6 Different Types Of Flooring To Consider
To help make choosing a new floor easier, we are going to look at six types of flooring that could be right for your home.
09/12/2021
Floors present a unique decorating challenge. There is a lot you can do a lot with the walls, accessories, or even your home’s exterior. The material, look, texture and design are all factors you need to consider even before you start thinking about how much the new floor will cost. To help make choosing a new floor easier, we are going to look at six types of flooring that could be right for your home and we will look at the advantages of epoxy flooring in our next article.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood is a very popular choice because it looks great and lasts a very long time, meaning it will also provide a great return on your investment. Its construction is also very simple, as it involves getting the planks or boards and nailing them to the subfloor. The planks are usually between 10 and 15 centimetres wide while the strips can measure 4 - 5 centimetres wide.
pinterest.com
You can find finished and unfinished wooden flooring at your local hardware store or through online retailers that sell different types of flooring. With unfinished flooring, you need to sand it and finish it before installing. With finished flooring, you only need to do this if a section is damaged or you want to change the colour.
2. Tile
While you might love the look of a stone floor, tiles are the next best option and a lot cheaper. Tiles are a functional choice and are often chosen due to their durability and ease of installation. However, there are lots of stunning tile designs that you can choose for your home.
Tiles are non-porous meaning you will not have to deal with mould if the tiles are installed correctly. Tiles can also be cooling because they do not heat up quickly in warmer climates. While not as expensive as some of the other flooring materials here, they can be quite costly and the grout lines can be difficult to clean.
3. Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is very similar to solid wood but it is manufactured rather than harvested like other wood flooring options. Engineered wood is made from several layers of plywood with a thin veneer of natural wood on top to hold everything together. Because plywood is used for the internal structure, engineered wood is a lot less expensive than other wood flooring options while offering a similar look and feel.
If you find engineered wood with a great veneer, it can be very durable, as this veneer will be resistant to scratches. Engineered wood is also a lot less sensitive to changes in temperature compared to other wood flooring options.
4. Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring (LVP)
Luxury vinyl plank flooring is another great option because it is so similar to wood flooring. It comes in different looks and can have varied grains, so it resembles wood completely. Vinyl plank flooring is also scratch-proof, waterproof, and resistant to stains, which means it will last for a very long time and will be easy to maintain.
LVP flooring is a lot cheaper than hardwood, tiles, or even laminate flooring and is very easy to install. However, it can be slippery, and you have to prep the floor to ensure it is level and smooth before installation.
5. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is very similar to engineered wood. Its main core is made of layers of compressed fibre or plywood. However, instead of using veneer, there is a clear plastic coating with a picture underneath to complete the look. This means this upper layer of the laminate can look like stone, tile, wood, or any other flooring materials.
Laminate floors can be installed on top of your existing floor, but the floor must be level and even.
6. Carpet
Carpets have been a favourite for a long time, especially in the bedroom. Carpets are durable, relatively easy to install, and a lot cheaper than many of the options above. However, carpets need lots of care, proper cleaning, and are prone to stains.
If you are looking for soft flooring, one that keeps the house warm, reduces noise, and is safe for children by not being slippery, carpet is the best choice.
Final Word
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing flooring for your home. Fortunately, there are a lot of options to choose from that tick all the boxes. From cost and looks to durability, you will find the right material for your home.