There are so many options for flooring, so little time to find the right one that looks good, feels great, and lasts.
No worries. No worries. We have a handy list of do’s and don’ts.
Style
DO: Take into consideration the layout of your home. Do you have an open floor plan? You can create a consistent appearance by using the same flooring in all areas.
DON’T: Don’t forget about the architectural integrity of your home. Your home should reflect your personal style. These floor designs are amazing. When it comes time to sell, remember to keep your home true to its original style.
Tip: Hardwood floors offer the best option for securing your home.
Hardwood is an architectural style that works for everyone. Hardwood is equally at home in contemporary and classic homes. It will be a wise investment that you and your potential buyers will not regret.
It is practical and beautiful. Hardwood is strong enough to be used in the kitchen, but it adds a warm and traditional touch.
Durability
DO: Pay attention to the climate of your area. A floor’s life expectancy can be reduced by humid and damp conditions. Hardwood can, for example, warp.
DON’T: Don’t underestimate wear and tear, depending on the location where you plan to install new flooring. You can drop a glass jar of ceramic tile on it and it will chip. Heavy foot traffic can cause damage to plush carpeting.
Tip: Concrete floors can be hardy and attractive if properly sealed.
Concrete is resistant to water, stains and odors. Concrete is also resistant to mold and mildew.
It can take a beating, so there are no worries about daily wear and tear.
Concrete floors are energy-saving because they can keep your home’s heat and cool.
What’s the icing on top? You can paint it to look like tile or wood.
Comfort and Air Quality
Do consider comfortable flooring materials, especially in areas where you spend a lot time standing such as the kitchen.
Don’t: You can contribute to household air pollution. For up to 72 hours, both traditional vinyl flooring and newly-installed carpets can emit high levels VOCs.
Tip: Cork hits the comfort and environmental-friendly trifecta.
It’s great for your feet (think kitchens), and it can help to soften the impact of little falls (think basements or family rooms, children’s rooms) because of microscopic air pockets which give the material its cushiness.
Cork is great for indoor health. Cork is resistant to bacteria and fungi, and won’t retain dust or pollen. Avoid cork-vinyl compounds and low- or zero-formaldehyde VOCs. How can you achieve this? You should look for cork flooring products that have been certified by Floorscore, Greenguard or are low-emitting. If you are using an adhesive or sealer, make sure it is low-VOC.
It is sustainably harvested. Cork oak bark is used to make cork flooring. The bark of the tree grows back so it is kept standing.
Tip: Cork should be sealed every few years to protect it against any standing water. It is water resistant, but not waterproof.
Carpets have become more durable thanks to new fiber technologies. It is important to choose and maintain the right carpet for you home and your lifestyle. High-traffic areas will benefit from dense carpets with a shorter pile height (e.g., less than half an inch).
DO NOT: If you have allergies, don’t think carpet is out of the question. Numerous studies have shown that carpet does not cause asthma or worsen allergies.
According to a Spanish study, carpet traps particulates like dust and dander and can be used as a filter to provide relief for some people.
Regular vacuuming and using a mat to remove dirt from your home can help keep your carpets clean for many years. This will also preserve your air quality.