Choosing which type of material to use on floors can be quite a problem for many. Remember that each type of flooring material has its own pros and cons.
Hence, every homeowner should base decisions on the strengths and weakness of various floor materials, as well as where they are to be installed.
Living Room Floor
Hardwood is probably the best material to use on this room because it is stylish, warm to the feet, and blends really well with island carpets, rugs, and furniture. In addition, cleaning it is not as hard as compared to carpet.
The only drawback from using hardwood is its cost. If the living room receives too much traffic on a daily basis, consider installing tiles as alternative.
Kitchens and Bathrooms Floor
The water resistant qualities of tile make it the perfect candidate for bathroom and kitchen flooring. Tile is quite durable, cost-effective, and not easily damaged. It is also very easy to clean and maintain. There are many designs, colors, and patterns of tiles to choose from.
However, they can also be cold to the touch and difficult to repair if cracked. Good alternatives to tiles include marble, granite, porcelain and slate.
Bedroom Flooring
The bedroom is a low-traffic area, which means that the flooring does not have to be low maintenance. Hence, a good recommendation for this room is a carpet.
This material is very comfortable to walk on and can provide a cozier atmosphere to the room. The price of a carpet depends on its quality, but it is more affordable as compared to most types of floors.
Although newer carpets have a much better resistance to stain, it is still best to be very careful when handling drinks, especially coffee.
In addition, be sure to vacuum the floor regularly. Dust and other pieces of debris can get lodged deep within the fibers. As for alternatives, hardwood and vinyl floors will do.
Foyers and Corridors
High traffic areas such as corridors and foyers need to have strong floor material. In this case, laminate is a good choice because it looks like real wood, does not easily scratch or stain, and very durable.
In addition, it is more affordable than hardwood or natural stone. Nonetheless, it can be susceptible to water damage. For alternatives, consider concrete, natural stone, or porcelain tiles.
Flooring Recommendations
Before deciding in which flooring material to use, think about the following factors: price, durability, and design. Consider the factors that contribute to damage as well.
Moisture, for example is common in bathrooms and kitchens. Hence wooden floors are not really good options in these areas.