The floor is an essential part of any building but there is a big difference between the types of floor covering available. Your decision will depend on the budget you have available, your personal taste, and what you perceive to be the best flooring materials for the job.
To help you make the right decision it’s a good idea to have a look at the top 5 flooring materials:
- Wood
Wood is warm, it’s a natural product, and it’s environmentally friendly. Of course, you’ll need to choose a wood flooring that is made from recycled wood or guaranteed to have replaced the trees that have been cut down. But, if you do ensure this is the case you have an environmentally conscious decision.
There are different types of real wood floors, such as this beautiful herringbone timber flooring, or the more traditional French Oak.
Your choice will depend on your budget and personal preference, but real wood flooring will last for years and should be seen as a real investment.
- Tiles
Tiles are traditionally used in wet spaces, such as the bathroom or kitchen but in warmer climates, they are often used across the whole house. There’s a good reason for this.
Tiles are cold to the touch, although that is a welcome feeling on a hot day. They are also very easy to keep clean and impervious to spills. Simply sweep and mop and you’re good to go.
The downside is that if you do manage to break one it can be very awkward to replace individual tiles.
- Laminate
This generally looks very similar to real wood, although you can get it in a variety of shades and patterns. However, this option is dramatically cheaper than real wood, making it a good option if you’re on a budget.
This is generally installed as a floating floor, the laminate sections simply clip together without glue and sit on top of your old flooring. Just remember to leave a small gap around the room, this gives the laminate boards room to expand and contract.
- Vinyl Flooring
This also comes in a huge array of patterns, in much the same way that laminate does. However, vinyl is generally more flexible and slightly warmer underfoot than laminate, making it an attractive option.
You can even get thick vinyl that looks like a real stone floor. Vinyl is cushioned which makes it more comfortable to walk on, but it isn’t a good idea to walk on it in high heels, they’ll mark the floor. You’ll be pleased to know this material is durable, it should last up to 20 years.
- Carpet
Carpet remains a popular option, especially in cooler climates. The real beauty about a good carpet isn’t that it’s warm and soft underfoot, it’s that you can purchase it in a variety of colors, it isn’t excessively expensive, and it can be easily laid in any room of your home.
Of course, carpet is not always the best choice for kitchens and bathrooms where there is an increased likelihood of spills.
