Floor covering is an investment and it can be daunting trying to weigh all of its options carefully.
Solid hardwood floors add tremendous resale value and aesthetic beauty to a home, not to mention they’re easy to care for and very long-lasting.
Carpet provides softness underfoot while offering sound absorption properties and improving air quality, particularly when combined with a rug.
Hardwood
Wood flooring has long been a timeless classic and remains popular with homeowners because of its classic beauty. When selecting wood, take into consideration its color tones, grain patterns and Janka hardness rating for durability purposes. Oak is an excellent option for high traffic areas as its wide wood grain hides scratches more effectively than some species of hardwood; maple offers another durable hardwood option with neutral tones suitable for any room in the home.
Mahogany wood offers rich colors and intricate grains that complement more formal or traditional spaces. Though more costly, this material also boasts superior durability and moisture-resistance properties.
Solid hardwood is the traditional choice for homes, but it may not always be ideal. Solid hardwood must adapt to its new environment as temperature and humidity levels vary, expanding or contracting as necessary. Engineered hardwood offers more modernity with multiple layers glued together for additional strength and durability.
Carpet
Carpet can add warmth and comfort to a room while simultaneously sound-proofing it and concealing dirt or stains. Before selecting one for any room in particular, take into consideration its use, traffic levels and any furniture being placed there.
Fiber type, construction and texture all impact carpet durability. Nylon is an ideal option for families with children and pets due to its stain-resistance, easy care requirements and color fastness – plus newer nylon varieties offer increased performance and strength.
Polyester is a recycled plastic product that performs similarly to nylon in residential homes with normal traffic levels, offering durability for everyday uses such as residential homes. Soft yet beautiful color choices make polyester an excellent choice. Look for styles such as saxony, berber and textured loop as these will stand up longer than their smooth cut pile counterparts. Olefin fiber offers versatile low-priced solutions which resist mold growth as well as moisture damage – it can even be useful in basements and other outdoor locations!
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is an economical, long-term and user-friendly choice for renovation projects, making it the go-to material for many households. Not only is it affordable and easy to care for; vinyl is waterproof too, making it suitable for moist environments such as bathrooms. Furthermore, luxury vinyl has more advanced graphic processes than its counterpart traditional sheet vinyl products that make its graphics nearly indistinguishable from natural materials like wood or stone.
Vinyl roll flooring, made from flexible fiberglass-reinforced foam layers, provides comfort underfoot while remaining flexible and accommodating for high traffic areas or homes with children or pets. Available in various thicknesses, thicker vinyl with a solid wear layer may be best for high traffic areas as it stands up well to wear and tear better.
Interlocking vinyl planks and tiles snap together easily for DIY installation, or they can be glued down. Not only are these waterproof materials durable enough for high traffic areas like households or business environments but they’re also highly recyclable – no more crying over spilled milk!
Tile
Tile flooring is an economical, stylish, and long-term option that’s suitable for any home. From creating an eye-catching backsplash in the kitchen to giving bathrooms their own individual aesthetic – tile can create the look you’ve always desired! Furthermore, it is great in hot climates because it helps keep homes cool in summer while offering underfloor heating capabilities in winter.
Tile flooring is one of the more eco-friendly choices because it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like vinyl or carpet does, unlike these options. Most types of tiles are fired in kilns at very high temperatures which remove all VOCs before reaching you and can help lower emissions further.
Tile is an extremely flexible choice that comes in an abundance of colors, textures, patterns, and shapes – ideal for matching any interior design theme from classic neutrals to vibrant hues that make an impactful statement. Furthermore, you may even be able to find tiles which mimic wood graining or natural stone textures for a unique effect.