Understanding The Types Of Flooring Materials
In building a home, the floor is one of the most overlooked structures albeit it is one of the most important portions. While some people take the time to ensure that they get the appropriate flooring option for their property, some are more interested in their walls because seldom do people concentrate on looking down. However, you need to put extra attention to your floor if you want your property to lengthen its expected lifespan.
This article will help you understand the different types of flooring materials, allowing you to choose the appropriate one accordingly.
Hardwood
For residential homes, hardwood is considered to be one of the most popular types of flooring materials used. The seasoned flooring contractors behind CMC Hardwood Floors suggest that you employ hardwood flooring for shared spaces but you need to ensure that the wood type will match the amount of foot traffic that the room will experience. In this way, your floor will not be subjected to excessive wear and tear. Keep in mind that while all solid hardwood floors are hard, different wood species tend to vary when it comes to their levels of hardness.
Some of the most common hardwood materials that you can choose from include oak, cherry, and walnut. They often come in planks that are about three-quarters of an inch thick but you will most likely find that their width varies. Hardwood floors can be pre-finished or unfinished. While hardwood floors remain to be popular among numerous homeowners because of their visual appeal, you need to brace yourself because this type of flooring material can be quite more costly compared to other flooring materials.
Laminate
Another type of flooring that you may want to familiarize yourself with is laminate which is more cost-effective compared to hardwood. The installation process of laminate flooring is also easier and more straightforward. Another advantage of going for laminate flooring is that it is durable and ideal for the high-traffic areas in your home. Rest assured that you will be able to choose from a variety of styles and colors, much like you would with hardwood. This will ensure that your flooring will effectively accentuate the interior of your home.
Perhaps one of the main drawbacks of opting for laminate flooring is that this material is prone to moisture damage. Because of this, it is not advisable to apply laminate flooring to kitchens or bathrooms. While it can be easily installed, laminate flooring can be difficult to repair.
Vinyl or Linoleum
Vinyl is synthetic flooring that is durable and affordable. It is also highly versatile because of its ability to closely mimic wood, ceramic, and stone. Like with hardwood or laminate, vinyl also works great for high-traffic areas. It is also easy to maintain and if you are fond of DIYs, then you may be happy to know that with a vinyl flooring material, a DIY installation is possible. The reason behind this is that it often comes in sheets that you can glue directly on your floor.
Linoleum can already be made from renewable and biodegradable materials. For this reason, linoleum is an environment-friendly flooring option. Rest assured that the sheets are composed of mineral pigments that can be sealed with a protective coating preventing stains, wear, and tear. Without the protective coating though, you may need to refinish your floors every couple of years.
Porcelain or Ceramic Tile
For the moisture-prone areas in your home such as the kitchen and bathroom, the best option that you have is porcelain, ceramic tile or glazed terracotta tile. With this type of flooring material, you will never run out of options because it comes in a variety of looks and designs. Ceramic tiles are made by combining clay and shale. To harden the ceramic, the mixture is fired into a kiln. Pigments are then added to produce a variety of colors.
Some of the most common types of ceramic tiles available include glazed ceramic, quarry tile, porcelain tile, as well as terracotta tile. The glazed ceramic has a glossy coating while the quarry tiles have a slightly rough texture. On the other hand, porcelain tiles are considered to be one of the most durable tile choices while terracotta tile is common in outdoor spaces.
Natural Stone Tile
If you want to insulate your floor for warmth, then you can go for natural stone tile which comes in different styles, colors, and shapes. Some of the materials that you can choose from for this kind of flooring option include granite, marble, travertine, and sandstone to name a few. If you have kids or pets in your household, then natural stone tiles will be your most viable flooring option. However, natural stone tile can be quite expensive, both when it comes to installation, as well as repairs.
Carpet
Going for a carpeted floor is another versatile flooring option because it comes in various colors and textures that you can choose from. Wool is one of the most common materials used for a carpeted floor because it is naturally moisture resistant. However, nylon carpets are also becoming popular because of their durability. You can also go for an acrylic carpet that closely resembles the qualities of wool or polyester in case you are after a carpeted flooring that comes in bold and bright color.
Alternative Flooring Ideas
Apart from the flooring options listed above, there are various other alternative flooring ideas that you can explore such as rubber or parquet, as well as terrazzo or Marmoleum. You can also go for bamboo or cork flooring but keep in mind that each of these alternatives poses its own benefits. For instance, rubber can offer a non-slip surface while parquet is great for more formal spaces.
The types of flooring materials listed above are only some of the ones that you can consider in case you are building a new home or renovating an existing one. Keep in mind that one of the keys to lengthening the lifespan of your home is going for a flooring material that is durable, able to withstand the test of time. Rest assured that the most durable flooring materials can be aesthetically pleasing as well.
