Flooring is one of the most important decisions when remodeling your home. It affects both the look and function of each room.
As innovation brought in new materials, flooring styles and installation options expanded. Today, homeowners have many choices in floor coverings that range from traditional hardwood to eco-friendly laminate. For more information, click the Visit Website to proceed.
Wood floors were a popular choice during the housing boom of 2000 through 2005 when home values rose significantly and people could afford to remodel. Wood flooring can add a rich, traditional look to any space. It is durable, timeless and easy to clean. The natural material of wood can be stained or painted to complement any decor.
The type of wood flooring chosen depends on a number of factors, including price, hardness and color. Harder woods are more expensive, but they can withstand a greater degree of damage from furniture and other household items. A wood floor’s hardness is determined by its Janka hardness rating. This is based on how much force is required to push a steel ball halfway into the wood. Maple and hickory have the highest Janka ratings, while southern yellow pine and other softwoods have lower ones.
Once the hardwood is harvested, it is dried in a kiln or by air before being milled into boards. The boards are either packed unfinished for a site-finished installation or prefinished at the factory. Factory-finished wood has a higher quality finish and can be refinished more easily than a site-finished floor.
Besides being a beautiful, durable flooring material, solid wood is also environmentally friendly and renewable. It is considered a sustainable building material and earns points under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program, a green construction rating system. It is also easier to recycle than other flooring materials.
In addition, many manufacturers offer reclaimed wood, which adds a unique touch to the room. It can include character marks such as scars, gouges and knot holes. Reclaimed wood is available in a variety of species and finishes.
If you prefer the look of natural wood, you can choose to have your floor finished with a natural oil, hardwax or urethane. Natural oils penetrate deep into the wood and are repairable, but require more frequent reapplication. Hardwax and urethanes form a tough protective coating over the surface of the wood and are easier to refinish, but they do not protect as well against damage from furniture or pets.
Tile
Tile flooring is a versatile and beautiful option that works well in any room of the house. It’s especially popular in kitchens, bathrooms and foyers, but many homes use it in bedrooms and living areas as well. It’s extremely durable, easy to clean, and comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns. It’s also far more resistant to dirt and staining than carpet or solid wood floors.
There are so many ways to use tile to create a unique floor design, from creating a simple layout to incorporating intricate mosaics that highlight a focal point. You can even add texture to your floors with herringbone, basketweave or chevron patterns. There’s also no end to the ways you can mix and match tile styles, sizes, and colors to create a one-of-a-kind look.
Tile is often less expensive than other flooring materials. Its durability makes it a great choice for high traffic areas and rooms that receive a lot of water like bathrooms, laundry rooms and entryways. It’s also a good choice for families with kids or pets as it can withstand heavy foot traffic, spills and accidents without showing much wear.
Most tiles are made from natural clay and minerals, fired at extreme temperatures to make them tough and long-lasting. Because of this, they’re also environmentally friendly. They don’t release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air like carpet or synthetic carpets do, and cleaning them is a breeze.
Unlike carpet, which requires special padding to absorb shock, tile is relatively soft underfoot and provides a cushioned feel. It’s also easier to keep clean and is a great option for people with allergies or respiratory issues. It doesn’t harbor dust, pollen, pet dander and other allergens like fabric can, and a quick vacuum removes the particles. Additionally, it’s easy to wipe down with a damp mop or cloth to keep it looking new. This is why buyers tend to favor tile over other types of flooring. They know that they can expect a high return on their investment when it’s time to sell.
Laminate
Laminate floors offer homeowners a stylish, tough and affordable alternative to natural materials such as wood or stone. They are constructed of multiple layers that are fused together and topped with a clear coat for durability. The result is a durable floor that is easy to clean and resists moisture, stains and scratches.
The base layer is usually made of a plastic resin to provide water resistance. The core is a thick inner layer of high density compressed wood fiberboard that provides strength and support. The decorative layer is a high quality printed image that gives the floor its look and can replicate the appearance of hardwood, stone or a variety of other designs. This layer is often backed by aluminum oxide and melamine to give it added strength and durability.
These layers are fused together with heat and pressure to form a solid piece of flooring. The planks lock together without the need for glue, allowing them to be installed over most existing subfloors, including concrete. They are also easy to repair if the need arises.
If you choose to install laminate over concrete, it is a good idea to use an underlayment that has an in-built damp proof membrane to prevent moisture and movement from damaging the flooring and the subfloor. It is also a good idea to lay a plastic barrier over the concrete to help keep moisture away from the flooring.
Like other types of flooring, you need to keep your laminate floors clean to maintain their beauty and extend their lifespan. You can use a mop and warm water to wipe the floors regularly. Then, make sure to dry the floors as quickly as possible to avoid moisture damage. It is also advisable to place doormats at entrances to stop sand and dirt particles from scratching the surface of the floor. Avoid using harsh scouring devices or cleaning products as these can wear down the surface of your laminate floors. If you do need to clean your laminate flooring, try a simple solution of warm water and vinegar.
Vinyl
Whether you’re looking for a flooring solution that can stand up to heavy foot traffic or something that’s resistant to moisture, vinyl is a good option. It comes in flexible sheets that can be cut to fit the floor area, and you can choose from an almost limitless number of patterns and styles – from timeless and realistic to more playful designs.
It’s also one of the most affordable flooring options on the market. For those with children or pets, it’s a great choice since the surface is easy to clean and can withstand spills and scratches. It’s even available in a range of different colours and patterns, so you can match it to your decor scheme.
Vinyl is also durable and long-lasting. It can last for 10 to 20 years or more, depending on the quality of the material and the thickness of the wear layer. It can resist scuffs and marks from furniture legs and cabinets, but you should still use furniture pads or place area rugs over your vinyl to protect it. If the room gets a lot of sunlight, you should opt for a vinyl with built-in UV protection to avoid discolouration over time.
While there are many reasons to love this versatile and hardwearing material, it’s important to keep in mind that vinyl is made with PVC – a petrochemical product derived from petroleum, which is a finite resource. It’s also made using a variety of chemicals during manufacturing and production, which can have a negative environmental impact and may affect your health through a process known as off-gassing (similar to that new car smell).
To reduce these concerns, you can look for vinyl products that are low in volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. These are the chemicals that emit into your home and cause a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, and long-term breathing issues. It’s also a good idea to consider how you’ll be installing your vinyl – a professional installation will help you get the best results from this tough material.
