New flooring can add beauty and value to your home. Here is a quick rundown of popular flooring options.
Before you choose your new flooring, consider your answers to the following questions. Then you’ll be ready to choose the proper flooring for your home!
- What is your budget?
- Where is your new flooring going? Is it a high-traffic area? A lower-traffic space?
- Is the flooring to be installed in a room where it may get wet, such as in a bathroom or mud room?
- Do you have young children that will be playing or sitting on the floor?
- How will your new floor enhance your decor?
- Is your new floor to be installed above or below ground?
Hardwood
- A hardwood floor is a versatile and stylish addition to any home. Depending on the colour and style of the wood, the look it creates can be anywhere from rustic charm to modern sophistication.
- Solid hardwood is suitable for almost any room in your home with the exception of moisture-rich or damp areas, such as bathrooms, basements, laundry and mud rooms.
- Although structurally durable, most hardwoods are not very resistant to scratches and will likely require the occasional refinishing when used in high-traffic areas or if you have pets or children. Fortunately a solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished many times if necessary.
Engineered hardwood
- This type of hardwood will create the same desirable look in your home as solid wood flooring but is more versatile due to its layered construction.
- It can be used over radiant heat systems and concrete subfloors (as found in a basement) and even in bathrooms or laundry rooms.
- It is not affected by temperature or humidity changes like solid hardwood is.
- Engineered wood isn’t able to take multiple refinishings like solid hardwood can. Generally speaking, it can handle one complete refinishing only.
Laminate
- This type of flooring is readily available in a variety of colours and styles that can have a similar look to hardwood.
- It is resistant to moisture, and as such, can be used throughout the home.
- Laminate is easy to maintain. Whereas hardwood needs special cleaners and techniques, laminate can simply be wiped clean with a wet cloth.
- It has a lower price point than either hardwood or engineered hardwood.
Tile
- Tile is moisture and stain resistant, which makes it a perfect choice for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
- It is available in an assortment of colour options and styles, such as porcelain, ceramic or stone.
- Tile flooring is highly durable and generally scratch resistant, which makes it suitable for high-traffic areas.
- While tile can be used in any room of your house, it can be uncomfortable to walk or sit on, so avoid installing it in living rooms and bedrooms, where comfort is key.
Vinyl
- Vinyl is an inexpensive flooring option that is available in numerous patterns, some of which may resemble stone or wood.
- It is durable with normal wear and tear but can be permanently damaged by sharp objects.
- Vinyl flooring is highly moisture resistant and easy to clean.
- It can be used throughout the home, from bathrooms to basements and anywhere in between.
Carpet
- Carpet is a soft, comfortable flooring option, and as such, is the perfect choice for bedrooms, family rooms or wherever you want to feel cozy.
- Carpeting adds a warm, inviting appeal to your home.
- It is a safer floor option than tile or hardwood.
- Carpet is not as durable as other home flooring options and may need to be replaced more often.
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