Choosing the right flooring is one of the most important decisions when planning a renovation. In today’s economy, homeowners are mindful of their budgets and seek to balance style and functionality. It’s important to find flooring that aligns with your aesthetics while also being affordable, durable, long-lasting and easy to maintain. Understanding the limitations of different flooring products is crucial, including how to clean them, where they are best installed and where they should not be used. The type of flooring chosen can impact the functionality and ambiance of a room. As the largest surface area, the flooring sets the stage for the room’s design, influencing colour schemes, textures, styles and even patterns, all from the ground up. To decide on flooring options, homeowners need to consider various factors, including but not limited to:
- Which room(s) is the flooring going into and what is the general purpose? (e.g. kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, playroom, etc.)
- Is it a high-traffic area or a low-traffic one? Will there be evidence of the traffic zone and longevity of the product?
- Is the room/area affected by moisture? Are the floors likely to get wet? (located in a doorway, bathroom, or kitchen).
- Ease of maintenance - Are stains likely? How can they be prevented/removed? How do you clean the product?
- Do you need sound dampening or enhancement? Consider the hardness or coldness of the area. Is it a children’s play area or a place where people sit on the floor? Also, consider if you do a lot of cooking in this space, which means standing in one area for long periods.
- In-floor heat - How cold will the floor get? Can it be heated?
- Slip resistance – Slippery surfaces can affect family members of all ages and pets.
- Scratch/dent resistance, durability/longevity.
- Accessibility
- Design style. Will this flooring complement the desired room style?
- Installation time and process.
- Of course--budget.
Flooring options usually begin with more affordable choices such as carpet and vinyl flooring, then progress to higher-end options. It’s important to note that the installation of different types of flooring varies and subfloors in existing homes often need to be levelled out before installing new flooring. Here are some popular flooring options you may be considering:
- Carpet – Carpet has been a popular flooring option for a long time. Despite the availability of other flooring options, it remains prevalent due to its wide range of colours, patterns and designs that can complement any room. It instantly enhances the room’s appeal, provides warmth and comfort and can also dampen sound. While many homeowners may not use carpet in their living rooms, it’s still widely used in family rooms, playrooms, bedrooms, hallways and stairs. Carpet also has a shorter installation time compared to other flooring options, which can be beneficial, especially when you have young children eager to use the space. However, depending on the type of carpet, it can show wear in high-traffic areas and can stain easily, so it’s important to choose a carpet type carefully.
- Laminate or vinyl flooring – Laminate and vinyl flooring is in high demand as it mimics the look of various materials and comes in a wide range of colour shades, textures, patterns and styles. It’s known for being ‘easy to clean’ and comfortable to walk on. Most importantly, it offers stain and scratch resistance, which is a major reason for its popularity.
- Luxury vinyl flooring – LVL is considered top-quality resilient flooring. It’s become increasingly more difficult to distinguish LVL from the hardwood, tile and stone products it mimics. Luxury vinyl products typically come in at a mid-range price, allowing homeowners to achieve the look of exotic hardwoods at a fraction of the cost.
- Green flooring - Recycled content flooring or sustainable wood sources flooring (e.g. bamboo, cork, reclaimed/salvaged wood, FSC certified wood flooring, etc.) may be considered more environmentally friendly options. These products can range in price and availability.
- Porcelain or ceramic tiles – These tiles come in various sizes, from small penny tiles to large format ones. Large format tiles are currently a popular choice for several reasons. Manufacturers offer a wide range of designs and colours to choose from, making floors look more continuous and seamless with fewer grout lines. Additionally, large tiles can resemble hardwood or marble, but are more durable and suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms. They can also be installed in herringbone and chevron patterns, similar to hardwood. If you’re considering tile work in frequently occupied spaces (e.g. bathrooms, kitchens), it’s worth considering in-floor heating, as tile can feel very cold. When choosing tiles, keep in mind that smaller tiles mean more grout to keep clean.
- Hardwood flooring – Hardwood flooring can be expensive, but it offers warmth, comfort underfoot and timeless appeal. With a variety of wood species, plank sizes and finish options, hardwood can be customized to suit any home. Whether you prefer wide or narrow planks, matte or glossy finishes, or a rustic, elegant, or flamboyant look, there’s a hardwood flooring option for you. Keep in mind that while hardwood can be installed in any room, extra care is needed when considering it in kitchens, bathrooms, or other areas with moisture.
- Natural Stone – Stone floors can be the ‘WOW’ factor of any room. They are durable, unique and aesthetically pleasing, but they also come with a high price tag compared to other flooring options. Additionally, they also require regular maintenance as some types can stain quite easily.
As flooring is a significant part of any room, it’s important to consider both form and function. The aesthetics that you desire should be matched by the durability and longevity that you are also looking for. Your lifestyle and unique needs should be considered when choosing the right flooring. Be sure to ask your supplier or manufacturer about maintenance, durability, longevity and other factors that may influence your decision. The supplier should be able to provide you with an idea of the pros and cons of the products you are considering.
If you are considering a custom renovation or new home build in the Niagara Region, call Vanderzalm Construction Inc. at 905-684-5823 or 905-562-4463; we look forward to hearing from you.