Home flooring has changed greatly in recent years and consumers who are choosing new floors for their home are often quickly overwhelmed with the range of choices available to them. However, a little planning ahead and research about the options available, can make choosing a floor surface less confusing and even fun! Below are some things to keep in mind as you select the floor covering for your home.
Think about your lifestyle – what are the most important needs you have for a floor covering? For example if you have children and/or pets, you will probably need a floor covering which is durable and easy to clean. So, knowing this and in this situation, you might want to choose a porcelain tile instead of a regular ceramic tile. Your research will show you porcelain is much more durable than ceramic and easier to clean! Now, if your home does not have children or pets, you might want to consider choosing a hardwood floor. An elegant wood such as teak or mahogany would add durability, warmth and style to your home for years to come.
As you think about your lifestyle, think about what the room will be used for. In heavy traffic rooms, you might want to consider using a laminate floor covering. Laminate floors are great because they look like real wood or stone but do not have the high maintenance that come with those flooring types. In rooms where water, moisture or dampness is a concern – consider vinyl! As you look around, you will find vinyl flooring has changed a great deal over the years! Today’s vinyl comes in a variety of patterns, colors and textures. Vinyl flooring now looks remarkably like wood, stone or sisal. You could even choose a “luxury vinyl” floor covering which comes in individual planks and tiles. People are finding today’s vinyl not only versatile, but durable, easy to care for and easy to install.
One last thing to consider as you are choosing a floor covering is the décor you chose for your home. If you a person who likes a more formal or traditional look in their home, you might want to consider hardwood floors in wood such as oak or cherry. Even a dark maple would a beautiful compliment to traditional décor. If your home is a mix of styles – how about bamboo flooring? It offers a unique texture but in a variety of colors. If you are more of a modern or urban home decorator, check out the luxury vinyl selections. In its plank and tile formats, you should be able to find luxury vinyl styles which replicate everything from stone to hammered metal to weathered wood. If the rest of your taste is unique, why shouldn’t your floors reflect it too?
Regardless of the type of flooring you choose, be sure to shop around for price comparisons. Ask deals for discounts on installation when your purchase flooring if you do not want to install it yourself. Remember; follow the maintenance schedule and procedures suggested by the manufacturer to get the longest life out of your floors as well.
