George K.
When it is time to renovate your house, you may think that changing the color of your walls or adding some new pieces of furniture is enough to revamp the look of your rooms. However, you cannot really say that you have completely refurbished your home if you have not changed its flooring. Not only will replacing your floors breathe new life into your house, but it is also not going to cost you much, especially when compared to the other renovations you might have already paid a lot for. Nonetheless, not all flooring is created equal, which is why you need to learn more about the different types you can find on the market.
Check out the 7 most popular flooring you can go for.
1. Hardwood
Do you want to add a dash of sophistication to your living space? Then, you should definitely opt for hardwood flooring. A wide range of wood types, including oak, maple, and cherry can be used to make this flooring variety. Many people choose hardwood because it looks and feels extremely chic, not to mention that it does not require much maintenance. On the flip side, hardwood is somewhat costly compared to other flooring options, as it can cost $8/ft2. It is not water-resistant as well, which makes it a bad choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Laminate
Laminate flooring consists of three layers: a coating layer that carries the design and protects the flooring from wear and tear, a high-density fiberboard (HDF) layer, and a final water-resistant layer. The folks at IntegraDirect.com.au recommend laminate flooring for homeowners who like the look of wood but want a cheaper alternative. Although they have water-resistant layers, laminate floors should not be installed in wet areas like basements and kitchens because water can seep into the other layers and ruin the flooring completely.
3. Ceramic Tiles
When homeowners think about revamping the look of their kitchens and bathrooms, ceramic tile flooring is usually their first choice. Catering to all tastes, ceramic tiles come in many designs. You can choose from a plethora of varieties, including glazed ceramic and porcelain. Even though it is easy to maintain, ceramic flooring is, unfortunately, too cold. So, if your area experiences particularly harsh winters, it might not be a good idea to opt for ceramic tiles.
4. Vinyl
If you are on a budget but still care about how your flooring looks, investing in vinyl is your best bet. Vinyl flooring is made from polyvinyl chloride and consists of three layers, including a waterproof one. Although it costs only $1-5/ft2, it can mimic the look of various more luxurious materials, such as wood. If you have young kids, however, you should steer away from vinyl because studies have shown that polyvinyl chloride can harm children’s wellbeing and overall development. Also, it is installing vinyl plank flooring.
5. Linoleum
Linoleum is by far the best alternative to vinyl. It basically looks the same but comes with none of the health risks associated with vinyl. Linoleum flooring mimics the look of wood although it can feel a bit softer. It is also very durable, lasting up to 35 years. On the downside, it cannot be installed in bathrooms or kitchens because it is not waterproof. It may also lose its color due to sun exposure.
6. Carpet
Soft, warm flooring? Yes, please! Carpets have been homeowners’ favorite choice for years. Not only do they come in a variety of shapes and colors, but they are also slip-resistant, which is why many parents prefer it to other popular options. Carpets are a bit tricky to clean, though, and can aggravate the symptoms of asthma patients because they are a magnet for dust and debris. However, if you have no problem vacuuming twice a week, carpet flooring is certainly for you.
7. Cork
Although cork flooring is made of bark, it is actually an eco-friendly choice since the material is collected every ten years, allowing trees to recover before the next cycle comes. If you are into the cottage-chic aesthetic, cork flooring is the obvious choice. It is also warm and soft to the touch, making it an excellent pick for most homeowners. However, you will need to hire a professional to install it because the process can be a bit tricky.
There is no better way to spice up your living space than to change your flooring. Because you have a myriad of options to choose from, you need to consider the final look you are going for. You must set a budget as well due to the big discrepancy in flooring prices. So, before you make any purchase, check samples to make sure that the material is up to par.
