Flooring guide: Choosing flooring - How to choose the right floor?
Choosing flooring- How to choose the right floor?The choice of flooring can affect the look, comfort and function of a room, so it is important to choose the right type of flooring for your needs and preferences.
Wood flooring provides a natural and warm aesthetic that suits most interior styles. It is durable and can be very long-lasting if properly maintained. Solid wood floors can be re-sanded several times and treated if scratched or worn. Depending on the thickness of the surface layer, parquet floors can also be sanded if necessary. Common wood species used are oak, ash, walnut and birch. Commonly used are herringbone, chevron, single-stick, multi-stick, and planks in different widths. The appearance can also be changed by treatment, for example by white pigmentation or dark staining. Solid wood flooring can be sensitive to water and moisture, which can cause buckling or deformation. The price can often be more expensive than other types of flooring.
Laminate flooring is a more budget-friendly option with a wood-like appearance. It is often a durable and scratch-resistant surface that is easy to clean. Laminate floors are made of wood fibers with a hard melamine surface and tend to make more noise than wood floors, due to the hard surface and light weight. They can also feel a bit hollow underfoot compared to real wood floors. Installation is often easy thanks to click systems. However, it is not as durable as real wood flooring and can be more difficult to repair. Some laminate floors can feel plasticy or less authentic than real wood floors. One advantage is that it can often be laid on top of existing flooring.
Clinker flooring (Ceramic tiles) is another flooring option. Tiles are extremely durable and resistant to water and stains. They come in an incredible variety of colors, patterns and sizes. They are easy to clean and retain their appearance for a long time. The joints between the tiles can be difficult to clean and maintain. Another disadvantage of tiled floors is that they often feel cold to walk on.
Vinyl flooring is a versatile and budget-friendly option with different patterns and colors, including wood-like patterns. It is water-resistant and easy to clean. It is comfortable to walk on thanks to a softer surface. Some vinyl floors may feel less authentic than other flooring types. Durability can also vary and can wear down over time, especially in high-traffic areas.
Stone floors (Marble, Granite, Limestone) are often of the highest quality and elegance with unique patterns and colors. They are extremely durable and resistant to wear and tear. Often easy to clean and keep clean. However, it is usually expensive to install and may require professional installation. Often it is also cold to walk on, especially in colder climates.
Concrete flooring is a floor with a modern and industrial aesthetic. It is very durable and can be customized with colors and textures. It fits well in modern and minimalist interiors and is effective for creating an indoor/outdoor feel in a home. This floor is also cold to walk on but underfloor heating can be added to increase comfort. However, it is difficult to change or repair if the surface is damaged. You might think that concrete flooring is very durable but many times it is quite susceptible to stains, depending on the treatment and grinding it has undergone.
Carpet or textile flooring is another flooring option that is becoming more and more popular again. Tufted, woven and needle felt carpets are among the most common variants and come in a variety of colors, materials and lengths. Different yarns, their quality and the length of the pile all play a role in how comfortable the carpet is to walk on. Carpet is best in dry rooms such as bedrooms and walk-in closets. In addition to the advantages of being soft to walk on and soundproofing, it can also be good for dust allergy sufferers if you vacuum regularly – the carpet binds the dust in the air. The downside is that it can be difficult to remove stains.
