its quality, style, and pricing. These parameters will help you choose the best for you and your house. Flooring has the ability to change a room’s appearance, it can make it look smaller, wider, cosier, luxurious or simple.
If you make the right choice, it can lower electricity bills, improve the house’s acoustics, increase foot traffic and be pleasant for your pet. Also, think about how much time and money you have available to spend on maintenance. Some floors require more and some less maintenance. And if you somehow decide to sell the house, the proper and high-quality flooring will only add to the value of your home.
Laminate Flooring
Did you know that laminate flooring was invented in Sweden during the 1970s? Since then, it has immensely grown in popularity all over the world. It has developed and improved during the years, to become one of the most durable, affordable, and widely spread flooring options ever. Laminate is a combination of several synthetic flooring layers combined together, with the photographic layer used as a finish. This layer gives it the look of real wood flooring.
One of the best things about laminate flooring is the installation process. It’s simple and easy to do, everyone with a couple of the right tools and a bit of knowledge will be able to do it. You could easily do one room in a day. This is because of the tongue and groove system that simply snaps together. Another great thing is the price, since it’s cheap and affordable for anyone. Laminate mimics wood and it’s available in many different styles and designs that can fit in every home.
It’s durable and hard to dent and scratch, but if one board gets damaged, there is no way to just fix the dent. You’ll have to replace the whole board. On the other hand, it’s easy to paint and repaint so you can try hiding the dent that way. Laminate needs just a mop, water and floor cleaning solution to be maintained once in a while. It’s waterproof, so spillage won’t be a problem. One downside is that you’ll need a carpet or floor heating to keep it warm.
Vinyl Flooring
With a long history, this flooring was first discovered by a French physician in the 19th century, and with experimenting and development, it replaced rubber because it’s recyclable. Finally, it was available for sale and ready to use in 1947. Since then, it has improved significantly, and has become very popular among homeowners. The pros outweigh the cons of floor vinyl the number one choice around the world. Let’s see why that is.
Pros:
- Budget-Friendly – together with laminate, vinyl flooring is very affordable and cheap compared to the other flooring options. The price may depend on the brans, pattern and thickness, but either way, it will be budget-friendly. You can allow yourself to cover more than one room at once.
- Waterproof – if you have small children or pets around the house, this feature will make you happy. Suitable for kitchens, bathrooms and basements, vinyl flooring is the perfect choice for places where you can get most water spillage.
- Durable – it doesn’t dent and scratch easily. It’s made to be highly durable and withstand many accidents.
- Easily Cleaned and Maintained – because of the protective coating, it’s resistant to dirt and staining. You can easily clean everything with a broom, vacuum, or microfiber sweeper. And from time to time a damp mop and mild cleaner will make this floor look as good as new for many years to come. Plus, it’s easy to install and you can do it as a home DIY.
- Many Finishing Choices – nowadays, floor vinyl is produced in many different patterns and styles. You can find it imitating wood, stone, marble, parquet, decorative tile, concrete and much more. You’ll just need to find what suits your interior style best.
Cons:
- It may be hard to repair.
- Some designs can emit volatile organic compounds.
- It may be hard to remove sometimes.
- It won’t add that much to home value as natural timber or stone.
If you think about changing your floor vinyl should be on the top of your list. It’s a great choice that can fit in every room and every interior design.
Bamboo Flooring
For homeowners who are looking for an eco-friendly flooring option, bamboo is the right choice. Its demand has grown over the years for many reasons. Its natural beauty gives a unique look to any room, and the timeless material will never go out of style. Because bamboo grass is renewable and reaches maturity in five years, this is the perfect eco-friendly and sustainable material in contrast to other hardwoods that can take up to 20 years to reach full maturity.
It’s twice as hard as oak which makes it highly durable and strong, suitable for every room, even in those with high foot traffic. It’s so adaptable that it can be installed with underfloor heating and over every subfloor if properly prepared. The installation process is easy, and it can be glued, screwed, or nailed on the subfloor. It’s easy to clean and maintain. Just sweep it with a broom or a vacuum, mop it with a dump towel occasionally and it will last for a long time.
Although it’s hard and durable, bamboo flooring is not immune to scratches and dents. Make sure you have felt pads on the chairs and avoid dragging furniture over it. Also, it can be moisture sensitive because it’s grass, so avoid placing it in rooms with high moisture like bathrooms. Bamboo is allergen-free, pest-resistant, and if you take good care of it, it can last for at least 25 years.
Marble Flooring
Marble can be found in mountainous areas, and it doesn’t require much processing before it reaches our homes. People have used it for centuries and it has never fallen short with beauty and durability. It gives the space a luxurious, elegant look and because of its one-of-a-kind self-created patterns, every floor will be unique. If it’s under proper maintenance, marble is liquid-resistant. When it’s stained or wet just wipe it with a wet rag or a mop. But don’t let it sit long on the floor because the marble may get stains.
Marble is durable, scratch-resistant, water-resistant and can go in any room that doesn’t use a lot of water. It’s also allergen-free because allergens don’t hold on to the marble surface. Because of its long life and durability, it will increase the value of your house. On the negative side, marble can be heavy and hard to transport and install. Plus, it doesn’t retain heat so heating might be an issue. But overall marble is a great flooring option that won’t disappoint you with its beauty and durability.
Conclusion
Flooring is the base of the house, a starting point to work around your style and accessories. Choosing the right one for you and your home will benefit you in many ways. Before buying take you time to consider all of the pros and cons, ask questions, do your research, and talk to professionals if needed.
