One of the most important decisions you will make when you purchase a new home or renovate your existing home is the type and style of flooring for each room. The flooring you choose can affect the look and feel of every single room, so It’s critical to take the time to evaluate your options.
Check out some of the different types of flooring available to you, and where each of these types of flooring usually fits best within a home.
Laminate Flooring:
Laminate flooring is a sturdy surface that is typically resistant toward any warping as time goes on. In addition, this type of flooring has a thick plastic layer that protects the floors from scratches or scuff marks. With laminate flooring, you have the ability to mimic almost all other types of flooring, including wood and tile. You can also install laminate flooring over your existing floors, making it a fairly simple installation process.
Hardwood Flooring:
Hardwood flooring is one of the most sought-after types of flooring among homeowners. This is because it has a beautiful look and feel that goes well with almost any type of décor, and it has the ability to be refinished many times if needed.
Because hardwood flooring is not waterproof and can see moisture buildup, it is not recommended to install this flooring in any rooms that are prone to leaks. Hardwood flooring also requires a hefty amount of ongoing maintenance to keep its original appeal.
Engineered Wood Flooring:
Because the top layer is real wood, engineered hardwood flooring offers durability and stability while providing a luxurious look at a much more affordable price than traditional wood flooring.
Porcelain Tile Flooring:
Porcelain tile flooring is made primarily from a combination of clay and other materials. Porcelain is non-porous and ideal for high traffic areas in homes because it is durable, available in various styles, easy to clean and requires low maintenance.
Bamboo Flooring:
Even though bamboo flooring is technically considered a grass, it does offer similar traits to hardwood flooring. Many homeowners choose bamboo because it is environmentally-friendly.
However, the eco-friendly nature of bamboo comes into question because it is shipped from Asia and therefore has a significant carbon footprint.
Ceramic Tile Flooring:
Ceramic tile flooring is one of the most versatile types of flooring because of the varieties of colors and styles that you can choose from. Most homeowners will opt for the glazed ceramic tile because it is more durable, resistant to moisture, and protects against scratches and stains.
You can expect ongoing maintenance when it comes to the grout lines for ceramic tile and it can often be a bit uncomfortable to walk on because of how hard the flooring is.
Cork Flooring:
Cork flooring is becoming more and more popular because it is a renewable resource that comes from trees. It provides a vibrant and warm look and feel and also feels great to walk on.
It should be noted that sharp objects can tear this type of flooring, and even high heels could potentially add some dents. You will also need to refinish cork flooring on a regular basis with sealant. Because this flooring is susceptible to moisture buildup, most people install cork flooring in playrooms, living areas, and bedrooms.