Little Known Ways to Choose the Right Flooring Option for Your New Home
How to choose the right flooring option for your new home
Choosing the appropriate flooring for your new home can be a daunting event. While we often like the idea of having more options, the vast number of flooring options available today makes the decision-making process more difficult for most homeowners.
Keep in mind that there is no “right answer” when choosing flooring. Also, you may decide to use different flooring in different room, or on different floors of your home. Some floors will appeal to some people and not others. The following factors are important to consider when shopping for flooring for your new home.
Appearance and Versatility
One of the first considerations for those shopping for flooring is often the appearance of the floor. This is a matter of personal taste. Some people prefer the classic look of hardwood floors. Others prefer the clean lines of ceramic tiles.
Some flooring types offer much more variety in terms of texture, look, cost, and durability. Carpeting comes in an almost infinite variety of colours, textures and piles. Similarly, laminate floors provide shoppers with a low maintenance floor that can take on the look of wood, stone or tile.
Environmental concerns
This may not be a concern for everyone shopping for flooring; for others, it will be a primary concern. Linoleum flooring is made of natural, biodegradable materials such as flax, cork and natural resins. It produces no harmful Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs).
Cork and bamboo floors are made from renewable resources. Cork has the added benefit of being hypoallergenic and resistant to mildew.
If you prefer a hardwood floor, you can choose a finish such as a water-based polyurethane, which is less toxic and emits fewer VOCs.
Comfort and safety
Harder floors, such as tile, natural stone and concrete can contribute to leg and back pain, particularly in rooms such as the kitchen, where you might spend longer periods of time on your feet.
Smooth ceramic tiles can be slippery when wet. Tiles with a more textured surface might be a safer option for a bathroom or kitchen, particularly if you have children in the house.
Many people consider carpet the warmest and most comfortable flooring option. It is particularly popular in bedrooms and areas where the floor would otherwise be cold, such as in a finished basement.
Cost
Cost will be a factor in helping you choose the precise flooring to install in your new home. However, most types of flooring, including hardwood, are available in less expensive and more expensive options.
Durability and Maintenance
It is important to consider the expected life of your new floor and the amount of maintenance that will be required to keep it looking its best.
Many flooring types, including hardwood, stone and tiles, require periodic refinishing or resealing in order to protect the material and ensure that they last for years. However, these types of flooring can easily last a lifetime if treated properly.
Other flooring types, such as carpeting, are unlikely to last as long. The expected durability of many types of flooring depends on the quality of the flooring and the amount of traffic that it sees.
