Whether you’re looking into redecorating your home or making improvements, choosing the right flooring is an essential step of the process. Floors receive your foot traffic and help to tie together the overall design of the room.
Here are some things to consider when choosing the flooring for your next remodeling project.
Know Your Budget
You must keep in mind the budget for your remodel and settle on a figure before you even start looking at any type of flooring options.
Along with the cost of the flooring itself, be sure to save money for other expenses, such as the cost of underlayment, delivery, and installation.
Also, you may need to spend money on additional material such as baseboards, stains, or adhesives. Having a well-planned budget will keep you from overspending on certain flooring materials.
Define Your Design Style
When choosing the right flooring, consider what style appeals most to you. Think about the different colors or textures you like.
For example, do you like the classic, slightly worn look of hardwood, or the smooth, glossy feel of tile flooring? Also, be sure to keep in mind how the flooring will complement the furniture and decorations you already have in your home. You don’t want to have to get new furniture just to match the new esthetic of your flooring.
Keep in Mind Your Current Lifestyle
Another important thing to keep in mind when looking at flooring options is how you will use the space you’re remodeling. For example, if you are remodeling the bathroom, you will want to pick water-resistant flooring, such as tile.
The type of flooring you choose should be not only aesthetically pleasing, but also capable of withstanding the everyday wear and tear of the different activities performed in that room.
Flooring Material Options
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring is a popular choice. This is because it can be cleaned quite easily, it’s more durable, and it lasts longer than carpet. Consider adding wood floors to your living room or kitchen, which receive higher foot traffic and are where spills are more likely to occur. Having wood flooring also increases your home’s resale value.
Engineered hardwood flooring is another option. It consists of floor planks made of layers of wood, called “piles,” bonded together using high heat pressure. They can provide more versatility than solid hardwood floors and are more affordable. Consider adding this type of flooring option to kitchens, bathrooms, or basements.
Vinyl
This type of flooring is both durable and relatively inexpensive. It is made from plastic and available in planks, sheets, or tiles. The durability of this option makes it the perfect choice for kitchens or hallways, which receive lots of activity.
It is also waterproof, stain-resistant, and scratch-restraint, as well as easy to install. Consider this flooring option for your home if you have younger children or pets.
Tile
Tile flooring is versatile, it can last for many years, and it requires little maintenance. It works well in rooms that have higher moisture content, such as bathrooms. Some types of tile include, ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone.
Carpet
Carpet is perfect for any place where you want to add extra warmth and comfort. Carpet is perfect for your bedroom or den to make the space feel cozier, and the material is soft underneath your feet.
When choosing a carpet type, keep in mind the level of foot traffic in the room so that it matches with the duralty of the material.
Alternative Options
Bamboo
Bamboo is typically more moisture-resistant and hard-wearing than wood options. It’s often cheaper, too. Consider adding this flooring option to any type of entertaining space to enhance the overall design and uniqueness of the room. The lighter tones will easily blend into the room and not distract from the other decorations and design elements already present. Bamboo is also an environmentally-friendly option.
Cork
Cork is durable, comfortable, and resistant to mold and mildew. This makes it the perfect option for areas with higher activity and where water is more likely to accumulate. Consider adding cork to your bathroom or kitchen. Cork is also a relatively inexpensive and uncommon option.
Choosing the Right Flooring
Deciding what type of flooring you want when remodeling certain areas of your home can be stressful. While making this decision, it’s essential to know your budget, design style, and lifestyle influences. There are so many choices of flooring material out there! Which one do you think suits your personality and your space?
Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.
