How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home

Natural stone. Tile. Carpeting. Hardwood. Laminate. Bamboo. When it comes to flooring, your options are extensive. With such a wide range of flooring available, choosing the right one for your home can seem overwhelming. Here are some things to consider before choosing flooring for your home.

• Budget. With every home renovation, the price is often the most important factor that influences your buying decision. In general, bamboo flooring is budget-friendly as well as eco-friendly. Laminate and ceramic tile are other affordable options. Natural hardwood flooring is expensive but will last a lifetime if it’s cared for properly. Marble is also a higher end product that looks stunning in a variety of settings, including kitchens, bathrooms, and even bedrooms.
• Function. The function of the room will also dictate which flooring product is best. For instance, putting carpet in kitchens or bathrooms isn’t advised, as there’s a lot of moisture in these areas that can cause a lot of problems for carpeted flooring. Opt for flooring that can be wiped down easily, like laminate. If you have a big family or you entertain a lot, choose a durable flooring option, like engineered hardwood or porcelain tile. If you’re concerned about noise, consider carpet since it absorbs sound from floor to floor, whereas tile creates even more noise.
• Look. The most popular looks in modern hardwood flooring are oak, maple, and cherry. Laminate flooring gives you a similar look to hardwood with a more affordable price tag. The variety of styles of tile flooring gives you the opportunity to customize your home, ensuring it truly stands out from cookie-cutter homes. It really boils down to your personal preferences.
• Cleaning. Caring for a home requires a lot of work, so why make it harder on yourself? How much upkeep do you intend to put into your flooring? Hardwoods and laminates can be cleaned with a quick sweep of a broom. Smooth tile floors are also easy to clean, but the more natural-looking tiles have crevices where dirt will hide. Be sure to take your lifestyle into consideration before committing to a new floor.

For more tips on choosing the flooring that’s right for you, your lifestyle, and your home, contact Janet Bertin, an interior designer in Alexandria.