Everything You Need to Know About Flooring
Every homeowner goes through the process of designing their floors to make sure that they’ve made the right choice. This can take a while because you have numerous choices to go for, and each type gives you several advantages. Making it fit with the room and its décor can be tricky, but it helps to know everything about flooring before you start your new renovation project. Read on to learn about the basics of flooring designs that you might like.
Cleaning and Maintenance
You need to consider the process of cleaning and maintaining your flooring designs. Each type has different requirements that you should be aware of. Some need to be vacuumed only, while other types could use a steam mop for efficient cleanliness. You need to understand each design to avoid damaging it unintentionally. Some could have their base swell if they were subjected to water. Be prepared to choose a design that is easy to maintain and clean.
Common Types of Floors
- Hybrid
One of the most popular types of flooring designs is the hybrid type. This is a multi-layer synthetic material that is infused to imitate the look of traditional wooden styles. One of the best types is laminate because it’s affordable, easy to maintain and clean, economic compared to other types, and they are designed to be scratch resistant. This is a good choice for bedrooms, dining areas, kitchens, and living rooms. You just need to make sure it’s not installed in an area that would be subjected to excessive levels of moisture. This is why hybrid flooring is not a good choice for bathrooms. The moisture can make the surface chip easily and get damaged because it swells the base. However, it’s an excellent choice if you want the design of wooden floors while sticking to your budget.
- Vinyl
This option is a close cousin to laminate but it does have notable differences. It is flexible, water-resistant, and it’s competitively priced too. The design is durable and gives your floor a longer lifespan. Advice from most specialists suggests that this type of vinyl with a loose lay design can be a convenient choice for DIY work. This means that you can save money by installing it yourself easily. Loose lay vinyl is the upgraded version of the traditional style of tiles. It gives you stability and it’s heavy too, allowing you to skip the adhesive step in the installation process. This means that it can stay flat without shifting because of its weight. This type can look similar to stone or timber tiles, but they are covered with a thick texture layer that gives it the excellent durability and water resistance you need. This can work for any type of room in the house.
- Hardwood
This is another common type used in homes. This is the old-fashioned option that many homeowners want. It’s easier to clean and it’s a durable choice too. You won’t have to worry about stains or scratches with this type since wooden floors can easily be fixed and restored quickly. You can go for an oak design for a stronger grain, allowing you to hide scratches easily. Brazilian cherry can be a convenient choice for rooms that are subjected to moisture because this design can withstand it better. This is a healthy choice for your design because it minimizes the collection of mold, pollen, or dust. This is also an excellent choice if you have allergies.
Some Need a Solid Foundation
You should realize that some floors will need a solid foundation first. This means that you can install some designs on top of a worn-down floor, concrete, or wood. For example, you can install laminate floors on a solid foundation. Just remember that you don’t place sheets or planks to identical wood grains and it should be fine. Doing the installation process yourself might be a little tricky, especially if you’re placing your new design on top of a solid foundation. Getting professional help will make the process easier to avoid any mistakes, cracks, or shifting areas.
Going for a mix of different designs can be smart because each room has its purpose. Naturally, your budget will be a contributing factor to which type you choose, but you need to think about what’s best for you and your family. Doing a little research can help you decide on which floor fits your rooms best. You can rest assured that your renovation plan will go smoothly and produce excellent results for you if you prepare and learn about the different flooring types.