5 Vital Considerations When Choosing a Floor Type for Your Home

by Derek Alam Sr Digital Marketing Executive @ Mind Digital Grou

Despite having a huge impact on the appearance and functionality of a space, the floor is a commonly disregarded part of a house. But just because people don’t usually pay attention to it doesn’t mean it’s not important.

Picking a floor type is one of the biggest decisions building and homeowners need to make before construction or remodeling can begin. As such, you need to do some thorough research to make sure you choose the right one for your space.

To make things easier, this article compiles five vital considerations when choosing a floor for your home. 

1.   Location and Room Function

Not all flooring materials are created equal simply because they have different characteristics and a unique set of advantages and drawbacks.

Take laminate and tile flooring, for example. While both are considered versatile and durable, they aren’t the best choice for bedrooms where the softness of carpet flooring is most wanted.

Alternatively, carpets aren’t the best choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and anywhere where water and other forms of moisture are usually present.

In other words, you need to consider how you will use the room before deciding on a flooring material to use.

Will there be plenty of walking and standing done in the area? Will the floor be subjected to moisture and hard-to-remove stains? Or perhaps it needs to be soft and comfortable to walk on?

Below is a list of the most recommended flooring options for different rooms in the house:

●       Living room – polished concrete, tiles, laminate, or hardwood

●       Kitchen and mudroom – tiles, laminate, marble, granite, or other materials that are moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and don’t become slippery even when wet

●       Bathroom – tiles, laminate, marble, granite, or other materials that are moisture-resistant, easy to clean, and don’t get slippery when wet

●       Bedrooms – carpet or other materials that are comfortable to walk on

●       Basement or garage – concrete and other solid materials 

2.   Durability

Whether you’re building your home from the ground up or remodeling, the fact remains that you’ll be investing an enormous amount of time and money on the project. To make the most out of your investment, you have to make sure that your home will look good and function well for as long as possible.

This is why you need to consider the durability of the material, as it can affect your home’s value and how well you can make the most of the space every day.

Your floor should be strong enough to withstand various conditions, like moisture exposure, staining, decaying, and friction from foot traffic. Its lifespan should be close to – if not equal – to the length of those of the roof, walls, and other components of the house.

Some of the most durable flooring options you can try are concrete, marble, and granite. Tile, laminate, and vinyl are also potential options, especially those developed to withstand more foot traffic for a longer period. 

3.   Aesthetics and Interior Design Compatibility

Aesthetics and compatibility with the interior design are important factors to consider when choosing a floor type. Since you’re already deciding on an aspect of a place where you’ll spend most of your days, you need to make sure that it looks great and fits your style.

Many flooring products come in a wide range of colors, shapes, designs, sizes, and even textures. With so many available options, there should be one that fits your desired interior design perfectly.

Marble, terrazzo, granite, and other natural stones have an elegant appearance. Hardwood and bamboo are also quite popular for their classic and natural aesthetics. But if you’re looking for something homier, wall-to-wall carpet installation should be one of your top choices.

Some floor materials also mimic the appearance of these top aesthetic flooring choices. Tile floors, for instance, come in a wide range of designs – ranging from traditional and plain ones to wood-style “planks” and large marble-like tiles.

Laminate floors also offer something similar. With this flooring type, you can achieve just about any design you want for your floors and match already-existing elements of the interior easier. 

4.   Overall Cost and Value

Another thing you should consider when choosing a floor type is the price. However, just looking at the price tag won’t cut it.

Different materials vary in prices, not to mention some require additional money for installation and maintenance.

Some are incredibly expensive initially, but they tend to last longer even with minimal maintenance. Others are very affordable, though they may not last as long and can even get pricey depending on where you’re buying them.

Ensure you consider all the numbers related to flooring – from the price of the materials and cost of installation to maintenance fees. Then, factor in how much you’ll be able to save if you invest in a material that is waterproof and easy-to-clean now instead of using your savings on repairs later. 

5.   Lifestyle and Preferences

Although listed last, the lifestyle and preferences of the people who live (or will be living) in the house you’re choosing a floor type for is a huge factor in the success of the task. In fact, the entire undertaking should revolve around the specifics of these people’s way of life.

You can consider the following questions when pondering upon this particular consideration: 

Do you have children?

Think about children’s age and level of activity when choosing a flooring material for certain parts of the house.

For example, if they participate in sports and use muddy and heavy equipment, you’ll want to choose a water-resistant or waterproof floor for your entryway or mudroom. Make sure they are durable and can withstand heavy foot traffic as well. 

Do you have pets?

Like kids, pets can also spread plenty of dirt and moisture all over the house. Aside from that, they may also end up scratching the floor, so make sure you not only pick a material that is waterproof and easy-to-clean but also one that is scratch-resistant. 

Does anyone in your family have allergies?

Generally, hard surface floors like hardwood, laminate, tile and vinyl products are the better choice for households strapped with allergies since they don’t usually gather common allergens like molds and dust mites.

But if you still want to add that cozy feel, you can simply toss in a rug over your hardwood or tiled floor. Since it can be removed, you can simply have it washed or deep cleaned when the need arises. 

Make the Right Decision

The type of floor for your home is a decision you shouldn’t take lightly. Think about the factors listed here thoroughly to make the right choice. 

AUTHOR BIO

James Prathap is the General Manager at NGC Nafees, one of the leading distributors of wallpapers, floorings, and fabrics in the Middle East and South Asia. Formed three decades ago, the business also offers high-quality panoramics, coordinated fabrics, and creative stickers for residential and commercial projects.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Oct 4th 2021 00:25. Viewed 14,582 times.

Comments