The type of flooring you choose is a major part of any home renovation. There are so many choices, but not every one of them is ideal for every home. You might select one type of floor material over another depending on your lifestyle, but budget is a major factor as well.
Regardless of the material, a new floor will add value to your home. It will look fresher and give each room a different feel. If you plan on selling the home, you could certainly get a better price on a sale, but renovating the floors will help meet your stylistic and functional needs for the time being as well. Knowing what materials are available gives you a chance to achieve these goals.
The most common flooring materials include:
Hardwood
If you are going for a classic look, hardwood is the way to go. It can give a home charm and can last a very long time. Plus, it is highly versatile in design because you can choose different board widths. Narrow strips can be less than three inches wide, but wider planks can be more than three inches. You can create a more formal look with parquet floors, which consist of square wood elements. Different grain patterns, colors, and textures may be selected depending on the species.
Laminate
Able to emulate hardwood, stone, or tile, laminate flooring is typically available at a lower price. It is resistant to staining, moisture, and fading. A laminate floor is also easier to install. There are numerous options for grain and texture – some laminates look exactly like real wood or ceramic.
Vinyl
Resiliency is the best feature of vinyl flooring. This type is great for home renovations if you like depth and texture, and color variety, and a soft feel. Vinyl is comfortable to stand on. You can install it in sheets or as tiles, so this is a versatile flooring option.
Linoleum
Compared to vinyl, linoleum is all-natural and highly durable. It can tolerate heavy traffic and is resistant to scratching as well. Also available in sheets or tiles, this flooring option offers longevity and environmental benefits, not to mention a wide variety of colors that run right through the material. They are not simply printed on the surface.
Install Flooring that Matches Your Style
There are many other types of flooring, including cork, concrete, and even bamboo. Each has its own benefits. Tile is another great choice. You might prefer the glaze of ceramic tile or the hardness of porcelain. Natural stone tile is pricier but durable, and is often made of granite, limestone, marble, or slate.
If you are unsure of the best material for your style and budget, a home renovations professional can help you decide in accordance with SANS10400 building regulations. They can provide you with a list of choices. Once they explain the pros and cons of each, and offer a quote for the project, you can determine what looks best and what you can most afford. The best flooring experts in your local area can be found by searching our website. In the end, your home renovation project will be much more worthwhile.