Home Improvement: Choosing the Right Floor

You’ve finally realized that the floor you’ve been walking on for the last ten or fifteen years has served its purpose and it’s time to get something new. The options are almost endless, so where do you start? To quote famed architect Louis Sullivan, “form follows function,” which is a fancy way of saying that appearance depends on what it’s supposed to do.

First the room, then the floor
Let’s start with the room for which you are planning your new floor. Some rooms are easier than others. Flooring for your entryway, living room, bedrooms, and hallways can be anything that works with your decor and design. Rugs are most often preferred in bedrooms, especially children’s rooms and in colder climates. If you’re looking for bathrooms, something waterproof and easy to clean is your best bet, especially if you have very young children. Kitchens are in the same category as bathrooms, but since they are often the hub of activity and the center of many designs, your flooring choice is much more critical. As we look at the different options, you’ll start to get some ideas about which surface is best suited for your needs.

Carpeting
Carpet has lost some of its popularity to hard-surface flooring in the last ten to fifteen years, but it’s still a strong competitor. From cut hair to berber, frieze and even commercial, the options are plentiful even before you get to color. The rug softens the look of a room and keeps bare feet protected from cold winter mornings. Playrooms and children’s bedrooms benefit from the excellent cushioning and soundproofing qualities of rugs.

hardwood floors
Hardwood floors have a look that never goes out of style, but they can have a serious impact on your budget. Like all hard surface floors, they will require daily maintenance. Wood flooring in bathrooms is definitely not recommended. If you like the look of wood but don’t like the price, consider laminate. The technology behind this floor has improved a lot over the last decade. There are some markings that cannot be distinguished from actual wood unless examined very closely. Another advantage of laminate flooring is that it is quite easy to install. Handy homeowners can save money on installation by doing it themselves. There are some brands that have good water resistance, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Ceramic tile and stone floors
For the best combination of wear and beauty, tile and stone is hard to beat. Tiles come in all colors of the rainbow, and some mimic natural stone very well. Grout can be tedious to keep clean, so dark colors and regular sealing are recommended. Natural stone has a beauty unmatched by any other surface. Due to the fact that most stones are very porous, sealing is very important. Some stones are very soft (such as marble), so get a professional opinion when choosing your floor. Tile and stone can be installed on your own, but large areas, large sizes and vertical applications are best left to the professionals.

Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is generally the most cost effective flooring available to the homeowner. Although less expensive, there are some brands and styles that are so similar to wood, stone, and tile that you have to touch them to tell the difference. Vinyl is an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic areas due to its ease of cleaning and water resistance. Like tile, vinyl installation can be a do-it-yourself project, but large areas and seams are best done by professionals.

Start with the room, add usage and lifestyle, and then work toward your budget-driven design goals. With all the options available to you, there is sure to be a flooring option that scores highly in almost every category. Do your research and get recommendations from friends and professionals. After that, happy shopping.