Renovating a house, whether it’s your first home or the place you’ve called home for decades, is an exciting experience. It allows you to make changes that are best suited to what you want and if your house is an older one, it gives you a chance to revitalize your space. A common renovation many seek to do is flooring. Flooring is the most utilized aspect of a home and plays an integral role in bringing everything together.
When it comes to flooring, there are several options on the market. Everything from sleek, modern hardwood to cozy and inviting carpet. With so many options on the market, it’s important to thoroughly research them all in order to ensure you get exactly what you want. Our Vancouver-based business specializes, not only in hardwood floor installation but various other types; each with their own unique attributes.
Here are some popular flooring options you may want to consider when renovating your flooring;
Hardwood Flooring
The option that comes with options! Hardwood flooring is the most popular type of flooring and for good reason – it has many versatile looks that could bring a unique look to any home. From darker shades that bring a rustic feel to lighter tones that modernize a room, the possibilities seem endless.
Aside from the aesthetic appeal, hardwood flooring is very durable and made to withstand time and various elements that come across it. When it comes to maintenance, the processes is fairly simple. Typically, they are easy to clean and only require sweeping on a regular basis. If you are a busy body, the low maintenance correlated to hardwood flooring is a win.
Albeit, this all comes a cost. Hardwood flooring is a costly option; running anywhere from $3 a sq.ft to $15 a sq. ft, and must be installed over sub-flooring. The cost of both the materials and installation is not on the more cost-efficient end. Nonetheless, hardwood flooring adds a nice touch to any home.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring is another popular option as it gives off a comforting vibe. Like hardwood flooring, there are many options when it comes to carpet; coming in a wide range of styles, colours, designs, and textures. Many who live in colder places, such as Vancouver, opt for carpet flooring due to the warmth it provides on those freezing cold days. Because it retains warm air longer, it’s the ideal flooring for cold climates.
Carpets are also a safe option, especially if you have children. Because it has a bit of a cushion, falling on it will not hurt as much as falling on solid floors. On the flip side, younger children can create a lot of mess and carpet doesn’t do well with messes. Anything spilled on to the carpet will soak up and stay there until cleaned which could give off an unpleasant smell. If products such as wine, coffee, or markers make contact with the carpet, they could leave stains. If you have pets, the dander could also get caught within. Like hardwood flooring, there are pros and cons to carpet – it ultimately comes down to lifestyle and preference.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is the cost-efficient sister of hardwood flooring and can provide an elegant and classy look for a fraction of the price. Laminate flooring is made from composite wood which is pressed together at high temperatures. The materials are significantly cheaper than hardwood flooring and installation on average cost 50% less! Because of the material they are made from, they are a durable and long-lasting option. Scratches, scuffs, and moisture are no match for laminate.
While the cost of materials and installation may not cost you a lot, repair just might. Unlike their sister flooring, they aren’t as easy to repair should a repair be required. Finding a piece to match if you require a small replacement may be difficult and time-consuming. However, despite this, laminate flooring is still a great option for those who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on flooring while still having luxurious looking floors.
Tile Flooring
When you think of tile flooring, you most likely think of the kitchen or the bathroom. While tile flooring can be done in any room of the house, it is most notably found in these rooms. Tile flooring poses many great benefits, including; durability, affordability, diversity, and being environmentally-friendly. Tile flooring can add an elegant look to any home and the number of styles and patterns on the market are astronomical.
The main complaint with tile flooring, however, is how cold they can be. While this might be great in the summer, it’s not so ideal in colder months. While maintenance is relatively nominal, you have to be wary about the grout lines between the tiles. These are harder to clean and may be missed as the tiles are slightly raised. With a little vinegar and water, however, the grout lines can easily be cleaned,
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular option, not only in homes but in offices and other commercial buildings as well. Vinyl flooring has a key advantage on its side – it is 100% water-resistant, making it a great options for rooms or commercial spaces where messes may be frequently made. The maintenance is a breeze as vinyl flooring only requires regular sweeping and mopping. Another great perk? The materials and installation are both quite affordable, making it a great option for almost any budget!
Should you choose to strip your vinyl flooring down the road, you may find the process difficult. If the vinyl is glued down, it can be hard to pry it off and may break into pieces, making removal a lengthy process. Despite its durability, it is a softer material and is more susceptible to damage caused by punctures. Vinyl flooring is a good option if you want something low maintenance that you don’t plan on changing for quite some time.
Each type of flooring has its pros and cons. It all comes down to personal preference, maintenance, budget, and lifestyle. It’s important to align your flooring with these factors to ensure you are getting the best floor for your needs.
Looking to install flooring in your new home? Or perhaps you want to modernize your older living space? Contact us today and we will help you get started!