When we picked out the flooring for our kitchen remodel, we faced so many choices. There are a variety of factors that come into play such as looks, price, durability, and what type of flooring works best for your space.
Know your Style
It may help to use a designer at this stage. Do you prefer the look and feel of hardwood? Do you like the feel of carpet underneath your feet? Or do you prefer the straight lines and balance of a good tile? Also, it’s important to take into account your furniture and other accessories so that you can choose flooring that compliments your décor. Check out this Flooring Buying Guide from HGTV if you need inspiration.
Calculate your Budget
There is more to the cost of a flooring project than the cost of your new material. Be sure to take into account the labor to install your new floor, any underlayment that may be required under your new floor, and the cost of removal and disposal of your current floor. Also, be prepared for a surprise or two, especially if you live in an older home. For instance, some or all of your subflooring may need to be replaced. Or, you may have some uneven spots that need to be built up to level out your new floors or will interior or exterior doors need to be trimmed due to your new floors being thicker than your old ones. Just be sure to leave yourself some room in your budget for a surprise or two! A good contractor will remind you of this, too.
Understand your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle also plays an important role in the type of flooring you choose for your home. Do you have kids that dirty up the carpet or leave puddles of water beside the tub in the bathroom? Do you have pets that shed or may track in dirt with their muddy paws? Are you on your feet a lot cooking in your kitchen? How you live will play an important part in the type of flooring that you need to select.
Select the Type of Flooring
Flooring is one of the largest surfaces in your home so once you know your style, budget, and lifestyle it’s time to select the right flooring for you. This is where all the options can become overwhelming. Below are several types of floors and pros and cons with each type.
Hardwood
Hardwood consists of a solid piece of wood throughout and comes in a variety of species such as oak, pine, maple, walnut, or cherry. However, this is one of the more expensive options and requires regular maintenance. Hardwoods will increase the value of your home and are very strong and durable. But, they also can incur scratches or scrapes and can be damaged by moisture. Therefore, they are not recommended in areas such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, or a high moisture area such as a basement.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood flooring can offer the look and feel of hardwood floors at a relatively lower price. They consist of a thin layer of hardwood bonded over a high quality plywood substrate. These floors offer a greater moisture resistance than real wood and are less likely to warp. However, a lot of them cannot be refinished more than once and it may have more of a hollow sound or feel than real wood.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP flooring has become a popular option over the last several years. The quality of the products has increased, leading to a durable flooring option. LVP is water and fade resistant, so it is a good choice for bathrooms, laundry rooms, kitchens and basements. They are also easy to maintain. Though LVP is a good cost-effective option, it does have a lower return on investment than wood flooring. It also cannot be refinished and over time LVP may deteriorate and wear down. It’s important to look at the thickness of your LVP flooring choice as well as the warranty that comes with it.
We installed this flooring type at a beachfront home, given the environment and the use of the home.
Tile
Tile is always a good choice for moisture prone areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. Tile is waterproof, durable, and long lasting. However, it can be expensive and labor intensive to install depending on the amount of prep work needed.
We had this tile in our kitchen before the remodel.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a very affordable option and easy to install. Laminate is made to reproduce the look of wood or stone and is a budget conscience option to carpet. However, it does not have the feel of a wood or stone, is susceptible to moisture, can chip easily, and will have a hollow sound underfoot.
Carpet
Carpet is the most cost-effective flooring option on the market. It is often favored in bedrooms. It is soft and warm on the feet, is great for soundproofing, and comes in a variety of colors and designs. On the downside, it can stain and be hard to clean. It will show wear and tear over time and is not a preferred option for allergy sufferers.
What is your preferred flooring in your home? Share your flooring stories with us!
