Let’s talk floors. While this topic seems to be very straightforward, it actually isn’t. Far from yesterday’s hardwood and concrete, today’s market is swamped with a number of flooring options. Ranging from traditional building materials to the contemporary, each offers its number of advantages.
To the homeowner, this can present a dilemma. A flooring option may be aesthetically pleasing but how does it fare when it comes to cost, maintenance, safety, and durability. We already know that building or simply renovating your home can get quite complex – why complicate it further? Below is a listing of available flooring materials to help you move on with your project.
Before surfing through the list, we’d also like to point out that other than those mentioned above, another factor to consider is the room itself. It follows that heavy traffic areas need sturdier floors and wet areas need materials that are resistant to water. Keep these in mind when making a decision.
Carpets
Available in both natural and synthetic fibres, carpets can be splendid or very basic. Their texture and colour can also add to the visual appeal of the room, making it quite an appealing material for living rooms and bedrooms. Think of how warm, fuzzy, and even sensual carpet can be.
However, carpets tend to collect and trap dust. Folks with asthma or are prone to respiratory problems should stay away from this option. If you have pets, it is also advantageous to shop for another material otherwise; you’ll find that keeping it clean and odour-free can be problematic.
Hardwood
Hardwood is pricey but it does render a luxurious atmosphere to a home. However, hardwood is less resistant to wear but since it can be sanded and refinished to regain its lustre, it still proves to be a popular option for those seeking a more traditional approach.
Aside from its cost, hardwood also raises environmental concerns. The good news is that there are groups such as the Forest Stewardship Council that sees to it that the lumber used come from sustainable environments.
Cork and Bamboo
Although these flooring options have been in use for some time, they only gained popularity in recent years as the search for eco-friendly materials gained steam. If you are striving towards a “green” home, cork and bamboo are your best options.
In terms of sustainability, cork is made from oak tree barks while bamboo is abundant and easy to replenish. Both display the same pleasing qualities of hardwood but they take it a step further with a number of added bonuses. Cork for example is hypoallergenic and is shock absorbent. Bamboo in the meantime, is naturally resilient against bugs and mildew.
Still, there are downsides. Bamboo flooring uses toxic chemicals as laminate and its mass production leads to deforestation in some areas. It is ironic that for a “greener” option, bamboo is saddled with these issues. Meanwhile, cork is as expensive as hardwood and can only be installed by professionals.
Natural Stones
Nothing can beat a classic and natural stones – with their unique beauty – can simply do no wrong: durable, easy to maintain, and perfect for traditional homes. All these come with a hefty price tag though. Aside from the cost of the materials, homeowners should also include professional installation fees in the equation.
Concrete
This option no longer falls under the dull and lifeless category. Today, where the industrial and steampunk look is a design trend, there are many ways to use concrete and make it look stunning. Techniques such as staining can give it the right finish and appeal. On the other hand, concrete is not for the DIYer. It is difficult to manage and needs a professional for a clean and thorough job. Concrete is also porous and needs sealing to protect it from moisture.
Tiles
This is a favourite among designers, homeowners, and builders. Tiles are versatile, easy to install, and more affordable than stones or hardwood.
Tiles come in many forms with ceramic and porcelain on top of the list. However, glass and a combo of glass and stone are gaining preference as well. The bonus is that despite the lower costs, tiles can simulate the posh look of other materials and give your home a luxurious vibe.
There you have it. Before making that long-term commitment, examine the advantages and disadvantages of each flooring type. You would not want to have carpets and realize that you’d want to rip them off as soon as you’re settled.