All things flooring
There are SO many flooring choices!
The flooring world has expanded over the years and that can make selecting the right flooring for your home a bit overwhelming. In addition to style, the function of your floor needs to be considered when determining what works best for your home and lifestyle. Is the room going to have a lot of traffic? Do you want carpet or hard flooring? Will it be in a room that is exposed to a lot of water like a bathroom, for example? How easy does it clean? And, of course, your budget will play a factor as well.
We put this guide together to help you determine what flooring is right for you. Of course, each flooring type deserves its own blogpost – there is much information out there! This article will give you a high level of each to help you get started.
Hardwood. Hardwood is made from wood of a tree. There are many different kinds of hardwood but you will most commonly find floors made from oak, cherry, or walnut. The width of planks can vary but will be between 3 and 5 inches typically. Hardwood comes in two variations: pre-finished and unfinished. Pre-finished means it will have the stain before you apply the planks. The unfinished hardwood is just that-unfinished and is sanded and stained after installation. While hardwood has been said to be less durable than some of its engineered counterparts, there are different levels of hardness which allows for different levels of durability. Further, over the years, much has been done to help improve durability and many hardwoods now have waterproof, scratch and dent resistance. If you are set on hardwood and your home is a busy place with excessive traffic, it will be important to select a high level of hardness as well as one with resistant tendencies. Hardwood pricing can also range.
Engineered Wood. This type of flooring has become increasingly popular, mostly due to its affordability compared to hardwood. Engineered floors are made by combining a top layer of real wood with multiple layers of what is called ply plank running underneath. Engineered flooring looks like real hardwood because the top layer is indeed real wood. It is more resistant to water than hardwood is because of the layers underneath. Similar to hardwood, you can choose plank size but in contrast to hardwood, it cannot be sanded as frequently as hardwood so the lifespan is not as long.
Laminate Flooring. If you love the look of wood but don’t have the budget, this is one of the most affordable flooring offerings. Laminate flooring once had a bad rap as being the “cheap” version and realtors would not recommend laminate for upgrading your home. However, much has changed in the world of laminate flooring. Because the technology has expanded so much over the years, it is available in a wide variety of colors and often looks very much like real wood floors. Made much like Engineered Flooring, Laminate has layers of plywood underneath its top layer however, the top layer is not real wood. Laminate wood is extremely durable and at that price point, is a great option, especially for rental properties. In addition, it’s water resistance and a great alternative to tile in bathrooms, laundry rooms and basements.
Ceramic Tile. Tile which was once mostly restricted to the bathroom and laundry room, has grown into a popular option for kitchens, and main levels as a whole. It comes in many colors, styles and is extremely durable. It is important to select the right tile for flooring and that they can withstand the foot traffic. There are so many tile variations and types. Tile can be porcelain, terra cotta, quarry and glazed ceramic. When selecting the right tile the most important factor is the slip factor-consider the safety of the flooring. If a tile is less slip-resistant, it would be wise to not place in a bathroom or kitchen where floors tend to get damp or wet.
Carpet. While some thought carpet in residential homes was dying, this could be further from the truth. In fact, carpet sales have gone up 10% in the last year. Carpet manufacturers have really upped their game over the years, creating carpets that are stain resistant, germ fighting and dyed throughout. Durability and comfort paired with insulation and noise mitigation have made carpet the choice for upper levels, if not, throughout the entire home. Plus, accent carpet choices have grown significantly creating beautiful options for stairs and other accent areas.
Sheet Vinyl Flooring. This is possibly one of the most durable types of flooring. It is made from plastic, usually PVCs, acrylic and other polymers. It pairs durability with style. It is waterproof, stain-resistant, dent and scratch resistant and is a great price for the product. Vinyl flooring comes in many shapes and can also be installed in rolls.
Plank vinyl products. Luxury Vinyl Plank/Luxury Vinyl Tile is quickly becoming the most sought-after flooring. It can look like hardwood and tile products can look like higher end marble or stone products. However, it is important to consider the wear layer when you are considering vinyl flooring. This is the clear, urethane-based coating that keeps the floor maintaining its durability. The thicker the wear layer, the more durable the flooring. You want a wear layer of at least 12 mil for your residence and 28 mil for your commercial buildings. If you are a very active family or have pets, you may want to consider a 20 mil or higher in your home. Most applications are considered water-proof so it makes a good choice for any room in the house.
Have questions about which flooring material is right for you? We can help!
