Photos of Renovated Floorings

Flooring Design and Style

The type of flooring you use is quite possibly one of the biggest and most difficult decisions you can possibly make regarding a home. The right type can make your house sellable to some and unappealing to others. Price, durability, and ease of cleaning need to be carefully considered when making a flooring decision. There are all sorts of different materials available, but let's examine some of the more popular flooring choices.

Carpeting

Carpeting is an instant go-to in flooring. It's soft, comfortable, and gives a generally welcoming feeling to you when you come home from work every day. Many types of fibers are available and each has its own pros and cons, making carpeting quite versatile in a number of different areas. Reference our article on carpeting to get a better idea of what should be considered.

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain and ceramic is an especially popular option for kitchens and bathrooms. It's rather inexpensive, extremely durable, and easy to keep clean. Porcelain is a little difficult to install, so you should expect a higher initial cost compared to some other flooring options. Its overall toughness also makes it difficult to walk or stand on, making it unsuitable for living areas and bedrooms.

Hardwood

Hardwood is another option that has been growing exponentially in popularity for the past several years. Though it does cost a great deal and requires trained specialists to install, making initial costs staggering, hardwood is just as durable as ceramic tiling and is just as easy to clean. Hardwood floors are excellent for living areas and entry ways, providing a suitable alternative to families who want to switch out their old carpeting for something a bit more stylish (as well as hypoallergenic).

Bamboo

If you want to go for a natural look, you cannot beat bamboo. Bamboo flooring is just like hardwood regarding durability and cost. However, it is a bit easier to keep clean and is also a popular alternative for environmentally conscious homeowners, as bamboo is a renewable resource. It does have its flaws, however, as it is highly susceptible to heat and sunlight, which causes the colors to fade. The adhesive used to secure the flooring releases Volatile Organic Compounds, or VOCs, into the air, making it a fire hazard. It is also susceptible to water damage.

Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is the go-to option for families on a budget. It is very cheap and easy to install. It's also quite versatile, as it is more flexible than the other options and can be either nailed or glued to the floor. However, like bamboo, its adhesive releases VOCs. Vinyl is also very weak to sharp objects despite being water resistant. Bathrooms would benefit greatly from vinyl flooring as a result of this trait.

There are many other options available if you want to install new flooring. Contacting a designer can help you make the right decision in order to increase your home's value without straining your budget too much.