Home Decor – Garden, Kitchen, Bedroom, and Bathroom Decor

Home design is all about making choices, from the structure of the home to minute details like finishes and accessories. But when it comes to flooring, even experts have trouble working out their choices. Manufacturers roll out new floor styles all the time, and there are now as many flooring materials as there are design themes. How do you know which floors will work best for your home, both visually and functionally?

Obviously, this isn’t a decision you make overnight. Remember, your floors will have to withstand daily wear and tear, not to mention the occasional spills, stains, and falls. Take into account your lifestyle, budget, and the amount of time you’re willing to spend on maintaining it. Below are some of the most common flooring materials, their pros and cons, and what they can do for your home.

Wood

Most people immediately think of wood when they think of their dream floors. Wood floors give you the image of a grand ancestral house brimming with history and character. No wonder it’s one of the most sought-after flooring materials around. But environmentalists have given it a bad rap for depleting the forests, and many people are put off by its high price tag.

So why choose wood flooring? For those who do own wood floors, the reasons are obvious: it’s elegant, it goes with everything, and it’s fairly durable. Wood comes in different shades and grains, so it’s not too hard to match it with your home décor. And if you’re concerned about the environmental impact, you can always opt for reclaimed wood—wood obtained from damaged structures and reconditioned to work like new.

Laminate

Often dubbed the poor man’s wood, laminate flooring is a popular alternative for people who can’t afford genuine hardwood floors. Laminate is made from sheets of kraft board or recycled chips glued together to form a dense, solid core. The top layer is a photographic print usually made to resemble natural materials, such as wood or stone. Each plank is coated with urethane or some other protective seal for added durability.

The best thing about laminate floors is that they go with most sub-floors, as long as they’re flat and even. If you want to install laminate flooring, make sure to even out any bumps underneath. Otherwise, the weight won’t be evenly distributed on some planks, making them prone to cracks. You may also want to consider professional installation if you’re a beginner, since small mistakes can lead to expensive damage later on.

Stone

Stone has been used for flooring for centuries. In fact, most people associate stone floors with beautiful medieval homes, sprawling rooms, and rich, elegant furniture. But its most attractive feature is its durability. Stone is impervious to most forms of damage, from cracks and dents to high impact and extreme temperatures. Even with minor maintenance, a stone floor can easily outlast the home itself.

Natural stone floors are still among the most expensive floor types, but modern manufacturing has made them more available. If you’re on a budget, one thing you can do is go for engineered stone, which is made from recycled stone chips pressed together to make tiles. It’s still made of real stone, but since manufacturing is cheaper, you can get it for a much lower price without compromising quality.

Tiles

When it comes to value for the dollar, tiles definitely rank high on the list. For as little as $1 per square foot, you can have a sturdy, stylish floor that perfectly suits your décor. The only thing you’ll have to worry about is cracking, as some tiles will easily crack on impact. If you have heavy objects that can fall down on the tile, consider using smaller tiles to better handle the weight.

Most people use ceramic tile, but there are other tile flooring choices you can choose from. Mosaic tiles offer a wide variety of colors, while terra cotta tiles have a rustic, earthy feel perfect for country homes. If you’re trying to go green, recycled glass tiles may also be an option. Other popular types include terrazzo (stone with decorative patterns), porcelain, and stainless steel.

Resilient

Resilient flooring refers to a group of materials known for being cheap, durable, and low-maintenance. This includes linoleum, vinyl, rubber, and cork. Some companies also consider laminate a resilient floor, but its structure and installation sets it apart from other materials. Resilient floors come in either tiles or rolls, and can be installed by beginners in as little as one day.

Resilient floors can be made to look like any material, so you don’t have to worry about staying in style. Some designs are so realistic you can’t even tell they’re vinyl unless you peel them off! If you’re a beginner, go for resilient tiles instead of rolls. They’re much easier to install and repair, and it’s easier to cut them to fit smaller corners.

Tags: why choose wood flooring | why choose wood flooring | tile flooring choices | tile flooring choices | natural stone floors | natural stone floors | laminate floors | laminate floors | flooring

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This entry was posted on Friday, February 27th, 2009 at 3:45 pm and is filed under Bedroom designs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.