Whether you are building a new house or simply remodeling an existing property, the type of flooring that you install in your home is important. Not only does it play a role in determining your home’s value but it also determines its appearance. There are different types of flooring options which are suitable for different rooms.
For instance, flooring options for bathrooms and laundry rooms need to be water-resistant and easy to maintain. On the other hand, flooring options for high traffic areas need to be durable as well as resistant to wear and tear. That best thing about flooring materials is that they are available in various types. Additionally, you can install more than one type in your home. This article reviews some of the best flooring ideas and their costs.
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Hardwood and Bamboo
It’s the best flooring ideas that most renters and home buyers love. Hardwood is normally used in areas with high traffic and those that are frequently exposed to water. It’s available in forms such as engineered and solid or unfinished and prefinished.
Pros
- Suitable for wet areas and those that experience high traffic
- Comes in a wide range of options
- Easy to install
Cons
- It’s expensive to maintain
- Prone to wear and tear
Average Cost: The installation cost for hardwood flooring ranges between $5 and $8.
Ceramic or Tile
Ceramic is one of the best flooring ideas for bedrooms. However, it can also be used in laundry rooms, entryways, hallways, and kitchen. It’s a versatile flooring option that comes in different styles and colors. It’s a durable type of flooring that’s easy to maintain.
Pros
- Durable and easy to maintain
- Comes in a variety of styles and colors
- Suitable for wet areas
Cons
- High chances of slipping if the ceramic tile is wet
- The installation process of ceramic is labor-intensive
- It needs a base
Average Cost: The average installation cost of ceramic tile is $5.
Laminate
If you can’t afford hardwood flooring, then this is the best alternative. Laminate flooring usually consists of resin and pulp. It has the ability to mimic most hardwood styles including cherry, wide-plank pine, and maple. This flooring consists of medium density fiberboard, a photo layer, and finishing that’s made of thick polymer.
Pros
- Stain and moisture resistant
- Suitable for living areas
- It makes mid and low range properties look attractive
Cons
- It’s not possible to repair laminate
- May chip off or swell if it’s exposed to too much moisture
- Not suitable for bathrooms
Average Cost: The installation cost of laminate flooring is between $2 and $8 per square foot.
Carpet
This is one of the favorite options for many homeowners. Carpets are easy to install and they also look great. They are mostly used in family, living, and bedrooms because they are soft, comfy, and quiet. Furthermore, they are suitable for multi-story homes.
Pros
- Soft and warm
- Easy to install
- Fits in upper-level rooms
Cons
- Not suitable for kitchens and bathrooms
- Prone to permanent damage if exposed to pets and stains
Average Cost: The cost of carpet flooring ranges between $7 and $12 square foot.
Vinyl and Linoleum
Although these two are different materials, they are considered to be resilient types of flooring. Linoleum and vinyl are normally installed as sheet forms, tiles, or planks. They are suitable for areas with high traffic such as the bathroom, laundry room, entryways, kitchen, and the dining room.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Available in a wide range of styles and colors
- Resilient materials that are suitable for high-traffic areas
Cons
- Vinyl can easily get punctures from sharp objects
- Linoleum can be affected by high moisture content
- Linoleum flooring emits installation odor which can last for a couple of days or weeks.
Average Cost: The average installation cost of linoleum and vinyl flooring is $2 and $3square foot.
Cork
Although cork isn’t among the top two types of flooring, it’s definitely great. It’s one of the best types of flooring that uses renewable resources which are mainly from the bark of the cork oak tree. It’s very versatile and can be used as planks or tiles.
Pros
- Obtained from natural resources
- Helps to reduce impact resistance that’s to its easily compressible nature
- Easy to maintain. It requires some form of damp mopping, sweeping or vacuuming but occasionally.
- Contains interesting patterns of grain
Cons
- Easily get damaged under intense pressure points
- May swell when exposed to too much water
- It can fade if it’s exposed to direct sunlight
Average Cost: Installing a square foot of cork ranges between $3 and $8.
Things to Consider for When Choosing Flooring
Installing the right type of floor will help to increase your home’s value. Additionally, it makes the cleaning and maintenance process easier. Whether it’s a new property you’re constructing or you’re remodeling an old house, some of the things that you should consider when choosing a flooring type include:
Durability
This is one of the top factors that you should consider. Choose a flooring with material that’s long-lasting. Note that areas which receive so much friction i.e. the kitchen, bathroom, and entryways should be made with tougher materials.
Appearance
While durability matters, appearance is also important. If you wish to sell your home later, use some dramatic flooring that will appeal to buyers. You can install cultured stone or an exotic type of marble for uniqueness. Additionally, you can use the rare species off hardwood, colorful carpets, or tiles with artistic patterns.
Ease of Installation
There are various custom cuttings which normally take weeks to complete the full installation process. However, using flooring types such as carpet, sheet vinyl, or laminate usually takes less than a day for each room.
Maintenance
Different types of flooring have different unique maintenance requirements. Natural hardwood, for instance, needs maintenance once per decade. Tile, on the other hand, needs constant polishing and cleaning every other month in order to clear the accumulated grout from daily use.
The Bottom Line
If you are thinking of installing flooring in your home, your budget and personal needs will determine what’s suitable for you. The design of various flooring options includes different materials, sizes, and colors. But before you commit to a flooring type, consider its benefits, installation cost, maintenance, and the disadvantages.
Sources
- https://www.moneycrashers.com/best-home-flooring-ideas-and-options/
- https://theconstructor.org/building/types-of-flooring-materials-uses-building/16992/
- https://www.academia.edu/15452141/FLOORING_Building_Material_and_Building_Construction
- https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/workplace-hazards/slips-trips-and-falls/floorground-surfaces/flooring-types-characteristics-and-applications
