When it comes to flooring, there is a huge variety of options to choose from. The best option for you can depend on 2 main things. What your budget is and what kind of style suits the rest of the room. Here are some types of flooring and their differences for you to compare. Hopeful you will be able to work out the best option for you.
Wooden Flooring
Wooden flooring is a very popular option. If you choose a wooden floor, there are a variety of styles depending on your budget. You can choose solid wood floors which are more durable as they can be sanded and refinished over and over. However if you are on more of a budget you can consider engineered wood flooring, (a veneer surface of real wood glued to several layers of plywood).
Wooden floors can also come in a range of woods. You can choose from oak, maple, cherry, walnut, mahogany, ash or bamboo wood flooring. If you have a higher budget you can choose a more exotic wood such as teak, mesquite and jarrah.
Wooden floors can fit in with most decor. They work in rooms that are both traditional or more contemporary. Every wood is also unique in it’s colour and grain so each wooden floor is individual.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is very popular because it is versatile and can be used in any room. It’s particularly popular in bathrooms and kitchens due to it being waterproof and its ease in keeping it clean. However laminate flooring is cold to walk on and can become slippery when wet.
Laminate flooring can be cheaper than other flooring options and is designed to last. It can last up to twice as long as carpet. Laminate flooring can match most decor. This is because it is a multi-layered synthetic that has been fused together using a special lamination technique. This means it comes in a variety of colours, patterns, and designs. This can include designs made to look like stone, wood, or slate. They also often come with a choice of matt or gloss finish.
Vinyl Flooring
If you like laminate flooring but have a slightly higher budget, vinyl flooring may be the best option for you. Vinyl flooring is typically more durable than laminate flooring so perfect for areas of high traffic. Like laminate flooring, it is waterproof and easy to clean making it perfect for kitchen flooring and bathrooms. Vinyl flooring comes in a variety of colours and designs and can look like wood, brick, stone or tiles.
The main disadvantage to vinyl flooring is that it is easily marked by sharp objects or pointed heals because it has a soft texture. Repairing vinyl flooring is not easy if it is damaged.
Carpet
Carpet is a family favourite, it will immediately make your home cosy. They come in a range of designs so you can have a low-pile, denser tuft for high traffic areas and a softer pile for bedrooms. You can also have carpets made from a range of materials. Polypropylene is cheaper and more resistant to stains, wool is more durable and insulating but costs more, whereas polyamide can provide a greater range of colours.
Carpet is popular due to its relative cheapness and ease of installation. It is also a favourite as it can help to reduce the noise of people walking around.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring can be one of the most expensive types of flooring, however, can be an excellent investment as can last a lifetime. It can be more difficult to install and can require constant upkeep as can be easily stained.
There is a large choice of types of stone flooring including colour and surface texture. For example, Travertine is popular and has an earthy, weathered look whereas slate is waterproof and more affordable whereas Limestone is a good choice if you want something paler.
Stone flooring is natural so more eco-friendly than other flooring types. It also works with any style and so will continue to look good if you redecorate the room.