What Type of Flooring is Best For Your Situation

Today, there are so many different types of flooring solutions to choose from. Aside from your traditional carpet, tile, and wood floors, there are many technologies that allow for the use of other materials like laminate, vinyl, bamboo, and other engineered floors. These different types of floor vary in look, finish, hardness, flexibility, cleanability, installation method, the list goes on and on. As a person who is looking to change flooring, just where do you start?

In this article, we will look at the different types of flooring and the benefits that they provide.

Hardwood Floors

The first type of flooring we will look at is hardwood floors. This type of flooring has been used for over 300 years, proving to be reliable and of robust quality. Many houses made years ago have hardwood floors already, whether it be the current floor, or hiding under the carpet. Wooden floors are a great choice for someone looking for a permanent flooring option, as they can last over 75 years if maintained properly. Installation is recommended by a professional, however any DIY’er with basic flooring knowledge can perform installation. The nailing of boards to the sub-floor can be tricky but with the right tools, you can make quick work of a wood flooring job.

For More Information On Hardwood Flooring Grades View Our Article,

Different Grades of Hardwood Flooring

Engineered Hardwood

The next type of flooring is engineered hardwood, or veneer board. This style of flooring uses a thin layer of actual hardwood placed on top of plywood. Engineered hardwood is a way to have the look and feel of hardwood without the price tag. Installation involves tongue-and-groove interlocking with stapling to the sub-floor, so professional installation may be advisable here as well.

Bamboo Flooring

A more contemporary choice in wood floors, bamboo has made a name for itself in the flooring industry due to advancements in production methods. Bamboo floors look somewhat like wood, and have the durability of Brazilian hardwoods at almost half the cost. Installation involves tongue-and-groove interlocking with nailing to the sub-floor, so if you can handle hardwood floors, you can handle bamboo.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is a different option which those looking for an inexpensive solution may find attractive. Laminate flooring consists of a particleboard layer with an appearance layer and a transparent durability layer. They come in so many different looks, including wood and stone, and even down to color and age, It is an economic choice for having a great look without breaking the bank. Some people prefer them over wood floors for safety in not getting splinters as you would with a hardwood floor. These floors will perform well in places without a lot of moisture, so install these floors in rooms other than kitchens or bathrooms. Installation is quite simple as well, coming in forms such as tongue-and-groove interlocking or adhesive. Because of this, many people opt to install themselves and save even more on their flooring project costs.

Vinyl Plank Flooring

Vinyl plank flooring, also known as luxury vinyl tile (LVT), is another economy flooring choice similar to laminate flooring. Vinyl floors consist of a layered plank of a fiberglass base coated in PVC vinyl, followed by the appearance layer, and finished with a polyurethane coat. The main difference between vinyl and laminate is their resistance to moisture. This makes vinyl plank flooring a great choice for use in kitchens and bathrooms as well in addition to other rooms. Installation methods, much like laminate, also include tongue-and-groove interlocking and adhesive. LVT is another great way to install a floor for an attractive price.

Carpet

Many people prefer to have carpet flooring over a hard floor. This could be for comfort, or for safety of children playing. Carpet is a relatively inexpensive flooring method as well. Given that carpeting is a single stapled layer on the floor, you would not have to worry about shifting or gapping floors as you would with hard plank floors. Installation involves an underlayment of foam or padding, and laying tack strips around the room which will keep hold of the carpet. Professional installation is recommended to ensure everything comes together perfectly.

Tile Floors

Another option in hard flooring is tile. Tile floors are a common choice in rooms that might see moisture, as they have superior resistance to moisture when maintained. Tile also cleans well, so a kitchen job should definitely consider using tile. Tile comes in different materials, including stone, porcelain, and ceramic. Each kind varies in durability, water resistance, and price. For an affordable, waterproof floor, choose ceramic. For a luxury, genuine look, go for stone. Installation can be tricky, involving cementing and tile-laying, so professional installation is recommended to ensure your investment looks perfect and will last for years to come.

It's Up To You

You can see that there are so many options when it comes to flooring. There’s a solution for any budget, environmental requirement, and skill level. Your next flooring project will be a breeze now that you know about all the different flooring options there are today.