How To Choose Flooring

Learning how to choose flooring for every room of your home is really quite simple if you follow a few guidelines. Use the following criteria to choose just the right flooring every time.

• What is your budget?
• How much traffic goes through the area or room?
• Will this choice fit the overall design of the room?
• Is it meant to be comfortable or functional?
• How much maintenance is required?

Flooring comes in every color, texture, style and each with its benefits and drawbacks. You'll want to consider how your flooring choice will compliment your design, but you'll also need to consider how much wear and tear a particular type of flooring can handle long term.

How to Choose Flooring for Your Home

The types of flooring you choose for the bathroom will be very different than the flooring you choose for the living area and so forth, so it's important to know the advantages and disadvantages of each flooring type. We've listed the types of flooring that may work best in each room of your home, but ultimately you'll choose the flooring that works best for your home and your lifestyle.

Types of Flooring

1) Ceramic tile - it's waterproof, stain-resistant, and relatively easy on the budget, aesthetically pleasing, and fits most decorating styles. Ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, foyers, laundry rooms. However, the downside for some people is that ceramic tile can become slippery if it gets wet and if it is gouged or chipped, it can be very difficult to repair. One way to offset the idea of tile being cold is to install an under-the-floor heating system.
2) Hardwoods - hardwoods lend a warmth and charm to any décor. It wears well over time and can literally last indefinitely when cared for properly. Wood flooring can be cleaned and when it begins to look a bit worn, it can be refinished. These are great for living areas, dens, and bedrooms (rooms without moisture).
3) Laminate - a durable and budget-friendly flooring choice that offers many choices in the way of design, color and style. If you want to cover an existing floor, laminate can be installed over it. However, the downsides to laminate are that it can resonate loudly when walked upon unless padding is installed underneath. Also, once a laminate is damaged, you'll have to replace it.

When tackling how to choose flooring, keep in mind...Laminates are a great choice for foyers, high traffic areas, and homes with pets. There is a great debate as to whether or not laminates are ok for areas with moisture, so be sure to do your research first before installing laminate in a bathroom or kitchen.
4) Stone - a fantastic option for almost any room of the home, as long as you are prepared for the high price tag. It adds value instantly to your home. However, stone is naturally slippery, so plan to add texture by sanding or to opt for a stone like slate or the like that already has surface texture.
5) Bamboo - an excellent “green” option when deciding how to choose flooring for your home. Bamboo resists denting and is perfect for high moisture areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Easy to walk and stand on for longer periods of time (as opposed to hardwoods). Easy to clean. Very attractive and are a renewable resource.
6) Cork - environmentally friendly, durable, natural insulators, kind to the body, quiet (doesn't resonate when walked upon), and can actually repel critters in the home. Cork flooring requires very little maintenance and is available in many colors and styles. It is an excellent choice for high moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens, but not the best choice for homes with pets.
7) Vinyl tile - vinyl is vinyl, but can be very attractive to those who enjoy taking on DIY projects. It's easy on the budget and boasts hundreds of designs from which to choose. A practical choice, vinyl flooring will work well in bathrooms, kitchens, and high traffic areas.
8) Engineered wood - great for low moisture areas such as bedrooms, living rooms, parlors, dens, and dining rooms. Less expensive than actual hardwood flooring and can handle higher temperatures than hardwood. It still lends a lovely warmth and natural appearance to your home.
9) Carpet - an excellent choice for bedrooms and living areas. There are many, many types of carpet that vary in quality and price. The advantages of carpet include sound reduction and comfort. Be prepared to clean and sweep regularly in order to maintain top-notch appearance. Don't install carpet in a bathroom, dining room, or kitchen.

Always consider the value added to your home when you decide how to choose flooring for each room of your house. Woods, ceramic tile, and stone are obviously higher end flooring choices and instantly increase the value of your home. Consider how much maintenance the flooring will require and how often you'll need to replace it as well.