Don't Get Tripped Up On Floors
For this week's post I want to chat a little about flooring. Really, it seems like almost everything plays a major role in the look, feel, + functionality of your home, but flooring TRULY does. It is the largest surface in a room + is the foundation for the entire look of the space. Pattern, texture, style, + color are important considerations when selecting your flooring. From trendy concrete to solid hardwood, floors impact your life, so I'm going to help you in discovering what floor type is best for you.
Flooring can be a BIG investment, so you'll want a surface that will last the test of time. I will only touch on 5 flooring materials, running through the pros, cons, care tips, + where to buy.
PROS: Solid hardwood is softer on the feet than tile, is the most cohesive choice for open floor plans, + can be refinished many times.
CONS: Water can stain the wood if it is not properly sealed. Solid hardwood expands + contracts with changes in humidity, which can cause it to look different over time.
CARE TIPS: Sweep or vacuum regularly, and occasionally wipe with a nearly dry mop. Avoid direct sunlight, UV rays can make floors fade.
WHERE TO BUY: For high-quality hardwood, try Anderson, the Bruce line by Armstrong, PID Floors, + Mohawk.
PROS: Since the top layer of this flooring type is real wood, it shares the aesthetic beauty of solid planks. Since the core is fiberboard it better resists spills + humidity.
CONS: $$$$ Engineered hardwood can host a hefty price tag, some just as costly as solid hardwood. Due to the thickness of the top layer and its fiberboard core, these floors can be refinished only a few times, otherwise you'll wear away the top layer.
CARE TIPS: Treat it just like regular hardwood. Ladies, keep the stilettos off of this flooring-type, it can dent the top layer of wood.... sorry boo!
WHERE TO BUY: Engineered hardwoods can be purchased from the same companies as the solid hardwood manufacturers in addition to Shaw, + Mullican Flooring.
PROS: Durable, affordable, easy to install, + comes in a vast array of styles. Some options are made from recycled materials.
CONS: If you plan to move from your home these floors may not be the most worthwhile choice and won't necessarily help with the resale value.
CARE TIPS: DO NOT pour water or liquid cleaners on laminate floors. Too much moisture will cause these floors to warp, swell, or delaminate (the top layer comes off).
WHERE TO BUY: Shaw, Armstrong, + Mannington offer many styles including reclaimed wood look-alikes.
PROS: Durable, budget-friendly, has a slight "cushiony" feel to it. Vinyl is also water resistant, which makes is good for use in splash-prone spots.
CONS: Lack of longevity depending on the quality (up to about 5 years). Choose a more durable version if you'd like it to last longer including versions like luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT).
CARE TIPS: Mop frequently with soapy water as vinyl has a tendency to get grimy and become dull. If you have a spill be sure to wipe it up immediately to prevent them from soaking into the material.
WHERE TO BUY: For realistic stone replicas try Kraus or IVC. For wood-like options take a look at BerryAlloc or Earthwerks.
PROS: There are many tile material types-- stone, ceramic, porcelain, + cement. Tile offers tons of versatility in looks, + it is incredibly durable.
CONS: Tile can be a little tough on the feet, so if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen this may not be the ideal flooring choice in there. Installing tiles can also get pretty pricey, + inexpensive tiles are prone to chipping at times.
CARE TIPS: Ceramic tile needs simple vacuuming + on occasion you can use like cleaner, like this one from Bona, for a more thorough clean.
WHERE TO BUY: Datile has a wide variety of tile options, Nemo, + Emser are good brands as well. If you'd like handmade tile options, try Fireclay Tile.
No need to get all tripped up over floors. The key really is to do your research, know your budget, + ultimately select a flooring option that works best for you in your space.
Are you in need of updating your floors? Do you need a complete renovation or need a consultation to assist with selecting what floor type is right for you? Give me a shout here, I would love to assist you!
Til next time!
