Choosing the right flooring can be overwhelming when you have a new house or apartment. You’re no longer limited to using hardwood or carpet when it comes to decorating your home. Many people think that they don’t have many options for flooring. But, in reality, many different types of flooring can be used in various areas. Each type of flooring has its unique attributes. This guide will help you understand the differences and choose the best kind of flooring for your home.
Types of Flooring
Flooring is a critical aspect of your home or office. It can be the focal point of a room, or it can make a room feel cozy and comfortable. The right flooring installed by commercial flooring experts can also help you to save money on repairs and maintenance. It also keeps the floor clean and looking good.
There are many types of floors that you can choose from, including hardwood, marble and vinyl flooring. Each type of floor comes with different features. The common types of flooring are:
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a popular choice for homeowners who want sophisticated and elegant flooring. It’s also one of the most durable floors to last for years.
Hardwood flooring comes in various styles and colors, so you can choose the one that suits your home’s design aesthetic. You’ll find a wide range of hardwood flooring options at a hardwood flooring company at affordable prices. Yet, there are some things to keep in mind before you buy it.
Hardwood flooring is in two forms: solid or engineered. They’re both hardwood but have very different textures and consistencies.
- Solid hardwood features natural wood grains that are consistent throughout the board.
- Engineered hardwood has a smooth surface with no visible grain patterns or knots. Both types come in various colors, patterns, species, and finishes.
Hardwood flooring consists of many different types of wood, each with its unique look and feel, including:
- Bamboo
- Cherry
- Chestnut
- Oak
- Pine
- Spruce
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a low-maintenance option commonly used in residential and commercial applications. Vinyl flooring is available in various styles and colors, from smooth, flat surfaces to textured patterns. Vinyl flooring can be installed over concrete or wood subflooring, which makes it an ideal choice for homes with wood floors.
Vinyl flooring is also known as plastic tile because it comprises a thin sheet of plastic laminated together under heat and pressure. The result is a durable, low-maintenance surface that can be easily cleaned using a wet mop or foam cleaner.
This flooring comes in many widths, lengths, and thicknesses, so you can find something that suits your space perfectly. It’s available in either unfinished or finished versions.
Vinyl floors require very little maintenance during the product’s lifetime. You simply need to apply stain protection once per year and keep them clean by vacuuming thoroughly every week.
Porcelain and Ceramic Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tile offer a wide variety of looks and styles. Porcelain tile is made with a clay-like material called kaolin. The finished product is white, durable, and prone to chipping and staining. Ceramic tiles are made from a mixture of clay, quartz, and other minerals that gives them their smooth or textured surface. Ceramic tiles come in many different finishes, including matte, glazed, natural stone, and polished concrete.
Porcelain tile is available in most home centers or tile stores in small squares. These can be laid individually on floors or walls to cover large areas quickly. Ceramic tiles are usually sold in larger sheets that need to be cut into smaller pieces for installation.
Carpet
Carpet flooring is one of the most popular types of tile in residential homes. It’s also one of the most affordable types of flooring material used for residential projects. Because it’s not made from natural materials like other types of tile, it doesn’t require any maintenance to keep it looking its best.
Carpet tiles can be either short or long piles, depending on where they’re installed. Short pile carpets typically have a grout line along the middle of each square inch. Long pile carpets do not have this line but a soft finish that feels similar to plush carpeting. Short-pile carpet tiles are typically installed over existing hardwood floors. Long piles can be installed over existing vinyl or laminate floors and concrete slabs.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a natural choice that can be found in homes throughout the world. This is because it is made of raw materials that are a by-product of the cork tree. Cork is composed of compressed 70-90% air, which makes it incredibly soft, light, and in some cases, waterproof. It has insulating properties, is renewable, and easy to install.
Cork flooring is a perfectly durable type of flooring. It’s an extremely versatile material that can be made from casual to highly formal flooring. Cork floors typically have a warm feel and are resistant to water. It’s also corn-based, making it a sustainable and eco-friendly flooring option.
Marble and Stone Flooring
Marble and stone flooring has long been a staple for elegant and sophisticated chic interiors. Marble is pretty hard to ignore, as it is a unique material. It is a natural stone with a beautiful, warm feel. There is no need for downspouts or well-drained soil, as marble will never rot.
The hard, cold marble floor is a perfect foundation for all indoor or outdoor spaces. Whether looking for a sleek look or grandeur, marble has unmatched styles and tones to fit everyone’s taste. You will surely find the perfect fit for your floor with so many styles and varieties.
Rugs
You can enjoy area rugs as flooring in various ways. They can enhance the aesthetics of a room and can have a large, patterned design that makes a piece of furniture stand out from the rest. Choosing the perfect rug for your home will impart personality and character to the room. With expertise and practical knowledge of rugs, you’ll get the rug of your dreams and enjoy the benefits that come with it.
Before deciding to purchase a rug, you should know the various types of rugs available in the market. The most popular types of rugs that you will see in the market today are tapestry rugs. Tapestries are woven rugs that are ornate.
Conclusion
A good understanding of the different types of flooring can help you make the right decision when choosing to floor your home. Knowing what you are getting into before buying or installing flooring is essential. This way, you’ll have the right flooring to match your needs and budget. When you know the different types of floors, you stay alert. You can identify any potential problems that may arise during installation or floor use.
