Most Popular Flooring Options

When you walk into a home, perhaps the first thing that catches your attention is the flooring. The right kind of flooring will enhance the finishing and appearance of your home. Also, flooring that looks attractive will increase your home’s value. Good flooring will also recoup its cost if you ever decide to sell your house at some point.

 

Let's take a look at the most common flooring options available:

 

Hardwood Flooring

 

Hardwood flooring is not only beautiful but also durable. Wooden flooring is available in beech, maple,  oak, walnut, birch, cherry, and many more. Some kinds of hardwood flooring are prone to expanding and shrinking. This may lead to gaps in the floor. Some wooden flooring may also darken with age.

 

Ceramic Tiles

 

Ceramic tiles are the best solution if you are looking for a flooring type that needs waterproofing. Ceramic tile can serve several purposes. You can use them as counter tops or floor tiles. Ceramic tiles sporting a high gloss finish may scratch over time. Unglazed ceramic tiles are ideal for outdoor flooring mainly because they can withstand exposure to water. Ceramic tiles are available in glazed, matte, embossed or textured finishes.

 

Porcelain based ceramic tiles are good at hiding scratches and damages. There is one problem, though. Cleaning grout lines can be quite difficult. Also, if the tiles are of low quality, they may chip.

 

Bamboo Flooring

 

Bamboo flooring is a relatively new type of flooring. This is also a greener option. Bamboo flooring is available in a range of colors. It is elegant and durable and creates a strong and clean surface. However, exposure to sunlight can darken bamboo flooring. In addition, if you install bamboo flooring, you need to ensure that it remains dry all the time.

 

Marble Flooring

 

In terms of durability and versatility, nothing can beat marble tiles. You can install them on the floors and the walls. They can also be used for hallway columns. Marble tiles don't require much maintenance. They can also be cleaned easily. Better still, marble tiles can be engraved with stylish designs that reflect your tastes.

 

Marble tiles are available in different colors. People have been using marble as a construction material for several thousands of years. However, their most popular use is in flooring. Marble tiles are available in different sizes. If you are really handy, you can install them yourself.

 

Laminate Flooring

 

Much of the popularity of laminate flooring can be attributed to the fact that it is quite cheap. Laminate flooring also requires very little maintenance. It is strong and durable. It can also withstand burns, chipping and scratches. Laminate flooring is ideal for areas where you expect high traffic. They look like natural materials and they are also available in a range of designs and colors.

 

Before installing laminate flooring, however, you should remember that they cannot be refinished. Also, they can be scratched very easily. If you are planning to install laminate flooring in areas where it will get exposed to moisture, you should choose laminates suitable for this use. Installing and maintaining laminate flooring is quite easy.