One thing that is often overlooked when it comes to home improvement or home renovation is flooring. People rarely consider what is underneath their very feet. Maybe it is more of a case of out of sight, out of mind. However, the right type of flooring within the right room can take the room to another level.
Each flooring solution offers something different. Each has its pros and cons as a solution, but it is also room dependant. For example, laminate flooring may be great in the kitchen but it may look out of sorts in a bedroom. Flooring can also be expensive, so cost needs to be considered.
There is no secret formula to determine which flooring solution is best for you and your home. It simply requires some thought and thorough planning. So, whether you choose reclaimed teak for your bedroom or tiles in your bathroom, you will know you have made the right choice.
Laminate Flooring
The cost of laminate flooring does vary, depending on style and quality. You may also need to consider any installation costs if you do not have the required skills to fit this flooring yourself.
One of the best things about laminate flooring is that it tends not to scratch too easily. This makes it quite a hard-wearing flooring solution. Depending on the quality, it can look almost as good as solid wood.
Laminate is also very easy to maintain. Cleaning it with a steamer will leave your laminate flooring in a great condition. However, be warned that standing water can ruin a laminate floor. If you do spill anything, make sure that is cleaned up quickly. Do not use a mop and bucket to clean either, as this can stain the laminate.
Hardwood Flooring
If you are looking for a more authentic look, you may want to consider installing a hardwood floor. It is a little more expensive than your typical laminate, but the finish you get will be superb. Hardwood flooring is very easy to maintain. You simply have to run the vacuum over it every now and again.
However, hardwood flooring is not perfect. Yes, it is great to look at and it is easy to maintain, but they are very loud to walk on. Hardwood floors can be very noisy and, unlike laminate, require more maintenance in high traffic areas.
Tiled Flooring
One thing that tiles have in abundance is choice. There are so many different varieties of tiles on the market; you may not know where to start. Tiled flooring solutions range in prices, dependant on size, material and quality.
Due to their water resistance, tiles are a great flooring solution for either a bathroom or kitchen. They are one of the most durable flooring solutions known to man. They look great, especially for those prospective buyers if you are planning on selling your home.
Tiles are not perfect. They have their cons, just like the rest of these flooring solutions. Tiles can be very loud to walk on. Tiles can also crack, so be sure to keep plenty of spares just in case this happens to you.