Pros and Cons Of 4 Different Types of Home Flooring
One of the biggest decisions new homeowners will make is what type of flooring they will install in their house.
26/03/2019
One of the biggest decisions new homeowners will make is what type of flooring they will install in their house. With such a large surface area you are trying to cover, the type of flooring that you choose can have a major impact on the feel, look, and the way you use every room in the house.
If you are looking to install new flooring, you should know some of the pros and cons of the different materials. Their cost, durability, ease of cleaning, and installation vary greatly. Installing flooring can be a rather difficult task to do, but it helps to know what you will be working with so that you can prepare accordingly.
These following are the pros and cons of the 4 most common types of flooring to help you make your decision:
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is one of the least expensive options. It is quite resilient, and water won’t be an issue. But due to the sheets of vinyl being so thin, sharp objects can tear this type of flooring, which can be very difficult to repair.
One of the biggest pros of vinyl is its appearance. You can look at solid and pattern vinyl flooring to get an idea of all the fun designs you can do with this material. However, vinyl’s synthetic look isn’t appealing to everyone, and it is in no way an eco-friendly flooring option. It is typically used in kitchens and bathrooms due to how easy it is to clean.
Hardwood Flooring
This is one of the most durable types of flooring because it can be sanded and refinished several times over its lifespan. Oak, hickory, walnut and maple are all among the most popular types of woods. Their beautiful colours and textures will go with most any style of decor and provide a warm, earthy feeling to your home.
The downsides are that wood can be expensive and difficult to install. It can also shrink and expand depending on the humidity and time of year. While wood flooring is rather easy to keep clean, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. It is a great option for large communal rooms and kitchens.
Tile Flooring
Tile is extremely durable, very easy to clean, and comes in a vast array of styles and colours. This is a big reason why it is the favourite medium for many designers. While many types of tile aren’t very expensive, it can be difficult to install. But if a tile gets cracked or chipped, fixing it is inexpensive and quick.
One problem is that the grout between tiles tends to attract dirt and develop stains that are tough to remove. Tile is typically used in bathrooms and kitchens.
Carpet
The price of carpeting can vary greatly depending on the quality. Overall, it’s easy to install and can give rooms a cosy feel. Carpet can be very comfortable to walk on and will help keep your home warm. The biggest problems with carpet are that it stains easily and with time, it will wear out, especially where there’s heavy foot traffic. It is ideal for bedrooms and communal areas.
The Bottom Line
Installing flooring in a home is one of the bigger home improvement jobs to tackle. The type of flooring you choose has a huge impact on the look and feel of a room. However, knowing the pros and cons of the more popular types of flooring though will help you determine the best option for each room and your own personal taste.