The 5 Types of Flooring Recommended By Home Renovators
Flooring for every room in your home requires careful consideration. While hardwood flooring may seem an obvious choice for several reasons, it may not always be the best option. What good would it do if you like carpeting the bedrooms, after all?
Even when hardwood flooring is crossed out of your list, there remains a wealth of other options and you battle which of them is the best in terms of what could warm your feet, absorb more sound, and is comparatively cheaper. You’re also factoring in the idea which one of them could match the specific style and colour you’re looking for.
So, what’s for you to do? Instead of getting caught up in the list of options, you should start trimming down your selection based on which one can best accommodate your lifestyle. This way, you may find that the best type of flooring for your home has little to do with the hardwood or laminate debate.
As a trusted home renovation contractor in Singapore, we list down some of the types of flooring most experts in the industry recommend.
Which Type of Flooring is Best For You?
Hardwood flooring has been around for hundreds of years, earning it a distinction as the standard in flooring materials. While it’s classic, timeless, and elegant, hardwood is somewhat limited in terms of application, as it’s not recommended for high foot traffic and moisture-prone areas.
Another downside to hardwood is that it’s actually expensive. The good news, however, is that it can increase the resale value of your home and that it can be refinished several times to make it look brand new.
Besides hardwood, natural stones are some of the most prestigious flooring materials out there. They can be anything from marble, granite, onyx, limestone, and more. They may be quite expensive, but the style and elegance they can add to any place they’re installed at are unmatched.
But, beyond all these distinctions, keep in mind that many of these stones - marble, in particular - are porous and soft therefore requiring sealing at least every 3 to 6 months.
Ceramic is another favourite medium among interior designers in Singapore. Unlike hardwood, ceramic floors are water-proof. It explains why they’re often being used for indoor and outdoor installations, particularly in wet areas like the kitchen and the bathroom.
While it’s durable, the hardness of ceramic isn’t to everyone’s liking. It can also be quite expensive as well as time-consuming to install and remove. What’s more, it’s also prone to cracks and other damages, therefore, requiring great care and maintenance.
Although synthetic by origin, vinyl floors are made to resemble the rich, vibrant, and elegant look of hardwood floors. But, what probably makes vinyl in-demand is that it’s versatile, easy to install and maintain, water-resistant, slip-resistant, and relatively cheap.
Another thing you can take note of this flooring option is that it’s durable and scratch resistant. While it’s no doubt one of the cheapest, you should neither expect it to fully conceal its synthetic look nor to last as long as the other options.
Similar to vinyl, laminate floors are made to imitate many other flooring options such as hardwood, ceramic or marble. It’s what makes it a great option for those who aren’t so keen to spend money on the real deal.
Laminate floors are versatile and easy to install. But, again, like with vinyl floors, anyone can easily distinguish between real hardwood flooring and an imitation. Thus, despite the cost-saving potential, not everyone is willing to go for it.
There’s a wide range of flooring materials available to provide your needs. But, with all factors considered, you’re sure to find one that will complement your lifestyle.
What do you think is the best flooring option for you? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment.