It can be intimidating making the best flooring choice from room to room while keeping a cohesive design. Let us guide you through understanding today’s flooring options and how to make the smartest selections.
Flooring 101:
Wood – A timeless flooring option, available in many stains and styles. From standard plank to mixed-plank, wood floors are ever-stylish and definitely durable. Solid hardwood flooring has a long-life span with perpetual opportunity to sand and refinish if a refresh is in order. Engineered wood floors have a 3-7mm thick veneer of hardwood that can be sanded and refinished up to approximately five times, underneath is a layer of plywood material. Solid hardwood and engineered wood floors are both available pre-finished with stain and polyurethane already applied or unfinished. Water and wood floors do not always get along, moisture may unfortunately cause warping or damage to wood finishes.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) – Attractive both in appearance and function, Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) floors are growing in popularity. With a moisture barrier on the back, LVP floors are suitable for rooms that may experience some moisture. LVP floors are installed as a floating floor with no glue, so they can be removed and replaced if necessary. Some LVP floors are constructed with cork backing for added comfort and cushion under your step. Wood-like graining, natural coloring, and organic beveled edge options give LVP floors convincing character resembling real wood. LVP floors often carry a lifetime warranty adding to their appeal.
Tile – Undoubtedly durable and water-resilient, tile flooring arguably offers the widest range of color and design. Mason-laid, tile is cemented and mortared into place; updates are somewhat difficult requiring specialized removal and replacement. Tile can be considered cold on feet, electrical heating elements are recommended for those who prefer a warmer place to walk.
Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) – 100% waterproof, Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) is suitable for the wettest conditions. LVT design options include wood, stone, slate, travertine, and more. Most LVT on the market is backed by either a 15-year, 30-year, or lifetime warranty.
Carpet – Plush under foot, soft in appearance, inexpensive to buy, and easy to install carpet is a long-time favorite. Carpet can have an unfortunately short lifespan of anywhere from 5 to 25 years depending on the quality and is not suitable for wet or messy conditions.
Flooring Room by Room:
Bath and Laundry Room – Splashes are bound to happen in the bath and laundry room so think flooring that holds up to liquid—tile, LVT, and LVP are all smart choices.
Kitchen and Mudroom – These rooms are the hub of the home receiving the most foot traffic, therefore they require the hardest working floor type. Tile and LVP are low maintenance and can handle moisture and ware in the kitchen and mudroom. They are also very easy to clean!
Bedroom – Bedroom flooring preferences are very personal. Wood flooring and LVP are popular selections, offering longevity and look. If you prefer something softer consider carpet or an area rug. Low-pile carpet is easier to clean, with less fuzz, and minimal visible traffic patterns compared to high-pile carpet.
Dining, Family, and Living Room – Wood and LVP floors feel warm and cozy in dining and relaxing zones. Both are highly-durable and long-lasting too. Accent these spaces with an area rug for a soft touch.
Basement – LVP and LVT are wise choices for basement installations because of their ability to withstand possible moisture. Both are floating floors too, easy to install and repair if necessary.
Everything Home can help you with all your interior design needs from the floor up. Contact us to learn more about our extensive design services. Happy Home, Happy Life.
