Why you? The “right” flooring is a subjective choice, and ultimately, it’s based on what works for… You guessed it: You.
Know Your Space One of the most important considerations when choosing the right flooring is thinking about how you use a room. Dig into the function of the space and what you expect from it.
Is it a mudroom that sees the bulk of in and out traffic – and the bulk of mud, grass, snow, ice, dirt, and whatever else is tracked in? Is it a kitchen where you whip up tasty concoctions and entertain for holidays? A child’s bedroom where comfort is key or a playroom, which is no stranger to spills, splashes, and a rainbow of fingerpaints? An office in which productivity and quiet are key?
This is where durability really comes into play. For example, a high-quality carpet from a manufacturer like Shaw, for example, can last beautifully for decades (in fact, Shaw offers a 20 year limited warranty). Perfect for an office or bedroom, but in a mudroom, pet-oriented room, kitchen, or bath, the durability of carpet is decidedly diminished.
Know Your Style Flooring is an eminently practical element of your home, but dialing in on your style and what you want to get out of your surfaces matters. What textures do you like? What colors and patterns? What will complement and highlight other aspects of your design, such as jaw-dropping fireplaces, cozy seating areas, or even prized furnishings, artwork, and accessories?
How about your personal aesthetic? Do you prefer sleek and modern? Ultra-edgy contemporary? Rustic warmth? Eclectic? There are many options that will suit your style – once you identify what you want to achieve.
We’re asking you to ask yourself a lot of questions. Now you can get started on the answers.
Know Your Options With your space and style in mind, you can delve into the options that will best meet your needs. Our guide, Flooring for Your Home: Everything You Need to Know, is an excellent resource as you navigate your selections.
Hardwoods Hardwood flooring is hard to beat when it comes to classic beauty, versatility, durability, and ROI. With an astonishing array of styles, colors, and textures, you can find the perfect fit for your needs. When properly installed and cared for, hardwood is the definition of standing the test of time. It is ideal for living and dining rooms, bedrooms, home offices, and dens/studies.Again, though, remember your space’s purpose. While exceptionally strong and long-lived, it does not perform as well as other materials in rooms with high levels of heat or moisture (e.g. the bathroom, laundry room, or mudroom… and even in kitchens, if you’re not careful), and there are other choices that may be better suited to areas such as basements.
Tile Another classic choice, tile is typically easy to maintain and clean. Most tile materials also resist scratches, fading, and moisture damage making it a highly durable choice. Whether stone, ceramic, or glass, tile offers myriad options in terms of colors, patterns, and even sizes and shapes. Thanks to its versatility, tile can be a perfect complement to stylized areas or become a focal point in its own right. It’s a great solution for bathrooms, kitchens, entryways, and outdoor areas.
Though the cost of tile varies widely, it can be on of your more expensive options, and it can also be a bit chilly during our cold Midwestern winter days. Adding radiant heat can help alleviate that concern if tile is within the budget you have in mind.
LVP LVP (luxury vinyl plank) has become an MVP of the flooring world. It’s a viable – and desirable – alternative to hardwood. As a manufactured product, it is designed for exceptional durability and strength. And, unlike hardwood, LVP is all but impervious to moisture, dents and dings, scratches, and other hazards of daily life. It performs optimally in kitchens, baths, mudrooms, playrooms, basements, and other spaces, and given the sheer variety of colors, patterns, textures, and looks, it’ll make itself right at home in your home. Does LVP look just like hardwood or tile? Not quite. But it does look like a beautiful floor that delivers terrific value.
Laminate Another great hardwood floor alternative for a variety of areas throughout your home, laminate is a durable manufactured flooring material that installs quickly and easily over a variety of subfloors. Beyond its price tag, homeowners enjoy the extensive selection of colors, patterns, and styles that laminate has to offer.Laminate is also a good “partner” in helping you manage costs. You can splurge on ceramic stone for the kitchen, for example, while saving by using laminate throughout your other living spaces.
Carpet Carpet flooring has come a long way since the wall-to-wall and shag versions our grandparents had. Today’s manufacturers specialize in stylish products that are resistant to allergens and staining, easy to clean and maintain, and exceptionally durable. A classic choice for living rooms, bedrooms, playrooms, hallways, and stairs, carpet is a master of imparting a sense of cozy warmth and comfort.
Area Rugs If you want to protect the investment you’ve made in high-end hardwood or tile, area rugs are a polished, sophisticated way to do it. Place them strategically in high traffic areas, under heavier furniture (e.g. sofas or tables), and add a touch of personality and cozy flair. The right area rug is an eye-catching element on its own and will enhance your aesthetic while providing key functionality.
You’ll Be Floored by Your Results
Choosing the right flooring for your home depends on many different factors, but they all come down to you. How do you want to move through and interact with your spaces? What look do you want to achieve? And how can your flooring help you do all that most effectively?
We know these can be tough decisions – so we’re here for you. Let’s talk about your project and goals. Connect with ACo.Subscribe to ACo Flooring, Cabinets, Kitchens & Baths's Blog
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