Are you remodeling your home and overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make? Selecting flooring may be one of the most difficult decisions because it is more permanent than other projects.
There are different types of flooring to consider, with pros and cons for each. Use this basic guide to help you select the right choice for each room in your home.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods remain a popular choice for almost any room in a house. While most common in living areas and bedrooms, wood is being used more now in kitchens, bathrooms, and even laundry rooms. The natural look of hardwoods is one of the main reasons people go with it.
Also, hardwoods are a great investment. According to the 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, the rate at which the average homeowner recovers the cost of hardwood floor installation is about 106 percent.
Hardwood prices will vary based on the type of wood you use. Oak and cherry tend to be more economical, with mahogany and walnut on the other end of the price spectrum.
Laminate
Laminate flooring comprises several layers of particle board stacked on top of one another. The top or “decorative” layer is made to mimic the look of hardwood or other materials like tile or stone. This means that you can choose from many distinct styles and color options.
Many people choose laminate for its ability to reduce noise from foot traffic and for its durability. Some warranties on laminate flooring can extend up to 30 years.
Keep in mind that, while laminate is an economic alternative to hardwoods, discerning buyers will know the difference. It may look great, but will not add value to your home the way hardwoods will.
Tile
Tile is made of ceramic or porcelain. It is a very popular flooring choice because it is easy to clean. That’s why it is often seen in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and mudrooms.
Tile material is affordable, but it can be expensive to install. That is because it requires a sturdy subfloor and can be tricky to cut. However, the total cost of tile flooring will most likely not surpass that of hardwoods.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a plastic flooring material. It is extremely resistant to stains, scratches, and scuffs. It’s also water-resistant. Even a flood would not affect the material.
Vinyl is also soft to walk on. This, along with its durability, makes it a popular choice for almost any high-traffic room of the house. However, it is susceptible to cracking in areas that experience extreme changes in temperature.
Vinyl can offer significant price savings over other types of flooring. It is easy to install and maintain.
Carpet
Carpet has been around since the eighteenth century and is still one of the most popular flooring choices today. That is because it offers a wide range of colors to match any room or style. And it provides a level of comfort not attainable by other flooring materials.
Carpet also has a wide range of prices. Cost generally corresponds to the carpet’s level durability. Wool, for instance, is naturally strong and stain-resistant, but is by far the most expensive. The style with which the fibers are woven through the backing also impacts durability and price.
One of the main things that affect the final cost is padding. For the carpet to lay flat, the subfloor must be perfectly level, and it must have the right type of padding to support the material. Otherwise, the carpet may buckle or break over time.
Find a Contractor That Installs Different Types of Flooring
There is also a lot of information online that help you further hone your renovation plans. There are a lot of options out there, but be sure to find an installation company that can offer you distinct options for each room. A business that only does tile will limit your options if you decide to go with another material for other spaces in your home.
A prominent flooring company can get you the information you need about different flooring types and complete your home flooring renovation at one fell swoop. This will allow you to consolidate distinct projects in various rooms into one job and have your home looking great in no time.