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Carpet, Tile & Floor Covering

2011-06-01 10:02:00

Floor covering options

Question: I have recently bought a pre-owned home. I am looking for options in floor covering that will be both durable and look nice. Can you help on all fronts?

Answer: There are several options for covering your floor. It all depends on your personal preference. I will answer your question by talking about the different types of flooring, and including the qualities that make them so unique. In doing so, I have supplemented some information from a couple of wonderful sites, www.totalfloorcovering.com and www.homedesignsense.com. Carpet: Carpet brings luxury, fashion and comfort to mind. It’s quiet, and insulates well from cold and the color. The materials and design style options are numerous. •Carpet is more economical to maintain than most smooth flooring. •Provides a more cushioned walking than other flooring materials. •Value because they absorb sounds and provide a good environment in homes. •The factors that affect a carpet’s acoustic value it the height, cut or loop of the pile Solid Hardwood Floors: Solid hardwood floors are made of wood entirely. Typically is 3/4-inch thick, and it provides excellent insulation and adds substantial strength to your home’s structure. Solid wood floors come pre-finished and unfinished, in a wide variety of traditional and exotic species. •Hardwood increases in value and can make it easier to sell your home •Never goes out of style even if you change your décor •Sweep as needed and mop occasionally •Strong, resilient and can last a lifetime with proper care •Made from an abundant, environmentally friendly renewable resource Laminate: Laminate is composed of three to five layers of wood glued together using cross-grain lamination, engineered wood flooring is more resistant to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes and moisture. It is thinner and more dimensionally stable, as well as dent-resistant and ideal for high traffic areas. It can be installed over concrete subfloors, and above, below, or on-grade. Laminate flooring provides an upscale appearance at a low price. Its easy care with, for it has scratch and moisture resistance. •Provides the realistic look of wood, tile and stone at a lower cost •Resistant to scratches, dents, dings, moisture and wear-through •Works for kitchens and bathrooms •Sweep as needed and mop occasionally •Easier to maintain than wood, tile or stone •Easy to install yourself Tile: Tile has a natural, handcrafted look that’s durable and easy to care for. It works well in areas where water and dirt enter the house, such entry ways. Design patterns are endless when using all of the possible combinations of size, texture and color. Tile is durable and has become one of the most versatile and environmentally sound building and decorating materials. Ceramic tile is created from all-natural materials, not synthetic and can withstand wear and tear in residential and commercial applications. •Hygienic and less likely to promote the retention of allergens •Provides a myriad of design, color, shape, texture and size options •Retard the spread of fire and repel water due to low water absorption rates •The effect of lower temperatures in the summer through its properties, as well as retaining interior heat during the winter •Easy maintenance is an intrinsic value in using ceramic. No vacuuming, steam cleaning, stripping, refinishing, staining or gouges to repair. Just an occasional mop or sponge can remove any dirt or grime Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is one of the most affordable resilient flooring solutions available. Depending on the wear surface you choose, materials costs can be up to 70% less than other flooring materials. It is easy to install, versatile, low maintenance and high durability make vinyl a popular flooring choice. Vinyl floors offer wear resistance that’s perfect for kitchens and bathrooms. Plus their surface resists stains and is easy to keep clean. Vinyl is available in various styles, colors and prices. •Wear-resistant, so it works for both kitchens and bathrooms •Soft Feel when walking on it •Plates and glasses are less likely to break when dropped on vinyl flooring •Sweep as needed, mop occasionally •No waxing or buffing needed •Easy to install yourself