When it comes to a home renovation, flooring is one of the most important elements.
But making the right choice isn’t easy. This is the surface, after all, that you’re going to walk on and your kids are going to play on. Then there are the many material options, including hardwood, vinyl and laminate. Which do you choose?
Let’s look at the main contenders.
You have choices when it comes to renovating your floors.
Solid hardwood is a classic choice that makes any home decor look warm and high end. And its stain can be adjusted throughout its lifetime to change your floor’s appearance.
Although hardwood is generally pricier than other types of flooring, reclaimed wood is both an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. However, since humidity isn’t good for hardwood, it’s best to avoid installing it in kitchens, mudrooms or bathrooms as it can warp and crack over time.
Vinyl is a flexible and resilient material that offers a softer underfoot compared to other materials such as tile or solid wood. Made using polyvinyl chloride or PVC over a layer of felt, it has a thin layer of foam that offers a comfortable surface upon which to walk.
Alternatively, there are thicker varieties of vinyl flooring that can have a textured appearance like that seen on stone or wood flooring. It’s available in various forms like sheet vinyl which comes in large sheets that are unrolled, cut to size and glued down. Alternatively, you can purchase click-style planks that are similar to engineered wood. These are glued one at a time.
Vinyl flooring is comfortable to walk on and stands up well to both heavy foot traffic and moisture. In fact, it’s suitable for wet rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, mudrooms and basements.
Laminate can mimic the appearance of many other flooring materials, including stone and hardwood, at a fraction of the cost. Its construction is similar to that of engineered wood with a thin layer of veneer on top.
Laminate comes in both tiles and planks for easy installation. Most require a floating floor to be installed over the existing flooring without nails or glue. This is a great time and money saver. It’s also easy to clean and needs little to no maintenance to keep its beauty and durability intact.
Speaking of durability, laminate resists scuffs and scratches better than hardwood. This makes it a great choice for high traffic areas such as playrooms, foyers and kitchens. It can also be installed in basements provided there are no leaks or standing water. Avoid installing it in wet rooms such as laundry rooms and bathrooms.
Many homeowners opt for carpets, especially in colder regions, due to the cozy and warm atmosphere they create and how soft they feel underfoot. When used in bedrooms, for instance, carpet makes the space more relaxing and inviting.
If you use your flooring creatively, carpets can make a statement like few other flooring materials. And since it comes in so many colours and patterns, it’s easy to find something for any room. For instance, beige carpeting with bold stripes can look amazing in a modern setting. Alternatively, you can choose from darker shades for formal areas, or if you’re wary of spills ruining its beauty. Furthermore, carpets are available for all budgets and are durable enough to last many years, even when exposed to high foot traffic.
These four flooring options are some of the most popular options, but they aren’t the only ones. For more ideas and inspiration, browse magazines or home improvement websites. To choose a material suitable for your home, think about how each room will be used. Remember, flooring can bring your interiors together so it should be chosen with care.
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