Flooring is a monumental part of designing a home or business. Whether building a new home or renovating an existing building, choosing the right flooring requires serious consideration, as it will impact the surrounding décor possibilities and the everyday experience of those living or working in the space.
Selecting flooring materials based on only one criteria, like looks, budget, or trending styles, is not always the best approach, and you should take the time to understand all the different features of various flooring types. To help you select the best flooring for your project, we will explore some of the different material options available when selecting flooring for your home or business.
Wood flooring is a popular choice, especially for homeowners, and there is a wide variety of different wood selections available. Individuals who select wood for their flooring tend to explore farmhouse baseboard ideas, color-coordinated trims, and other complementary detailing that plays well with wood flooring. While real wood grain carries a beautiful depth of character, natural wood flooring can be difficult to care for in the long run, as excessive moisture and spills can do serious damage, like lead to mold growth, warping, and rotting. These risks can be avoided with regular maintenance or by upgrading to laminate flooring.
Vinyl flooring is an excellent choice for budget-conscious individuals looking for flooring that is durable and long lasting. Vinyl can typically handle a lot of foot traffic while maintaining its original appearance, so it’s a great option for rooms in the spaces that see a lot of activity, like the living room, playroom, kitchen, or entryway. The majority of vinyl flooring products are waterproof and resistant to stains, which makes them easy to clean. Vinyl flooring is also quite simple to install making them suitable for DIY projects. Plus, there are many different styles available, including vinyl designs that emulate the appearance of real wood and tile.
Like vinyl, laminate offers another flooring option that is notably more durable than traditional materials, like wood. Laminate flooring has significantly evolved over the past few years to offer consumers more in demand features like water resistance, natural textures, and high quality visuals. Today, laminate flooring is available in a wide range of colors and wood types that look and feel like authentic hardwood. Laminate is also easy to clean, which is a bonus for spaces where active pets or young children are present, and does not require waxing.
Strong materials like stone and cement tile are also an option and quite popular in residential spaces. While these heavy-duty materials add instant sophistication to the residence, they also tend to come with a sizable price tag. In addition, stone and cement flooring can be difficult to maintain, as minor damage in a small area typically calls for replacing the entire floor. Most individuals who go with stone or cement flooring tend to add an area rug to boost comfort, color, and warmth.
While carpet boosts comfort, it can be difficult to keep clean and generally requires routine maintenance. Spills must be removed immediately to avoid stains and you should regularly vacuum the carpet to reduce dust. In addition, carpet that is not brand new can be a turn-off when selling a property, so if you plan to list your home in the near future, remember that you may need to replace or remove the carpet to secure a better listing price.
No matter which type of flooring is selected, choosing the right color can be just as important. You should visualize how and where the flooring will need to be coordinated with other features in the room, like with a matching handrail along the staircase, matching trim around doorways, or a matching mantle. Create a color tone that can flow consistently throughout the space, and then choose complementary paint colors for the walls and furniture.
There are many options to consider when selecting the right flooring material for your home or business. Consider the options and visualize the finished product before making the final decision.
