If you think about it, floors take a considerable amount of beating each day. There’s foot traffic, dirt, stains, and even water damage. With these in mind, there is no doubt that choosing the right type of flooring material is important. If you only consider the durability of a flooring material, you may end up sacrificing the aesthetic design of your home. That’s why you must look at the pros and cons of each flooring material to choose one that best fits the requirements of your living space. Here is a guide to the most common flooring materials used today and their pros and cons:
- Hardwood or Engineered Wood Floors
With proper maintenance, hardwood floors can last for decades. The timeless aesthetic appeal of hardwood floors makes them highly favoured by most buyers. If you are looking for a more sustainable option, engineered wood can give you the same look. One downside of hardwood floors is the price. It is also more difficult to find hardwood floors because of sustainability.
- Concrete Floors
Industrial style finishes are becoming more popular these days. As a result, concrete floors are becoming more common as a flooring option. It is durable and can withstand high foot traffic. Since there is no additional flooring finish that will be added, it is relatively inexpensive. Installation and finishing concrete floors should always be left to the professionals. Over time, concrete may also be prone to hairline cracks.
- Natural Stone Floors
These can be used in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Natural stone is also durable and easy to maintain. Since it is sourced from mountains and quarries, stone floors are more expensive and non-renewable. It is also more expensive to install than other materials.
- Laminate and Vinyl
Laminate and vinyl are basically engineered the same way. 3D printing technology is used to mimic the look and feel of natural materials such as wood. Laminate and vinyl flooring are cheaper than other flooring materials and also easy to install. Clean-up and maintenance is also a breeze. If you are looking for a more luxurious feel, there are premium vinyl flooring options available from www.firmfitfloor.com.
- Carpet Flooring
Carpet is ideal when used in bedrooms and other intimate spaces. It protects the floor from sound and makes it cosier and warm. On the other hand, carpets are not ideal for homes with kids and pets as they can harbour dust mites and trap other dirt. Carpet is also difficult to clean and maintain.
The type of flooring you choose can really depend on the space it will be installed in. You can always mix and match the types of flooring in different areas of your house.