Are you in the process of refurbishing your home, or perhaps building a new one? One of the most impactful decisions you may have to make revolves around your choice of flooring. The flooring you select not only sets the stage for your entire interior (and often outdoor) design but can also impact the feel and functionality of your space. But with such a wealth of options (and terminology!) available, how can you determine the right flooring material?
Let’s take the floor together to field that question; here’s our IDEAL guide to choosing the right flooring material for your home.
Understand Your Lifestyle
Before rushing headlong into the decision, you need to understand your lifestyle and requirements. Do you have a playful puppy or boisterous children? Or are you a fan of hosting dinner parties? Laminate or hardwood flooring could be the ideal choice since they can withstand high foot traffic and are relatively easy to clean. If you prefer a quieter, warmer ambience, then carpeting might be a better fit.
Examine Room Function
Flooring should also be chosen based on the function of the room. For instance, bathrooms and kitchens require water-resistant flooring like ceramic tiles, vinyl, or natural stone. In contrast, bedrooms can benefit from the cosiness of carpet, whereas living areas can gleam with the elegance of engineered wood or laminate.
Fitting The Material To The Space
Many natural and man-made materials can create perfect flooring for your home or office space. When choosing what fits best, considering a few key features can help arrive at the best decision.
Tiles
Tiles are probably the most versatile home decor material. They are used everywhere, from flooring to achieve a particular effect to roofing for sustainability under specific climate conditions and everywhere in between.
Italian tiles are widely considered the best due to their innovative design and high quality. Such tiles can give any effect, from wood to match your living room furniture to stone for your outdoor spaces.
Reclaimed Wood
Reusing wood that has already been part of a structure has obvious environmental advantages. If you want a wooden floor, using reclaimed wood rather than virgin is the eco-friendly way to go.
There are, of course, other benefits. No two floors made of reclaimed wood will look completely the same, giving uniqueness to your space. Reclaimed wood is perfect to match a minimalistic kitchen design and add a touch of cosiness to it.
Stone
These days, natural stone is used more often for outdoor flooring. Granite or marble, however, can also be chosen for indoor flooring as a bold and exclusive design element for kitchen or even living room flooring.
The drawbacks of stone flooring are that it is not cheap and quite hard to install. But if you are ready for the prep work and have the funds, something like sandstone can give a relaxing, almost beach-like feeling to your kitchen floor or backyard gazebo.
Vinyl
Since pretty much any image you can think of can be transferred on vinyl, it is great for truly bold flooring statements. If you want to create an unusual and fun office environment, vinyl flooring might be just what you need.
You can also use vinyl for funky playroom flooring, or for any other room for which you are considering a colourful and fun design, for that matter.
Linoleum
Made from solidified linseed oil and other natural materials, linoleum is another eco-friendly option for your flooring. Due to its durability, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, linoleum keeps coming back, although sometimes looked down upon as cheap and old-fashioned.
Linoleum can be painted to fit the color scheme of any room of the house. In an office, linoleum flooring can help cut installation costs while conveying a message of green business and sustainability.
Italian Tiles
Italian floor tiles are often the first choice for homeowners looking for a blend of style, durability, and variety. Known for their superior quality, Italian tiles are crafted with excellent precision making them highly resistant to wear and tear. Many appreciate them for their longevity, and moreover, their ability to replicate the appearance of more expensive flooring types, such as hardwood or natural stone, at a fraction of the cost.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Initial installation costs of Italian floor tiles can be higher than other flooring options, and their hard surface may not provide the comfort or warmth that some homeowners prefer. They can also be slippery when wet, potentially posing a hazard in bathrooms or kitchens. Lastly, while they are generally easy to maintain, tiles can be susceptible to staining from spills, and grout lines may require regular cleaning to keep them looking fresh.
Consider Maintenance
No matter how brilliant a flooring type may look, if it requires high maintenance, it may not suit a busy lifestyle. For instance, while hardwood floors exude a classic charm, they require regular polishing. On the other hand, laminate or vinyl flooring is considerably easier to maintain and is more resistant to wear and tear.
Factor in Budget
It goes without saying that cost considerations will factor heavily into the decision. While solid wood or natural stone flooring may be the epitome of luxury, they come with a hefty price tag. Laminate or vinyl flooring, whilst being more affordable, can offer an attractive, functional solution without breaking the bank.
Explore Sustainability
If you are environmentally conscious, consider sustainable flooring options. Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable source, making it an eco-friendly choice. Similarly, cork, reclaimed wood, or recycled rubber flooring have lesser environmental footprints and can add a unique touch to your decor.
Enlist Professional Help
If you’re still uncertain about the right choice, it may be prudent to seek professional advice. An experienced flooring professional can guide you through the options, considering factors like durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
The Bottom Line
Choosing among the best flooring options takes some looking into the best materials and current design trends. However, if you are looking for a time-efficient and safe option, just check out Italian tiles, and you will not be sorry.
If you are unsure where to start in your search for tiles, check this site, one of the leading home decor solution providers specialising in Italian tiles.