Which type of flooring is best for you?
Flooring is as important to a room as any other furnishing, and with so many options available it's important to know what type of flooring would best suit your room's needs. When installing new flooring, there are three major things that should be taken into consideration:
- Room Function - Which materials work best with the room look and climate? Do you want the flooring to stand out, or blend seamlessly into the background?
- Room Traffic - How much wear and tear can the floor expect? Which materials are the most durable?
- Your Budget - how much time and money can you afford in the installation and maintenance of your floor?
◊ Carpeting - Popular in rooms for its warmth and comfort. Not as common for kitchens, or humid climates, due to trapped moisture and the growth of mildew.
| Pros | Cons | |
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• Warm & comforting • Can be used in most rooms • Easy on your feet • Quiet; acts as a noise barrier • Many styles & colors available • Slip-resistant |
• Best limited to dry climates • Easily collects dirt and moisture • Not good for allergies • Difficult to clean
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◊ Hardwood Flooring - Extremely popular and considered to be a real investment in your home. Can be used almost anywhere. Not suited for bathrooms.
| Pros | Cons | |
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• Wear-resistant • Lasts a long time • Warm, natural look • Easily cleaned and refinished |
• Vulnerable to moisture • Easily dented • May darken with age • Expensive |
◊ Laminate - Durable and able to mimic other materials such as wood or stone, it can be used in virtually any room, but has less value and a shorter life expectancy than natural materials.
| Pros | Cons | |
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• Can be installed over old floors • Vast array of available colors • Can imitate natural wood, stone, & ceramics • Extremely durable • Easy to maintain |
• Cannot be refinished once damaged • May be noisy without underpadding • Can be expensive |
◊ Vinyl - Practical and budget friendly. Especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
| Pros | Cons | |
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• Inexpensive • Durable • Stain & water resistant • Low maintainence • Easy to install |
• Prone to tears & dents • Moisture may lead to mildew & lifting • Some finishes slippery when wet • Unless regularly waxed, finish may dull |
◊ Ceramic Tile - Durable, easily cleaned, and can be used in almost any room.
| Pros | Cons | |
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• Extremely durable • Stain & water resistant • Wide variety of colors & patterns • Usually easy to maintain • Easy for do-it-yourselfers |
• Can be noisy • Cold • Hazardous & slippery when wet • Grout may discolor and accumulate dirt • Difficult to repair once damaged |
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