Most of the time, we barely give it a thought, walk all over it, and hate cleaning it. What am I talking about? Floors. When you’re planning a renovation, flooring is often treated as an afterthought. But let’s change that! Here are some things you should know about flooring options available to you in 2024.
Renovating your home is a chance to create the space you’ve always dreamed of. One of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is choosing the right flooring. The last thing you want is for your dream renovation to turn into a nightmare because of a poor flooring choice. Flooring sets the foundation for your home’s style and aesthetic. Whether you’re drawn to the sleek look of matte hardwood floors, the luxurious feel of wide plank hardwood, or the European charm of tile, your choice matters. Maybe you prefer the cozy warmth of carpet, but even then, what lies beneath is important too. Today, homeowners have more flooring options than ever, each with their own impacts on the final look of your space and your budget.
Before you narrow down your flooring options, think about the area you’re renovating and keep these considerations in mind:
Let’s take a deeper look at some of great flooring options you can choose from when renovating your home to give it a fresh, new look.
Hardwood Flooring
If you have the budget and are aiming for a timeless, classic look, hardwood flooring is hard to beat. As the name suggests, hardwood is incredibly durable and comes in a wide range of styles, from modern to traditional.
However, there are a few downsides to consider. The biggest would be the cost. Hardwood is more expensive than other flooring options, both in terms of the material and the installation. Additionally, it will inevitably get scratched over time, necessitating regular oiling and maintenance. Initially, some light wear can add character, but eventually, you’ll need to sand and refinish your hardwood floor to restore its natural beauty. This process can be quite disruptive, as it is time-consuming and messy. It’s also worth noting that hardwood isn’t the best choice for areas with high humidity or a high risk of spills, such as kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood is basically a high-quality laminate where the top layer is a thicker piece of actual wood, which makes it more durable. It’s cleverly crafted and sandwiched with materials like wood fiber, plywood, or even plastic, to prevent warping, expansion, and cracking, all while keeping costs in check.
Installing engineered hardwood brings a more luxurious look to any room, blending affordability with lasting durability. Its moisture-blocking capabilities ensure it lasts even longer. With a wide range of designs and colors to choose from, engineered hardwood has become a go-to choice for renovations in homes and condos alike.
Laminate Flooring
If you’re working with a tighter budget, laminate flooring can be a fantastic choice. It’s designed to be low maintenance, plus it’s both waterproof and scratch-resistant.
While laminate gives you the appearance of real wood, it isn’t actually wood, which is why some people prefer to pay more to have the natural wood in their home. However, many homeowners choose laminate for their home renovations because it’s affordable and comes in a wide range of designs.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring, also known as engineered vinyl flooring, is a great budget-friendly option that mimics the look of wood or stone without the same higher cost. Made from synthetic materials, it’s water-resistant and perfect for any room, especially kitchens and bathrooms.
Plus, it’s super easy to maintain and can last a really long time if you take good care of it. It’s also a great choice for anyone with allergies since it doesn’t trap dust and allergens like carpet or real wood can.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a refined choice that adds a touch of luxury to upscale homes. Its natural insect repellency, insulating qualities, and soft feel underfoot make it a unique option for special areas in your home. However, cork isn’t as durable as some other flooring options and can be prone to damage, especially in homes with small children or pets.
While its natural beauty is appealing, cork doesn’t offer the wide range of colors and finishes that other flooring choices do. Homeowners should fully understand these characteristics to make an informed decision, as cork is often best suited for specific or unique spaces.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is a fantastic option for kitchens and bathrooms, thanks to its natural water-resistant qualities. Whether you go for ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone, you can choose from a wide range of colors and styles to match your décor. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice that can last for decades with the right care. Plus, it’s a great option for allergy sufferers, as it doesn’t trap allergens like carpet does.
However, tile can feel cold underfoot, can be pricey to install, and the grout requires regular upkeep, which can get messy and add to the cost. Despite these drawbacks, tile remains a durable, versatile, and long-lasting choice, providing a water-resistant flooring solution that’s perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, unlike hardwood.
Carpet
Carpet is a cozy and stylish flooring choice that brings warmth and insulation to any room. With a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, you can find something to match your style, whether it’s made from synthetic or natural materials. The softness and cushioning of carpet make it perfect for bedrooms and living rooms, adding a touch of comfort underfoot. However, it can be a bit more challenging to keep clean, especially with kids and pets around. Carpets tend to trap allergens, so they might not be the best option for those with allergies. Additionally, they aren’t as durable as other flooring types and will need professional cleaning over time.
Before you lay down new carpet, it’s important to ensure the floor beneath is ready. Fix any structural issues or loose boards beforehand, especially if you have squeaky floorboards or any springiness. You don’t want to feel gaps, ridges, or nails through your new carpet. Typically, structural floors made of plywood or strip flooring need a hard underlay to provide a flat, smooth surface for the carpet.
One last thing to consider when choosing flooring is the location. For the main floors and upper levels of your home, you can go with almost any type of flooring, but tiles are best kept to bathrooms, kitchens, and entranceways. When it comes to basements, we simply can’t recommend engineered vinyl flooring enough.
Basements are usually the coldest rooms in the house and often house HVAC systems, leading to significant temperature and humidity changes. Vinyl is excellent at resisting warping, cracking, and moisture, and it comes in such a wide variety of colors and textures that you don’t have to compromise on the look you are going for.
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