Hardwood--classic floors that look great and can be used in nearly any room. Softer woods such as pine show more wear and tear than harder woods like red oak. You can get wooden floors that look brand new, or ones that look antiqued and distressed. You can also choose board width and color. Wood floors, however, are susceptible to water damage and can be difficult to repair.
Laminent--this budget friendly option can look like wood, title, or stone. It's a durable floor that's easy to clean. It's also more environmentally friendly than true hardwood floors. One downside to laminent is that it cannot be refinished or sanded--once the floor has run its course, it must be replaced.
Tile--tile is very versatile and looks elegant with its clean lines. It's appropriate in most rooms, and can be installed in virtually any pattern. Although cold to the touch, tile is durable and environmentally friendly.
Vinyl--Like laminent, vinyl floors can look like wood, title, or stone, but at a much less cost. It's a low maintenance floor that's soft underfoot and warmer to touch than real tile. Due to new printing techniques, vinyl has more depth and texture than ever before.
Concrete--concrete floors are a stylish trend. When textured and unfinished, they give an industrial, modern feel. They can also be colored or stained and made to look glassy. Concrete floors are water and fire resistant, very durable (they don't scratch), and easy to clean. They have made their way into the lower level of many newly built homes. Concrete floors do require regular resealing.
Carpet--It's nothing new that carpet feels great to walk on. But did you know that it can reduce energy bills? According to HGTV, it's fibers hold heat, and can insulate up to 17 times better than other surfaces! The downside to carpet is that it can be a pain to clean, and will not stay in good condition forever. Choosing bold carpet colors (think dark green or bright red) may hinder someone selling their home.
Cork-Althought they can fade over time and scratch more easily than other floors, cork floors are contemporary, eco friendly, and comfortable to stand on. Because cork is a natural insulator, it muffles sound and reduces energy bills. It's very versatile from a design perspective, and is increasing in popularity. Try cork in your kitchen--dropped dishes won't break like they will with concrete floors.
Linoleum--this is a great all-natural alternative to vinyl (but costs slightly more), and is making a comeback. It's extremely durable (even fire resistant) and lasts for decades. It, too, is environmentally friendly. The down side: it may expand or contract due to moisture.
Bamboo--A bamboo floor looks like hardwood, but is more sustainable and earth-friendly. On the other hand, it absorbs more moisture than hardwood. Bamboo's natural beauty and sturdiness have made it a popular floor choice.
Read more about flooring here.
Left: concrete. Center: bamboo. Right: cork.
No comments:
Post a Comment