Installing new flooring is one of the most important components of any home renovation. With plenty of options available, picking the right flooring for each space is key. Keeping in mind that your flooring will be seen and walked on every day, it’s definitely a feature that needs to work for your lifestyle and the overall design of your home. Below, we’ll take a look at some crucial factors to consider in order to choose the perfect flooring to suit your home, your lifestyle and your budget.
Keep Your Floor durable
The amount of foot traffic in a particular room is one of the main factors you should consider. If you have a big family, pets, or maybe even an uncle who’s a little too comfortable stomping through the house in his boots, your flooring will see plenty of wear and tear over time.
Here’s what to consider when search for durable flooring options:
Hardwood flooring
Hardwood flooring is an option that can last for decades. If you’re looking to install in a high-traffic area, such as the living room, look at hardwood flooring options made with wood types that rank high on the Janka hardness scale.
Janka hardness scale
The Janka hardness scale is considered the best measure to determine how much wear various wood types can withstand. The ratings range from 0 to 4000 – the higher the rating, the harder the wood is.
Care & maintenance
While the Janka rating of the wood indicates how strong the floor will be and how much wear and tear it can handle, keep in mind that care and maintenance will also play a big role in the overall appearance and quality of your floor. Certain flooring options will require more effort to maintain than others.
Keep your floor stylish
Your flooring greatly influences the overall look and feel of every room in your home. As such, it’s worth choosing a flooring option that complements the current style and décor of your home.
Marble tile flooring
If you love modern and luxurious design, you can’t go wrong with marble flooring. This flooring option is well-loved for its timeless style and natural beauty. Marble is available in many colours and can be cut into various shapes.
Ceramic floor tiles
To create a bathroom that feels like a spa retreat, consider ceramic tiles. Since ceramic tiles come in a huge range of colours and designs, ceramic tiles can work for just about any design you can imagine in your bathroom. Ceramic tile is a top bathroom flooring option as it’s also impervious to moisture, bacteria and odours.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are a great option for kitchens. They’re waterproof, stain resistant and highly durable – which definitely comes in handy in a mess-prone room. Combining this durability with a striking look, porcelain tile is always a great choice for the kitchen.
Keep it budget-friendly
Installing new flooring in your home is a major renovation project. With that said, the cost of various flooring options is another important factor to consider, especially if you have a set budget. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- If you’re working with a larger budget, your flooring options are basically endless. From high-end hardwood to natural stone, the choice is yours! Higher-end flooring options can transform your home’s appearance and raise its resale value.
- Wood flooring can cost from $3 to $8 per square foot. Plus, if you have your floors professionally installed, it will add another $5 to $12 per square foot to the price.
- Due to its durability, budget-friendliness and real wood appearance, many homeowners lean towards laminate as a flooring option. Laminate can cost anywhere from $2 to $4 per square foot. As for labour costs, expect to pay $2 to $2.50 per square foot. This is a great option if you want to break new ground without breaking the bank.
- Another lower cost alternative is luxury vinyl plank (LVP). This synthetic material looks like wood and is hard-wearing and water-resistant. It’s quick and easy to clean LVP flooring, so it’s an ideal choice for kitchens and playrooms.
Ready to renovate? Floor it!
Choosing brand new flooring for your home is a process that involves weighing a number of factors. Your lifestyle, personal style and your budget will all play a role in the type of flooring you choose. Choosing the right flooring can elevate a room or space’s appearance, along with the value of your home, so don’t rush your decision.
Perfect ideas!