Your choice of flooring will set the tone for the whole room. When pondering the options, you need to consider not only your personal taste, but issues of practicality. With the variety available to you, it can seem like a daunting decision, and you want to get it just right. Your best defense against remodeling regret is forethought and patience. The following tips will help you make your decision with confidence.
Issues of Maintenance
Some types of flooring are easier to maintain than others. You have to consider how much work you are willing to do to keep the floor in top condition. Furthermore, some may be more susceptible to damage, and more difficult to fix. Linoleum is one of the less expensive options, but it can be difficult to repair any damage. Timber can withstand a lot of wear and tear, but only if receives proper sealing treatment. Don’t just think about right now when deciding on flooring —ask about what will need to be done down the line once the flooring is installed.
Durability
You have to consider the durability of different types of flooring. If you are looking to save as much money as possible right now, know that the cheaper options will likely not last as long, and will have to be replaced sooner. Consider when that time may come, and having to pay for new flooring all over again. If you are looking for flooring to last the long haul, it is probably worthwhile to spend more now and do it right the first time. How much traffic will the area get? Will the flooring be at the mercy of kids or pets?
How Easy Is It to Remove?
While you don’t want to go into your purchasing decision already thinking about changing your mind, it may happen. Or, if you think you may sell your house one day down the line, you might not want to install a type of flooring that is really difficult to remove—it could end up being a deal breaker for an interested buyer.
Considerations for Specific Rooms
If you are looking for flooring for your kitchen, the best flooring is durable and easy to clean. Linoleum is inexpensive and easy to maintain. Ceramic tiles are another great choice, but if your house is very old you may need a new subfloor to prevent movement and subsequent cracking of the tiles; you may want to consider textured tiles if you are concerned about anyone in your house slipping. Wood is another good choice—it is durable and good with high traffic.
For ‘living areas’ where functionality is less of a concern, it largely comes down to personal tastes. Tiles are great because of the range of designs, but may not be the best choice if you want a more ‘cozy’ feel to the room. Wood flooring, with its variety of shades, and grades, makes it a popular choice regardless of the design scheme or budget. But, if you are looking for flooring for a basement, where there is more moisture, a wood laminate, rather than actual wood is the better choice. For rooms where there is no heat below, such as one located over a garage, carpet is a good choice for its insulation benefits.
So long as you give proper consideration to the room, your needs, and ask plenty of questions, you will be able to make your flooring purchase with confidence, and love the results.
