Let Us Floor You
The time has come! You’re ready to build your forever home or start that remodel you’ve been wanting. Choosing your flooring materials wisely is a MUST. Not to mention, flooring is the foundation of the entire look of every space. As the largest surface in your home, your flooring needs to hold up to anything you throw at it… our drop on it.
Being a residential designer, I get the privilege to work with many individuals daily. No two people are alike, and all have different views, senses of style, personalities, lifestyles, likes, and dislikes. The most challenging task as a designer is balancing the client’s style and wants with the functionality of the space.
While your sense of style does come into play when choosing flooring materials, it is not the only thing to consider. Weighing the pros and cons of each material is important, such as which flooring is best for pets, allergies, or personal comfort. There are countless options to choose from, but people tend to be the most familiar with the following:
- Engineered Hardwood
- Vinyl
- Porcelain Tile
- Carpet
To get a better idea of which flooring to choose, understanding the durability, color/texture, and overall pros and cons of each flooring type is key. It can be daunting, but this guide will ease the process and help you choose the best flooring materials for your project.
Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Not to be confused with traditional hardwood, engineered wood is the modern manmade option. It contains only a thin top layer of wood, giving it the look and feel of “real” hardwood, without the maintenance and high dollar price tag – the best of both worlds! Having a plywood base makes this a great option for those that live in high humidity areas, aka Louisiana, because you do not have to worry about moisture buckling your surface. Hardwood can come in wide planks as well as mixed-sized planks, making for a unique and personalized flooring design option. It is a soft material that’s easily scratched and scuffed, so it may not be ideal for pet owners. The warm tones help bring comfort and hominess throughout your project. So, when determining if engineered hardwood is best for you, ask yourself what matters most. Comfort or lifestyle?
Vinyl Flooring
If you are constantly on the go with never enough time in your day and messy pets and kids, then vinyl flooring is your answer. With technology constantly evolving, the vinyl world is continuously expanding, offering homeowners the closest look to hardwood without having to deal with scratches and nicks. Vinyl is a waterproof and easily washable option offering many cool tones and various texture patterns, all at a reasonable price point. Don’t be afraid to change up the direction of your flooring, whether it’s laid in a herringbone, chevron, or diagonal pattern. This designer tip adds uniqueness to your space and adds character to any space without increasing cost. Vinyl has few, if any, downfalls making it a popular choice for home flooring.
Porcelain Tile
And, of course, tile can be a great pick for low-maintenance flooring, too. Porcelain tile is a sealed (non-porous) surface that requires little-to-no attention. Porcelain is made from a dense type of clay that is baked at a high temperature which makes it very dense and solid. Tile always stands the test of time and is best used in areas of your home that are likely to get the most high-foot traffic areas. One of the great benefits of porcelain tile flooring comes from the sheer variety of styles, colors, textures, and patterns available. Porcelain provides limitless design potential, from traditional tiled looks to beautiful, detailed mosaics, from matte looks to high gloss finishes and vein patterns to marble look-alikes; porcelain tile flooring can fit any design aesthetic. Although porcelain tiles are pricier, they are certainly a very good investment. Combine their durability and ease of maintenance with just how classy they look, and it’s not hard to understand why porcelain is a popular option for homeowners.
Carpet
One of the biggest advantages of carpet is the endless options of colors, textures, and patterns. Although we often see it being ripped out of older homes, it is still a popular surface for certain areas in the home. Carpet is most commonly seen in bedrooms, closets, stair runners, and on the second level of the homes to help reduce cost and cut back on sound. Carpet is becoming an outdated option for installation in the whole home but shouldn’t be ruled out for certain quiet and relaxing locations.
Choosing the Right Flooring for Your Home
When choosing which flooring materials are best for you and your lifestyle, remember that your options are endless, but knowing your goals is a good start. Consider your style and your durability needs. No one’s top priority is vacuuming or scrubbing floors to get rid of scuff marks. Luckily, when it comes to flooring, there are many low-maintenance and timeless options that can fit into your vision or personal lifestyle. If you’re ready to build your dream home or renovate your current home, contact us to discuss your project today.