Last updated on April 12th, 2022
You’ll have to agrree that floors are the foundation of a room, be it structurally or aesthetically and different rooms call for different types of floors. Jumping right to the point, here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing the floor material for any room of your home:
● Budget: No matter how beautiful a material might look, there are always some inexpensive variants that look just as great. Have a fixed budget in mind before you commit to buying the material.
● Ease of cleaning and maintenance: Many rooms, such as the kitchen and the bathrooms, require materials that can be cleaned easily and frequently. Any material that stains easily will simply not be practical for such rooms.
● Look and feel: The floors must be coherent with the overall design aesthetic of the room. The floor is another opportunity to add to the beauty of a space.
● Durability: How often are you willing to floor a room? Are you easily bored and will want to change up the look every few years? Or do you want a floor that will last you decades?
Once you have answered these questions, you will have a clear idea of the flooring most suitable for your needs. And now that you’re ready with the basics, here’s our take on what choosing different kinds of flooring materials for your home entails.
1. Natural Stone
Natural stones such as marble and granite are luxurious options for bedroom and living room floors. The problem with natural stones is obvious – they stain very easily. Any spill must be cleaned immediately, otherwise, it sets. Natural stones also need to be periodically sealed to ensure that they don’t stain. The royal look also comes at a hefty price. That said, these floors are aesthetically unmatched and will last you a lifetime.
2. Tiles
The appeal of tiles lies in the ease of installation and the affordable price tag. They are the best choice for kitchen and bathrooms because they are easy to clean. They come in a myriad of colors and designs. Tiles may be ceramic or vitrified. Vitrified tiles have a glassy look, whereas ceramic tiles tend to have a matte finish. Vitrified tiles are stronger and easier to maintain, whereas ceramic tiles look more natural. Ceramic tiles are also more affordable in comparison.
3. Hardwood
Wooden floors are ageless. They look stylish forever. Their initial cost is high, but they can last a lifetime. Be careful, though-wood is sensitive to temperature and humidity fluctuations and can warp. Ensure that the floor options you choose are termite-proof and moisture resistant. Also, wood is an insulator, so such floors are ideal for cold climates.
4. Laminates
Laminate floors are a pocket-friendly alternative to hardwood. Modern laminate floors mimic the natural texture and color of the wood and are easy to install. In fact, they are so easy to put up that many people DIY them without expert help! However, they do not have the durability of hardwood. The average lifespan of laminate floors is about a decade. They are stain-resistant. However, once damaged, they must be replaced and caanot be repaired.
5. Concrete
Concrete is not conventionally used for floors but is gaining popularity. The “industrial look” trend is the likely reason for this. Additionally, it has great durability and impact resistance. Untreated concrete can stain, but once properly sealed, that is not an issue. Budget-wise, this falls mid-range.
The floor is often neglected as a design element, but it can change the look of the entire room.
Hope this read got you a little bit closer to choosing an appropriate material that works for your home and for your lifestyle.
Looking for flooring ideas specifically for the kitchen? Here’s help.
Happy decorating, everyone!
