The flooring a homeowner selects can make a significant difference in the decor. Consider some of the different options and their effects.
What type of flooring that a homeowner selects will make a fairly dramatic impact on the appearance of the home. Certain colors and styles will work better for certain decorating schemes than others. There are various factors to consider when choosing the materials that will be placed on the floors of an abode. Materials,
longevity, colors, climate that the home is built in, whether the installation is professional, and the budget are all worthwhile considerations.
There Are A Variety Of Materials
Flooring can be made up of a variety of materials. Some popular choices include carpeting, wood, laminate, tile, and cement. Carpeting is soft underfoot and can offer a comfortable place to sit, lie down or crawl around if a baby lives in the home. Wood can be natural timber such as oak, maple, pine, cherry or bamboo. Timber can be installed in planks or parquet squares. Laminates can resemble lumber or tile and come in an array of styles and hues. Tile is a highly durable material that is practically indestructible, as is cement. Cement has gained popularity and looks great when stained a cool color such as gray or green.
Longevity
Some materials will last longer than others. Carpeting will wear out faster than the hard surfaces. It will also require shampooing and stain removal more often. Wood can last for decades, as one might notice, since there are historic homes with their oak or maple still intact. Laminate won't last as long as natural woods or tile but it's still pretty durable. While natural timbers can be refinished, if laminate is damaged it will have to be replaced. Both tile and cement will last a very long time, too, although the cement products will have to be repainted periodically.
Climate & DIY Installations
Colder climates are great places to have cozy carpeting and soft rugs underfoot. Even if a person chose a hard surface for their flooring, they could be covered with area rugs. Tile and wood are cool underfoot in hot, desert regions. If a do-it-yourselfer was planning to do the install, some of the easiest options are the laminates. If a person has enough construction know-how, tile is a possibility, too. A tile-cutting saw would be required, however, for doing the job. Timber floors and carpeting usually require an expert as they require specific tools and expertise. If a person does a slipshod job on either of those materials, it will look shoddy for years to come. Carpet that's not appropriately stretched and tacked will wear out faster and have ripples of wrinkles.
Colors & Budget
There is a rainbow of color choices in all of the products including primary and secondary colors for the painted cement, carpet and tile and a range of stain tones for the timber and laminate. The least expensive options would likely be carpet and laminate with the others in the pricier range.
When it's time to select flooring for one's home, it's crucial to do some research and comparison. Taking a look at key factors and personal preference will allow a person to come to a good decision.
