Flooring a house can be a daunting task. There are so many types of flooring options, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some basic tips for getting started:
1. Looking for versatility? Try carpeting!
Carpeting is one of the most popular flooring options, covering almost 70% of floors in the United States. Carpets are easy to install, versatile, and can be changed easily if you decide to redecorate. Carpeting a house allows you to reinvent the look and feel of your home without costing you a fortune.
Worried about stains? 99% of carpet stains can be removed with the right cleaning agent if they’re cleaned in the first few days after the stain occurs. That means your children can have the comfort of playing on a soft, cushioned floor or staircase without you having to hide the the grape juice and finger paint.
When carpeting a house, the most important factor to consider is the material. Look for a carpet made with wool or a wool-blend, which are durable and can be easily dyed. Most carpets can last 10 years, though they may begin to show signs of wear after that first decade. If you’re looking for a longer-lasting option, try a woven type, which can last 20 or 30 years!
Plus, did you know that many carpets can be recycled? Carpet recycling has prevented an estimated 1.5 billion pounds of waste from being deposited into U.S. landfills. No wonder so many Americans choose this flooring option!
2. Looking for a low-maintenance option? Try hardwood flooring!
Though carpeting can be a great option for comfort and versatility, it does require more upkeep than other floor options. If you’re looking for more low-maintenance floor options, try hardwood floors. This fuss-free option is easy to clean and doesn’t trap mold or dust mites, making it a popular option among the 40 million Americans who suffer from allergies.
Hardwood flooring types vary in hardness, ranging from softer woods like pine and fir, which fall between 600-900 on a hardness scale, to harder types like Red Walnut and Brazilian Teak with a relative hardness rating of as high as 2500-3500. The harder the wood, the more resistant it is to denting and wear. If you’re looking to install hardwood flooring in a room that gets a lot of traffic, you may want to select a wood with a high hardness rating.
3. Looking for long-lasting flooring? Try tile!
Tile is another low-maintenance alternative to carpeting a house. Tile flooring is one of the most durable and long-lasting flooring options available. Many companies offer a warranty of up to 25 years on linoleum flooring, though the floor itself can last 40 or more years. Tile floors also stay cooler than carpeted floors, making them more comfortable and energy-efficient in the summertime than many other flooring types.
Not sure you want to invest in one type of flooring for your whole house? Try mixing it up! If you’re one of the 44% of homeowners who prefer carpeting in the bedroom, try just carpeting that room and install a tile floor in the bathroom. If you’re looking for elegance in the dining room and practicality in the kitchen, try a mix of hardwood and tile. Whatever your flooring needs may be, find a good flooring company that can help you make the choice that works best for you and your home.
