Flooring is an investment so you want to make sure you choose something that not only looks good, but also matches the personality and lifestyle of your household. Ask yourself these questions to make sure you’re getting the floor that’s right for you!
1. Who lives in your house?
You’ll want to factor in the habits and behavior of your family before installing a floor.
Got kids? Vinyl, tile or linoleum is probably the direction you’ll want to head. It’s durable and easier to clean.
Pets tend to do a little thing called shedding. They also have a tendency to scratch up surfaces so hardwood floors, while beautiful and elegant, might take a pretty good beating after a while. Something like tile, bamboo or laminate floors are a little sturdier and would hold up better to pets.
2. What purpose does your floor serve?
When choosing a new floor, think about what you’ll be using that room for.
Kitchens and bathrooms see a lot of moisture and messes so linoleum, ceramic tile and vinyl are good options. Wood is always a preferred choice for kitchens because it creates a warm and welcoming feel, but be sure to wipe up any spills instantly.
Bedrooms should be comfortable. Carpet is a great choice for a bedroom because it gives you that soft underfoot feeling and provides the additional advantage of some soundproofing.
3. Who has the sniffles?
If some of your family has allergies, you may want to look into flooring that is easily cleaned. While carpets can hold in allergens, there are special made carpets to help with allergies. Check out carpets and other flooring materials that have lower VOC emissions.
4. What’s your style?
Choose a floor that matches the current feel of the room. Make sure it compliments the furniture and colors and has a smooth transition from one flooring type to the next.
5. Going green?
There are some great choices for recycled material that can be used for flooring. Bamboo, cork and linoleum are very eco-friendly products.
Bamboo is strong and durable and has an nice natural look to it, while cork creates a cushiony feel, is somewhat soundproof and has a natural, nonslip surface.
Linoleum is the more traditional green choice that even has features which stops microorganisms from multiplying.
6. What’s your budget?
Not all floors will come with the same price tag, so determine what you’re willing to spend. This will help you eliminate a few flooring types and have you on your way to selecting the perfect floor for your home.
