Choosing the Right Type of Flooring for Your Home

2020 April 2

With so many options of flooring out in the world, choosing the right option for your home can seem like a daunting task. Flooring in our homes is essential to the atmosphere and comfort we experience. It is also one of the largest design surfaces in our home, so taking the time to put real thought into the right floors (color, style, type) is critical to the function of your home.

Start by asking yourself these questions on how you will be using each room of your house:

1. What color and type of flooring will go with my existing furniture, countertops, & paint color?
2. Is this area of my home a high moisture area?
3. Does this floor need to be pet friendly?
4. Is this a high traffic area in my house?
5. Will I be standing on this floor for long periods of time?

Once you have the answers to these questions, you can start to think about which flooring option will work best for you in each space. There are many options to choose from in flooring, so I will highlight a few of the top choices with the benefits and disadvantages of each.

 

HARDWOOD FLOORING:

Hardwood flooring is a beautiful, classic look that adds richness and charm to your space. The boards are available in various widths and lengths, and in almost any color you might want.

Hardwoods are good for almost all rooms except for full-bath and laundry rooms because they are high-risk areas for water damage and staining. Hardwood floor is susceptible to scratches and scuffs, but the imperfections can be removed or sanded down. It is costly and difficult to repair, but new engineered hardwood floor options are available. Engineered hardwood floors have a limited amount of refinishing, but is pre-finished with enhanced durability.

Hardwood flooring is hypoallergenic, durable, and a timeless choice that often adds value to your home.

LAMINATE FLOORING:

Laminate flooring has come a long way in the past few years. Laminate floors can mimic the look of hardwoods, tile, or stone, so it can be used in multiple locations. It is also available in almost every color.

A common disadvantage to laminate is that once a panel is damaged it has to be replaced, it can’t be repaired. Laminate panels often make a hollow sound when you walk on them.

Things to keep in mind with laminate floors is that they are affordable, durable, resistant to stains and moisture. Laminate floors also will not harbor mildew, mold or allergens. The patterns on the laminate panels are usually repetitive, creating a seamless and elegant look.

VINYL PLANK/TILE:

Vinyl plank/tile is becoming a very popular flooring option. These floors are available in many different styles, ranging from mimicking the look of hardwood to ceramic tile. Vinyl flooring is a sustainable option usually created from recycled products and is available in almost any color.

The real disadvantage of vinyl floors is that it is unlikely that it will be mistaken for the material it is imitating, and it can be cut or gouged by a sharp object.

Many types of vinyl have antibacterial protection added to them to resist bacteria, mold, and mildew. It withstands moisture and is very durable. Vinyl floors are often more comfortable to stand on than most hard surfaces.

CARPET:

Some manufacturers in the carpet industry are minimizing environmental impact by recycling carpet at the end of its life, whether into new carpet or other products such as roofing, shingles, and automotive parts. They make carpet fibers from recycled soda and water bottles. The bottles are sorted, ground into chips, and cleaned; the chips are then melted, extruded into fiber, and spun into carpet yarn.

However, be aware that some carpets can soil easily, and loops can be snagged. Carpet is a relatively high-maintenance floor covering, and it doesn’t last as long as hard surfaces.

Carpet holds heat and deadens sound in a room. It’s slip-resistant, easy to stand on, and great for children to play on. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Carpet can help trap allergens, and some styles are eco-friendly.

 

Choosing products that are going into your home takes time and thought, not only do you have to consider how the product will function in the space, but also how you, other family members, and guests will utilize the space. Use your concerns and desires as a guide to select a flooring option that is most sensitive to those points. For example, if you are worried about allergies or the environment, consider the product that is hypoallergenic and eco-friendly. When you build a home with Eagle Creek Homes, our expert designers will help you make the best decision for your new home, while keeping in mind the things that are important to you.

Written by: Eric DeVries

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