In any home, flooring is important. Aesthetically, it can tie the entire room together, and it must be sturdy and well-installed to stand up against constant foot traffic. The type of flooring you need can vary based on the purpose of a room, how frequently it is used, and what level of the house it is on, in addition to a range of other factors. Read on for some important considerations for choosing flooring for your home.
Traffic
One of the most important things to consider when selecting flooring is how much use each room gets on a day-to-day basis. The more foot traffic a room gets, the more important it is that the flooring is durable and designed to withstand wear and tear. Examples of high-traffic rooms in the home are bathrooms, hallways, entryways, family rooms, and kitchens. However, this varies from home to home, so consider your specific situation carefully. Where do you and your family spend the most time while at home? Where are shoes worn most frequently?
There are many different types of flooring that are both durable and stylish, so you don’t have to sacrifice the aesthetic quality of your flooring. Vinyl is a particularly popular choice, as it is moisture-resistant and engineered to last for a long time. It is also available in a range of styles and colors that mimic more expensive and less durable materials, like granite and marble.
Price
Your budget is also a very important consideration when planning new flooring for your home. Carefully set a realistic budget before choosing materials. Since there are lots of options when it comes to material, you will certainly be able to narrow it down based on what will work for you.
Try to determine what you can spend per square foot. For $2.00 or less, your options might be laminate, ceramic, and porcelain. Domestic solid hardwood and engineered wood flooring fall in the $2.00-$5.00 range. If your budget is over or around $5.00, you can explore hardwoods and engineered woods like mahogany and Brazilian cherry.
Maintenance
Some types of flooring require more maintenance than others. For example, tile is very easy to clean, making it a great choice for kitchens, where spills and food debris are a constant factor. You can easily wipe your tiles down with paper towels or rags, and sweeping and mopping can easily keep your floor clean. Marble is relatively difficult to clean and is susceptible to damage from acids, such as those in carbonated drinks and alcohol. Consider how much time and effort you want to dedicate to keeping your floors clean. If you are concerned about choosing a low-maintenance flooring choice, consider laminate, carpeting, and luxury vinyl.
Pets
Pets can wreak havoc on your home’s floors. Dogs and cats have sharp claws that can more easily damage certain types of flooring than others. Choose a material with strong wear resistance. Some common types of flooring that are ideal for pets include ceramic and porcelain tile, cork, baboo, engineered hardwood, plank vinyl, laminate flooring and even carpeting.
You will also want to consider whether your pets are fully house trained, or you need to select an easy-to-clean type of flooring. Ceramic is an ideal choice for spot cleaning, and linoleum manufactured from linseed oil is also a low-maintenance option.
Children
Like pets, children can also be rough on floors. If you have young kids, you might want to choose durable flooring for spaces like bedrooms, playrooms, and family rooms. Ideally, flooring should be able to stand up to spills, rough-housing, toys, and play. Wood flooring is a kid-friendly option that still looks beautiful and uses non-toxic material. Hardwood flooring will also increase your home’s resale value. Other options include laminate, rubber, and vinyl. These materials are easy to clean and durable.
Moisture
You will want to consider certain types of flooring for parts of your home that experience moisture. This includes kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Flooring materials should be suitable for high- or medium-moisture environments, like concrete, porcelain tile, ceramic, or vinyl tile. You can consult with a home construction and remodeling company for assistance choosing the best flooring for your space.