Choosing the right kind of flooring might be a little more complicated than you think! There are a variety of factors to consider and many different types of flooring to choose from. You will also be factoring in style and budget and what type of flooring you want such as carpet or tile flooring. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed, check out these tips on choosing the right flooring.
Questions To Ask Before Choosing Flooring
There are some essential questions to ask yourself when choosing the flooring you want to install. Will the floor be installed in a high-moisture area such as a bathroom? Will it be in a highly trafficked area? What square footage do you need to cover? What is your budget? Do you want low-maintenance flooring? Knowing the answers to these will help you decide between carpet and tile flooring, for example. It is also important to know the characteristics of different flooring types along with the pros and cons.
Hardwood Flooring
Solid wood has been a popular choice for flooring in the United States for many decades. It is classic in look and simple in construction. Solid wood flooring comes in either narrow strips or broader planks. Hardwood flooring can be made out of various types of wood like oak, maple, Brazilian cherry, and more.
Pros
People tend to love hardwood flooring because it looks great with just about any style, is long-lasting, and can increase the value of your home or office.
Cons
The main disadvantage of hardwood flooring is that it can warp with long-term exposure to moisture, it doesn’t stand up well to rough handling, and it shows scratches and dents easily. Solid wood flooring is best for areas that don’t get a ton of traffic.
Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile flooring is made out of a shale and clay mixture that is then fired in a kiln, just like other pottery. This ceramic flooring material comes in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns, making it an excellent choice for those looking for something unique or colorful. The four main types of ceramic flooring are:
- Porcelain
- Glazed ceramic
- Terracotta
- Quarry tile
Pros
Thanks to modern print technology, you can create ceramic tile flooring with just about any pattern imaginable. You can even make it mimic the look of wood if you want! Ceramic flooring is also one of the most durable types of flooring. It is resistant to dents, scratches, and moisture. It is also very easy to clean.
Cons
Tile flooring is very hard and can feel cold under your feet. It can make footsteps sound louder and may be slippery when wet unless it’s coated in an anti-slip finish.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring is often a favorite choice since it creates a welcoming, warm feeling. Carpet is another versatile flooring option, coming in a variety of textures, colors, and materials such as:
- Nylon
- Wool
- Acrylic
- Polypropylene
- Polyester
Pros
Carpet is fairly easy to install in just about any room. Most people who prefer carpet like that it feels warm and soft under their feet and minimizes the noise from footsteps. This may be key if there is a lot of foot traffic which can be distracting to others!
Cons
Carpeting can be much more difficult to clean than hard flooring options. Though carpet can be vacuumed regularly, it can still have dirt and bacteria stuck in it that can only be removed by steam cleaning. It stains easier than hard flooring as well.
Get Quality Flooring Today
If you’re considering replacing the flooring in your home or business, Marathon Building Environments has high-quality options for you! The experienced interior design Solutioneers on staff can help you choose the right flooring and assist you from start to finish. Visit the website or schedule an appointment today!
