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Flooring explained – Things to consider when deciding on a floor

Oct 28,19 Tom Piplack
Flooring explained – Things to consider when deciding on a floor

Do you ever feel like you’re doing such an important job, but people keep walking all over you? Your floor can relate. When building or remodeling, one of the (literally) most fundamental questions is what kind of floors to install, and seeing just how many choices there are, it can feel overwhelming. In the end, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your cooking floor, and what your budget is. Here is an overview of common options!

Wood floors

 

Pros + Cons –
Bamboo
  • Sustainable sourcing
  • Water resistant 
  • Easy maintenance
  • Often emits chemicals
  • Scratches easily
  • Weaker when dark
Cork
  • Reduces noise
  • Soft
  • Sustainable 
  • Scratches easily
  • Fades over time
  • Susceptible to moisture
Hardwood
  • Durable
  • Pleasant foot feel
  • Elegant look
  • Very expensive
  • Damaged by water
  • Can cause deforestation

Stone floors

 

Pros + Cons –
Cement tile
  • Very durable
  • Easy to clean
  • Very flexible look
  • Thick & Heavy
  • Need regular sealing
  • Uncomfortable foot feel
Ceramic tile
  • Very durable
  • Timeless look
  • Balanced price
  • Difficult to clean
  • Cold feet
  • Heavy
Natural Stone
  • Sturdy & durable
  • Pleasing to the eye
  • Adds value
  • Expensive
  • Intensive maintenance
  • Cold & Hard
Terrazzo
  • Extremely durable
  • Low maintenance
  • Resistant surface
  • Costly installation
  • Complicated installation
  • Associated with old malls

Artificial floors

 

Pros + Cons –
Laminate
  • Easy installation
  • Scratch resistant
  • Variety of styles
  • Fairly short lifespan
  • Can’t be refinished
  • Damaged by water
Linoleum
  • Biodegradable
  • Flexible/Bendable
  • Easy maintenance
  • Damaged by moisture
  • Scratches easily
  • Can loosen from subfloor
Vinyl
  • Extremely cheap
  • Can look like anything
  • Comfortable and quiet
  • Colors fade
  • Damaged by high heels
  • Scratches easily

No matter the budget, everybody has a lot of choice when it comes to floors. Be aware of your environment first – Flooring that works perfectly in cold, dry climates may not at all be fit for areas with hot and humid conditions and vice versa. Also, who lives in the house is important: Are there kids playing (and dropping things) on the floor? Do you have pets? Are shoes worn inside? It’s this sort of considerations that should influence your decision on which material you commit to. Choose wisely – it may be a lifetime decision!

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