Deciding to change the flooring in your home is a common home improvement project. Maybe you're switching to hard surface flooring because of allergies or opting for carpet in a cold room. No matter what flooring project you are planning on tackling there are 6 things you should consider before installing the first square foot.
1) How Much Footfall Do You Have in that Room?
Flooring choices are often based on traffic patterns. Not only will how much traffic help determine the type and quality of flooring installed, the type of traffic comes into play as well. Are those traveling across the floor wearing shoes or going barefoot? Are there pets passing through? How often and at what time of day do people travel on this floor and is that consistent all year round? These traffic patterns will help you determine the best choice in flooring for your home.
2) When Would Your Next Home Makeover be Due?
One carpet retailer put it this way - if you will want to change out your carpet in five to seven years choose a lower quality line and save your money. However, if this isn't the case be sure to invest in something that has more longevity and durability.
3) How Much Time Do You Have for Flooring Care and Maintenance?
Who wants to spend more time than they need to on home maintenance? Choose a style of flooring that is easy to take care of and doesn't require any special equipment. Hard surface flooring is good for removing dust and debris quickly with a dry broom, while a carpet can be deep cleaned to look like new. Also, decide whether you want to invest in stain guard applications and any other premium additions that will drive the final cost of the bill even higher.
4) Could You Use Extra Comfort?
Flooring in your home is the cushion that holds you up. It acts as a table at times, a bed at other times, and is always the stage of day-to-day life. You need a style and brand that offers the most comfort for you. Underpad is a large factor in this and can make the difference between a truly soft, bouncy floor and a dense, dull one. Underpad also offers protection in areas of moisture and can be an added insulation against the cold. The grade and type of padding you choose will make a big difference to the finish feel of your flooring project.
5) What Are the Surroundings?
Decor It is important that your flooring coordinate well with the surroundings. While not generally a focal point of the decor, your flooring offers an important backdrop to many other elements. Safety is another factor and some items found in the surrounding decor will limit your choice. A wood stove or fireplace, for instance, will require a non-combustible surface within a certain distance of the appliance. Tiles and other stone works well in these circumstances. If you're renovating a baby's room, softer solutions like carpet are often the wisest choice.
Whether you are deciding between types of flooring, grades, colors and patterns there are plenty of decisions with a flooring project. Be sure to take all of these things into account and your chosen flooring will be ideal for the circumstances and style of your home.
Posted by: TrustedProsSuggested Reading For You
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