Tips For Choosing The Best Flooring For Your Home
Determining which new flooring to put in your home can seem like a tedious, daunting task. There are many popular options to choose from and each comes with its own set of options to pick from as well. When comparing different flooring choices, take into consideration the look and feel of the room and the amount of foot traffic the room gets. Below are some of the top flooring options to compare before making the ultimate decision.
Hardwood
Hardwood is a traditional favorite when it comes to flooring. It offers a natural, warm feel and matches many homeowners’ decor. Of the many types of hardwood flooring options to choose from, oak is the most popular. Exotic hardwood flooring options such as Tasmanian Oak and Brazilian cherrywood can be imported. Styles of hardwood flooring can vary from parquet and plank to pre-finished boards that can be installed yourself.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is another popular choice because of its affordability and durability. It costs less than hardwood and is easier and quicker to install. Laminate flooring is composed of wood-based materials that are laminated together and covered with photographic imprints.
Bamboo
Though the name can be confusing, bamboo flooring is not created from trees. It is manufactured using lightweight woody grass. Bamboo flooring is highly durable. It is made from a quick-growing, regenerating plant that is as strong as steel. Humidity does not stand a chance with it because it resists swelling and contraction. For environmentally friendly homeowners, bamboo is a great flooring option because it is grown in controlled forests where it takes only three to five years to grow to maturity. In contrast, the trees used to manufacture hardwood flooring take up to 120 years to mature.
Cork
Cork is another environmentally friendly flooring option. Because of its honeycomb-like structure, the flooring offers a cushiony feel when walking on it. Cork flooring can come in a range of finishes, and pre-finished tiles are available for use. Cork flooring is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens because they offer a non-slip surface.
Linoleum
Another green flooring choice is linoleum. It is manufactured using natural materials and does not deplete forests. The primary materials used to create linoleum are wood flour, rosins, and linseed oil. It is waterproof, scratch-resistant, ding-proof, and easy to clean. Linoleum can come in a variety of distinctive patterns, and colors and is comfortable to walk on.
Tile
When you have a little bit more to spend, tile options such as natural stone, porcelain, granite, slate, travertine, and marble are great flooring options. If you want tile but are on a budget, porcelain is the most affordable. It is easier to maintain than marble and has the same beauty and durability as natural stone.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the more affordable options of flooring for your home. For homes that are prone to moisture issues, vinyl is a great choice. It is soft underfoot and easier to clean than tile. When it comes to the amount of traffic your home gets, the thicker the vinyl the better.
Concrete
A popular trend in flooring these days is concrete. It is the most affordable, durable, and easy-to-clean option available. Concrete can be stained with multiple colors and stamped with countless designs.
Carpet
Of course, carpet is the choice for many homeowners. Clean carpets provide warmth and coziness along with helping to filter allergens out of the air. If you have your carpets cleaned regularly, they will last for many years.
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