The floor of your house sets its tone from the ground up. In addition, it’s one of the areas that you will interact with the most in your house. The floor of your house is permanent, and you cannot change it not unless you cover it up.
If you are looking to renovate your house, and maybe want to change your floor, it is important to understand the different options to consider. Each of these options comes with different features, as well as its pros and cons.
What flooring options should you consider during a house renovation?
Choosing the right floor option for your house is, however, not a walk in the park. This is because of the many options available to homeowners. Before starting your renovation, let us discuss some of the best floor options to choose from.
1. Laminate Floor
The use of laminate floors has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades. This might be because of the ease with which the floors can be installed and maintained. This is where they beat other types of floors.
In addition, laminate floors are cheaper than most of the other options in this article. They do not require a skilled professional (or rather require less skill) to install. Most homeowners choose this type of floor due to its durability and hygiene. Unfortunately, you have to replace it when it is damaged.
Pros
- Its maintenance is not expensive.
- It is a good alternative for those under a tight budget especially if you cannot afford hardwood flooring.
- Laminate floors come in a variety of colors and styles.
Cons
- The compressed fiber or plywood used by manufacturers is prone to damage by water.
- Laminate flooring is not easy to repair, meaning that homeowners have to replace it when it is damaged.
2. Hardwood Flooring
You can never commit a mistake if you decide to choose hardwood floors. This is because they can be installed in any house despite its decor. In addition, they offer a natural beauty to homes. Unfortunately, they are very expensive.
You can install hardwood floors in any room in your house, no matter it’s setting. However, you might need a few considerations for areas such as your basements and kitchen. This is because it can be damaged by water.
Pros
- Hardwood flooring adds value to your home.
- It has one of the most beautiful appearances compared to other flooring options.
- It is durable and long-lasting.
- It can be installed in different patterns for more flooring styles.
Cons
- Hardwood flooring is expensive.
- It is difficult to maintain.
- It is prone to dents, scratches, and water damage.
- UV rays can damage some types of hardwood flooring.
3. Hybrid Flooring
Hybrid flooring combines the best vinyl and laminate types of floors. This gives birth to get a rigid type of floating floor. It provides a tough and high-density surface that is resistant to stains and scratches. It is also friendly to pets.
This type of flooring comes in different designs and colors. All these designs perform similarly to tiles or hardwood planks. Hybrid flooring comes with four layers – a UV-coated top layer, a decorative layer, a limestone composite board, and an underlay for comfort.
Pros
- Hybrid flooring is easy to install and repair.
- It is one of the best options for homeowners on a budget.
- It is elegant and eye-catching and comes with different designs and options.
- It’s hard-wearing and durable.
- It is completely resistant to water.
- Its cleaning and maintenance are not only easy but also cheap.
Cons
- Even though it is cheaper than hardwood flooring, it is more expensive than standard laminate or vinyl flooring.
- It can get discolored, especially when exposed to sunlight.
- It is prone to scratches, something that might damage its design.
4. Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood is similar to hardwood. However, it comes with more durability and a much lower cost. Engineered wood manufacturers use a thick plywood base layer and a thin real wood veneer to make engineered wood.
However, it is important to note that this is not hardwood flooring. This means that, unlike hardwood, it is prone to damage. In addition, it is also more affordable and can be installed easily. Its cost depends on the type of wood used when making the veneer layer.
Pros
- It is stable compared to hardwood even though it offers the same appearance.
- Engineered wood flooring is easy to make. Some homeowners make this flooring type on their own. It is one of the best DIY projects to boost your home value.
- It is easy to install compared to other types of flooring options.
- Engineered wood does not fluctuate with humidity changes.
Cons
- In case of damage, you can only refinish it a few times. You might be forced to replace the entire floor.
- It has a very thin top layer, making it susceptible to damage.
5. Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles are made by mixing clay with other natural materials like water, quartz, and sand. You can use them in your home, shop, office, or even restaurant. You can also use them on the walls of your kitchen or bathroom.
You can fit this kind of floor easily, but it needs a lot of menial work. Ceramic tiles are affordable and can be maintained easily. You can install ceramic tiles anywhere you want despite the floor traffic, temperature, or any other materials. In addition, you can get this type of floor in different colors, patterns, and sizes depending on your requirements.
Pros
- Ceramic tile flooring is durable.
- It is easy to clean and maintain.
- It offers a versatile appearance.
- It comes in different colors, finishes, and patterns.
- Ceramic tiles are resistant to moisture, dents, and scratches.
Cons
- Ceramic tiles are made of hard material, meaning that they might not be comfortable to walk on.
- Some types of ceramic tiles need regular maintenance to keep them at their best.
- Tiles are permanent, meaning that it might be expensive to have them replaced.
6. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in different options. Each of these options has different features. For instance, sheet vinyl is simply glued into homes. There is also a thicker type of vinyl flooring that comes with backings of peel and stick.
If you are looking for a vinyl flooring option with an expensive appearance, then look for clickable vinyl planks. This is the best option because of the cushioned layer that makes it comfortable to walk on.
Pros
- Offers a variety of options for homeowners.
- Allows homeowners to get an expensive-looking floor at a cheap price.
- It can be used to replicate tile, glass, timber, and stone.
- It can stand heavy foot traffic and moisture.
- It is affordable and durable.
Cons
- It has a lower lifespan compared to other flooring options such as tile and wood.
- It might not be the best option for those who want to build an eco-friendly house since it is manufactured using petroleum.
- It is difficult to maintain and not as resilient as some of the flooring options discussed in this article.
- It can emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds), making it a poor choice for those who want an organic lifestyle.
- Vinyl is not easy to remove.
Endnote
Other common flooring options to consider include carpet, resin or concrete flooring, real stone flooring, and rubber flooring. When choosing a flooring option for your home, ensure that you understand the pros and cons of each option before settling on one. This way, you will easily get an option that best meets your requirements.
