In recent years, new materials have entered the mix. There are laminates and luxury vinyl flooring, not to mention a whole world of carpets. How can you narrow down these flooring options and find the perfect fit for each room?
We've created a guide that'll help you do just that. We'll talk you through the pros and cons, where to use them, and show you where to get great deals on new flooring.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring has been popular for well over one hundred years, and with good reason. Occasionally, you'll buy an old house that has amazing original hardwood flooring. Most of us aren't so fortunate, but you can get the same look and durability with new hardwoods.Hardwood flooring is great in high-traffic areas, such as:
- Hallways
- Living rooms
- Dining rooms
- Bedrooms
If they get scuffed or dented, you can sand them down and refinish them. You can also stain them a different color and get a 'new' floor without actually having to replace your flooring.
Some people find hardwoods on their own to be a little cold and loud. But you can easily soften the room and add interest with area rugs. It's also much more cost-effective to swap out your rugs every so often rather than changing your flooring.
If you invest in high-quality hardwoods and take good care of them, they'll probably outlive you! They work with so many interior design styles; they're the perfect canvas for you to build on.
Engineered Hardwoods
Traditional hardwood floors are made from solid planks of wood. But engineered hardwood floors have a plywood core.A strip of solid wood is laid on top. It is still possible to sand this back, but you can't do it as many times as with a traditional hardwood floor.
The major benefit of engineered hardwood is that it can go just about anywhere in the house. It can be laid on top of different substrates. It's also less likely to warp and buckle.
Carpet
Carpet may have seemed a little passé in recent years, but we're happy to say that it's making a comeback in a big way.There's something unbeatably cozy and comforting about feeling a thick carpet under your feet. Now there are lots of bold designs available that allow you to stamp your personal style on your home with this most luxurious of floor coverings.
Hot carpet trends for 2022 include:
- Patterned carpets
- Carpet tiles
- Stripes
- Neutral tones
Carpet works best in bedrooms and living rooms. It's best avoided in kitchens as it's hard to clean, and it's a no-no in the bathroom. But with so many sumptuous styles available, it's certainly worth considering when shopping for a new floor covering.
Tile
Tile is uber practical, but don't let that trick you into thinking it's boring.The classic checkerboard may be in right now, but there are many innovative styles that you'll never believe are tile. They include:
- Realistic wood effect tile with surface texture
- Stone effect tile
- Bold colors
Wood and stone effect tiles give you the look you want with the practicality you need. Determined to have a wooden floor in your bathroom? Why not choose wood effect tiles and never worry about them getting waterlogged and blowing out?
Tiles are scratch resistant, durable, and easy to keep clean. With good care, they can last up to 50 years. This versatility makes them suitable for just about every room in the house!
Laminate
Laminate could be the way to go if you love the look of hardwoods but are put off by the price tag. Laminate flooring options have improved immensely in recent years. They can give you the look not only of wood but also of tile and stone.Modern laminates come with warranties that can reach up to 30 years. This shows how much confidence manufacturers have in the longevity of their products.
Laminate is perfect for living rooms, dining rooms, hallways, and even kitchens. As long as you quickly wipe up any spills, the laminate will stay in good condition. There are even types of laminate flooring available that are suitable to use in bathrooms!
Laminate can be made to look like any type of hardwood. This means that you can achieve a look that may be unaffordable if hardwood were your only option.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring gives you all the benefits of natural materials but in a highly durable and functional format.The planks are made from 100% vinyl. This makes them completely impervious to water. You can use them in any room of the house without worrying about what will happen if they get wet.
Luxury vinyl flooring includes beautiful texture. Tile effect flooring made from this material even features grout lines. The top surface is super strong and can resist almost anything a busy family can throw at it.
It may be luxury by name, but options are available to suit many budgets.
Many Types of Flooring, One Amazing Supplier
With so many fantastic floor options available, you really are spoilt for choice. There's no need to search high and low for great deals on all of the types of flooring mentioned above.At National Floors Direct, we have an extensive range for you to choose from. We offer financing options and next-day installation on a huge range of name brands.
Why not schedule a free in-home estimate? Call us at 888-400-FLOOR or reach out online today!
