How to Find the Perfect Flooring For Your Home
When it comes to remodeling your house, a fresh coat of paint and new furniture can work wonders but another upgrade can be found right under your feet. Since flooring takes up so much of the house choosing the right one is essential for the overall atmosphere and aesthetic. But it’s not just about looks, the floor needs to be able to stand up to daily wear and fit with your lifestyle.
Before deciding on the material for your flooring think about where you will be putting it. How big is the room? How much traffic will the room see? Then think about who will be using your flooring. Do you have pets or children; they will cause even more damage over time. Finally, think about the maintenance you want to put in. How often do you want to clean your floors and how long do you want them to last before replacing them?
Here are some flooring options and their pros and cons:
- Hardwood – This is a classic type of flooring that’s durable and comes in a variety of styles. It’s a valuable upgrade and many houses with it will sell quicker and for more, however, it can be costly to buy and install. Keeping it clean just means a sweep and occasional scrub with wood cleaner, but it can be prone to scuffs that will need to be refinished (which can be costly). Related: Are Pre-Finished Hardwood Floors a Good Idea?
- Laminate – This is a cheaper option to traditional hardwood since it is a type of composite wood. It’s also non-allergenic and can be DIY installed. On the downside laminate is prone to moisture damage and can look fake.
- Tile – This is a great flooring option for areas that are likely to see high moisture. You can get tiles of many materials like marble, granite, terra cotta, and porcelain. Porcelain is the budget friendly option and it needs less maintenance than marble which needs to be periodically resealed. You can also be more creative with glazed porcelain available in a variety of shapes and colors which you can install yourself.
- Linoleum – This is a popular flooring thanks to its low cost and anti-bacterial nature. You can also get this in a variety of patterns and colors to suit your design. Linoleum is also easy to keep clean so it’s perfect for families with kids or pets.
- Concrete – That’s right, this has become a trending flooring option. You can get it stamped and stained to look however you want. And since it’s concrete it will withstand anything you can throw at it. However, if you have little ones or people prone to falling you may want to consider another material.
- Bamboo – This is an eco-friendly alternative to hardwood that can be DIY installed. The wood is durable and is resistant to contracting and swelling with humidity.
- Carpet – This is a common flooring option but it does have its perks. It is quieter than hard floors and makes a room feel cozier. However, they require a lot of regular maintenance and need replacing more often than other materials.
Upgrading your floors is a great way to give your home a facelift or get it ready to put on the market. Just make sure you do your research otherwise you may get stuck with a costly floor that will be more work than it’s worth.
Additional Information:
- The Pros and Cons of Investing in Commercial Property
- 4 Things You Should Do if You Want to List
- 10 Hidden Costs to Moving
- Being Pre-Approved Will Make You a More Qualified Home Buyer
- 10 Ways Homeowner Trick Buyers in the Inspection
- Things You Should be Doing if You Want to List