Replacing the flooring in your home is a big decision. It’s a significant project that makes a big difference in your home and is something that will be part of your home for years to come, so it’s only natural to want to be completely sure you’re making the right decision. As you look around for your new flooring, you’ll have many different options to choose from, but how do you know you’re making the right choice? Here are a few of the most important things to keep in mind.
Practicality
There are a lot of excellent types of flooring out there, but not all of them may right for your room. Before you start shopping around for new flooring, consider the environment of the area; things like how much time people spend in the room and the things people do in the room. This will help you figure out which type of flooring would work best for you.
Rooms like kitchens, bathrooms, and basements can get pretty humid, so hardwood wouldn’t be the best choice for those areas since wood can warp. Flooring for rooms where people spend a lot of time needs to be durable enough to hold up well over time. If it’s a room where people tend to do a lot of standing, such as a kitchen, remember that certain types of flooring are more comfortable to stand on than others. Does your family tend to make a lot of noise? Carpeting and cork will help keep sound levels under control.
Price
Most of us don’t have unlimited amounts of money to spend on home improvement projects, so of course, it’s important to find an option that will fit your budget. Many people don’t have the budget for marble or natural hardwood flooring, but the good news is that there are many alternatives out there that are are both high quality and affordable. Love the look of hardwood floors? If 100% natural hardwood floors are out of your budget, laminate or engineered wood flooring can help you get the look for a fraction of the cost.
Maintenance
How much time are you willing to spend taking care of your new flooring? Various types of flooring require varying levels of maintenance. If you want a truly maintenance-free option, you may want to consider a concrete floor. Cork floors can naturally heal themselves if something gets dropped on them, but should be resealed every couple of years to avoid water damage. Vinyl, linoleum, and ceramic flooring are also very easy to clean.
Environment
If you try to live an eco-friendly lifestyle, you’ll definitely want to look for an environmentally friendly flooring option. You’re in luck, because there are quite a few different green options for flooring out there. Cork, linoleum, bamboo, and sustainably-sourced natural hardwood flooring all make stylish and durable flooring options.
