Deciding on the type of flooring material to install in a new property is one of the most important decisions one will have to make. Aside from being the primary visual design factor, it must withstand foot traffic and match other home design factors. For this reason, we want to help you by exploring five trending options today so that you can narrow the best choice for you.
1. Tiles
Tile is among the most popular option for many because it offers more visual designs. Today, tiles are mainly available in natural stone, porcelain, and ceramic. Furthermore, tiles offer custom cut benefits and different configuration while installing. Tiles come in different surface texture that ranges between smooth to highly textured rustic surfaces. Its mortar can help enhance visual elements since they are available in various colors. Tiles are extremely durable and water-resistant, making it a great flooring option for high traffic areas like the bathrooms and kitchen.
2. Laminate
Laminates are a designer’s dream material because it has the ability to mimic different types of materials, surfaces, and texture. This gives homeowners the power to match or create almost any desired theme. Furthermore, it is among the most cost-effective option compared to many others on the market. Unlike hardwood flooring, laminate can be installed in rooms with high exposure to water or high humidity, such as the bathroom, kitchen, or basement. This is made possible due to its characteristics of being durable, and not staining easily. This makes cleaning (sweeping or vacuuming, or using a damp mop) a breeze.
3. Hardwood
Hardwood is another popular option for many, and they are available in various styles and textures. This allows homeowners to create everything from an antique to a bright contemporary theme. It all depends on the type of wood and pattern one prefers to use. For high traffic areas, it is wise to use hardwood (harder variety) or if you have kids or pets, who will put the flooring to the test.
Hardwood floors can be laid in different patterns, such as formal parquet style squares, wider planks, and thin strips. You have different options such as cherry, maple, and oak, which are the most popular hardwood on the market today.
4. Carpeting
Carpets are either made from either manufactured or natural fibers. The most common natural fiber is wool, which does not only offer a luxurious look but also helps ward off allergens with its natural hypoallergenic properties. However, a majority of wall-to-wall carpets are made from manufactured fiber for durability. Many manufactured fibers include polypropylene (olefin), polyester, and nylon.
5. Vinyl
The best thing about vinyl is that it can be purchased in planks, tiles, or sheets and offers homeowners more options while keeping the installation requirements to a minimum. They come in various shapes of gloss or matte finishes for various design options. Unlike tile, laminate, or hardwood, vinyl can help soften a room acoustically. It is ideal for rooms, like the kitchen, where durable and waterproof materials are needed.
Its soft and cushioning surfaces also help prevent glasses and dishes from breaking when dropped. If prepared properly, vinyl can be installed over almost any dry flat surface for a more durable option. Its flexibility or adaptive characteristic cannot be matched with other options. Due to advancements in technology, material, and manufacturing, today, vinyl does not demand waxing like it was a few years ago. Therefore, cleaning is easy, and traditional cleaning methods can be used. This is made possible by its moisture repelling characteristic, which makes it an ideal option for humid rooms such as the basement, bathroom, and even kitchen.
