When building your dream home, choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions you have to make. The material is a fundamental part of your interior design. Flooring material can also determine the difficulty of installation and maintenance. Before making a decision, it is essential to educate yourself on what is available and each type’s pros and cons.
How to Choose Flooring
Choosing flooring material is best done by determining your needs. Some factors include:
Room: Some types are not ideal for every space, such as carpet or hardwood. Carpet flooring in the kitchen sounds like a mess waiting to happen.
Family Situation: Spill-proof and scratch-resistant flooring are great options if you have pets or young children.
Budget: Price ranges can vary widely depending on the material, so knowing how much you can afford is vital.
Installation requirements: Certain materials need a pad or underlayment, which can cost extra.
Style: Certain styles work better than others to create your ideal aesthetic.
Return on investment (ROI): High quality and costs typically mean a better long term investment.
Flooring Material Types
There are six popular flooring materials used in homes, from eco-friendly laminate to classic hardwood. Additionally, several other types of flooring are used, and each comes with its own benefits.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood continues to be the most popular choice, and for a good reason: great appearance and long term ROI. Some pros include visual appeal, various styles and colors, high ROI, and is best for shared living spaces. Some cons include price, can develop dents or scratches, and is vulnerable to moisture damage.
Laminate Flooring
There are various pros and cons when it comes to laminate flooring. Some include lower cost, easy installation, durability, multiple colors & styles, and excellent for high-traffic areas. Cons include prone to moisture damage, making it not ideal for kitchen or bathrooms, and it can be challenging to repair.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is no longer the cheap-looking option it once was. Currently, this synthetic flooring option is durable and effectively mimics wood, stone, and ceramic. Pros are that it is affordable, versatile, and DIY installation is possible. Cons are that compared to the last two flooring types, it has a lower ROI due to less popularity.
Ceramic Flooring
Porcelain & Ceramic tile flooring are elegant options for moisture-prone and high-traffic areas. Pros of ceramic flooring include various looks and design, durability, and waterproof. Cons are that it is one of the most expensive options and is challenging to install.
Natural Stone Tile Flooring
A natural stone tile is a classic option that includes marble, granite, and sandstone. Keep in mind that each material and finish vary in durability and care. Some pros of natural stone tiles are durability, various shapes, styles, colors, and eco-friendly. Cons include very expensive, prone to chipping and scratching, and costly repairs.
Carpet
Another homeowner’s favorite is carpet, especially when it comes to bedrooms. This option is cost-effective, carries a soft and warm feel for bare feet, and great for soundproofing. Cons carpet carry is that it can be challenging to maintain, absorb smells, and isn’t the best option for a home with pets.
Overall selecting the right flooring for your home may be a combination of the options above or some new alternatives such as bamboo, cork, or rubber. Consider the factors we listed above, and you should find the perfect flooring for each room in your dream home.
Need new flooring for your home? Expert Flooring Solutions carries high-quality flooring in-store including carpet, vinyl, tile, and hardwood options. Stop by our flooring store in Las Vegas today and check out samples on the spot!
