A home's flooring should be very attractive and work to enhance the overall appearance of the home itself, while also being durable against foot traffic, stains and spills, and damage due to pets, kid's toys, and the like. Because flooring needs to look good and be comfortable while also being strong and tough, it can be difficult to find the best option for your home, and especially if you have a limited budget. Note a few tips that can help you decide on what type of flooring material to install in your home, based on your needs in particular.
For maximum durability
If you need maximum durability from your home's floors for any reason, avoid carpeting, as even the most durable carpet fibres can get worn and flattened and easily hold stains and odours. Softwood timber such as oak can also get chipped, dented, or scratched, and these floors may also stain easily.
Instead, choose a laminate, which has a type of photograph that is under a tough plastic upper layer; the plastic is very difficult to damage and will resist stains. Vinyl tiles are also very durable and may be softer underfoot than laminate, but they also resist stains and damage.
For easy cleaning
If you have physical concerns that make cleaning difficult, avoid carpeting, as this material will need consistent vacuuming, no matter the number of persons in your home. Carpet fibres trap and hold dust and dirt, so even if you live alone and never wear your shoes indoors, carpeted floors will need to be cleaned quite often.
Laminate, vinyl, and stone floors typically need damp mopping, and managing a heavy, wet mop can be physically difficult for some persons. For minimal cleaning effort, opt for timber floors in a dense hardwood such as bamboo, as these will only need a light dust mopping on occasion.
For DIY installation
If you have a limited budget, you might consider flooring that you can install yourself. Some laminate flooring options will come in planks or tiles that are specifically meant for a DIY installation, so these can be a good option if you want the look of timber or stone, but without the installation costs.
For insulation
If your home tends to get draughty and cold during wintertime, avoid any solid surface such as stone or hardwood, even those in a dark colour, as these may tend to hold cold air. Instead, opt for wool carpeting, as wool fibres will hold heat and add to your home's overall insulation.
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