Choosing the best floor for your budget and lifestyle
I get a lot of questions about flooring. Almost every day someone asks, “I need new flooring in my kitchen (countertop, vanity, kids bathroom, whatever) but I don’t know where to start. How do I sort through all the options?”
Choosing the right flooring is not easy. You may have an idea of the “look” you want, but will the end result be practical, cost-effective and long-lasting? Every room is different, as are our lifestyles, so there is no one recipe that works for all of us. This article will help you by providing a list of questions to ask yourself.
What is the style and function of the room?
Before you begin, take some time to consider how the room will actually be used. How big is the room? What is the level of traffic? Are the children going to play there? Is water damage possible? How much light does the room get?
How sustainable does it have to be?
Choosing the right material is essential if you want your floor to last. Kitchens, bathrooms, mud rooms, and laundry rooms all require flooring that can withstand the torture of water. Hardwood is durable and you can restore it as needed. Wood species differ in hardness, so the level of traffic should determine your choice. Ceramic and stone tiles tend to crack or break if things are dropped on the floor. Laminate comes to mind when looking for durability, and it works great in children’s playrooms and utility rooms. However, it is not an option for those looking for “natural” materials.
How much comfort are you looking for?
Kitchens and bathrooms are spaces where comfort underfoot is important. In winter, isn’t it nice to step out of the shower onto a warm floor? Radiant heat works well with stone and ceramic tile. Remember that bathroom floors can get slippery at times – select polished stone instead of the polished version, and look for tiles with some texture. In children’s rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting is an option, as are playrooms and bedrooms. In the kitchen, hardwood is my favorite, although cork provides even more comfort underfoot, while stone or ceramic tile can be hard on the back. Hardwood is also wonderful in the bedroom – just add a lush, high-pile rug to make your morning landing soft.
What level of maintenance is acceptable?
Ceramic tile, stone, and laminate definitely win in the maintenance department—a broom or vacuum and mop should get the job done.
What about the resale value?
When renovating, always keep in mind what is “expected” of a home in your neighborhood. Quality materials and craftsmanship are always a great investment.
Is the “green factor” important to you?
If so, think stone or reclaimed wood. Cork is another great choice and is the king of renewable materials.
Flats, Arizona
Here is a brief glossary of popular flooring materials. Each one comes in many price points, so you should be able to find one that’s right for your decorating style and budget.
Brick – is coming back. Due to its porous texture, it is easy to dye, so “brick red” is no longer the only option. Great in mud rooms and kitchens, it can continue out onto the patio for a seamless transition outdoors.
Rugs: offers endless possibilities in terms of style, color, pattern and texture. It’s ever-present in our bedrooms, but it’s also making its way into the living room and dining room these days. Silk, wool, wool blends, stain resistant nylon, sisal and grasses – the style and function of a room will determine your choice.
As old as the art of decoration itself, ceramic tiles come in unlimited colors, many shapes and sizes, giving one the opportunity to create a work of art in the home.
Concrete – A great choice for lofts and contemporary spaces, and you can color it to match other elements in the room. Very easy to clean.
Engineered Wood – Becoming increasingly popular these days with many homeowners choosing radiant heat as an alternative to baseboard or forced air systems. It can be installed directly on a concrete base.
Hardwood: Pine, Maple, Hickory, Cherry, Oak, Mahogany, Bamboo, Hickory, Cypress…still dizzy? With over 50 wood species and unlimited stain colors, what to choose? My favorite is dark hardwood. Dark floors make a room appear larger. It also enhances white trim and furniture to make them “pop” beautifully. Lighter floors are more casual and work well in country or coastal style rooms. If you want a lighter effect, there are ways to make wood look almost white: stripping, whitewashing, and whitewashing, to name a few.
Laminate – a quick and inexpensive way to cover floors. The planks fit together and are installed on soft cushioning material so no nails or glue are used. The key is to check how realistic the planks look when put together. Some products look “real” while others scream “fake” even before you walk into the room.
Rugs – A beautiful addition to any room, they go over any hard floor, set the mood and create warmth. It’s easier than ever to get rugs in custom colors, patterns, and sizes, and many companies offer inexpensive ways to create your own look.
Stone – a beautiful and classic option. After selecting your stone, you still have to decide: polished, honed or rounded?