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When renovating your home, picking out flooring is one of the first and most important factors you will need to consider. In fact, floors are one of the most vital features of any home. Though they are often overlooked, here are a few things that can change your mind when it comes to your floors.
The Importance of Flooring
Your floors are a permanent part of your home; once they are installed, they are there for a long time. When guests enter your home, the first contact they will have is with your floor. Even if they dont realize it, the flooring under their feet will immediately impact their subconscious, in a similar way to the colors on your walls, setting the tone for their whole visit.
Additionally, good flooring can pull together the overall design of each room and your home as a whole. With good quality floors, any furniture and decor will look great. On the flipside, nothing can ruin an otherwise beautiful home like old, worn floors with scratches and scuffs.
Now that you are aware of its importance, it is time to choose the right flooring. Here are the three factors you should never disregard when picking out floors for your home.
1. The Natural Factor
The very first thing you should consider when picking out your new flooring is the natural factor. Think about your local climate and how it can affect your flooring choice. For example, hardwood can get damaged and warped in humid and wet climates. Also, think about how you influence the nature and consider environmentally friendly materials to keep your homes carbon footprint low.
Cork flooring is an excellent option for most homes. It is made from cork oak bark which grows back after it is removed thus causing minimal damage to the tree. Cork can also play a role in improving your health. It is resistant to bacteria and fungus growth and it does not hold onto pollen and dust. Be sure to choose cork flooring that is Floorscore or Greenguard certified.
Bamboo flooring is another great choice. The plant grows quickly and is extremely resilient, which makes the flooring extra durable. Plus, it can be used in humid climates as it does not expand and contract with weather changes.
2. The You Factor
When picking out floor materials, the next thing you should take into account is your personal preference. Your home decor should reflect your style and personality. It should also fit well with the layout and architectural style of your home. Consider utilizing the same flooring material throughout your home to create a clean and cohesive look.
Hardwood floors are a great choice for those with both classic and contemporary design aesthetics. Wood is both practical and beautiful, warm and durable. Additionally, hardwood ages well and can remain for many years in your home, if properly maintained. Popular wood options include oak, cherry, and imported woods like Tasmanian oak and Brazilian cherry.
However, hardwood is not best for everyone. If you prefer laminate, vinyl, tile, or something else, go with it. And remember that you can also make a statement with a funky carpet over your flooring. This will protect the floors and can be replaced if your style preferences change with time.
3. The Wear and Tear Factor
You will also want to think about how durable the floor will be and how long it will last once installed. If your flooring will be installed in an area with a lot of moisture like a bathroom or basement, think about using ceramic, concrete, vinyl tile, or porcelain tile. If you have children or pets and need increased durability, try tile, laminate, vinyl, carpeting, or bamboo. If you are looking for a flooring material that does not require a lot of maintenance, choose laminate or vinyl.
Though considered a nontraditional choice by some, concrete may be a great option for your home. It is resistant to water, scratches, stains, and smells. Plus, it cannot grow mildew or mold. It also comes with energy saving benefits as it retains temperature better than other flooring types. You can even paint concrete to look like tile or wood.
Tiles are another great choice. They are available in ceramic, which is great for bathrooms and laundry rooms, and porcelain, which is ideal for kitchens, hallways, and other high-traffic areas.
Have You Made Up Your Mind?
Picking out new flooring for your home is an important decision and one you will have to live with for a long time to come. This is why it is so crucial that you take your time to make the right decision. Consider the natural, personal, and wear and tear factors. If you do so, you will find the best flooring in no time at all.
