The Most Popular Types Of Flooring For Any Home
It is no secret that choosing new flooring for your home can be a daunting task. There are not only tons of different materials that you have to syphon through. There are also a wide variety of colors, makes, and manufacturers that you have to consider as well. This is not to even mention the traffic and the abuse that the flooring will take over the years. You don’t want to put cheap and inexpensive flooring by the front door where it is going to take the most abuse. The same concept would apply for flooring in a home gym. This is why it is imperative to know the options available to you for making your selection. Below you will discover some tips that will help you choose the right flooring for your home.
What You Need To Know About Laminate
Throughout your search for flooring materials you will quickly discover that laminate flooring is without a doubt one of the most popular choices around. Not only is it extremely easier to install when compared to most other materials, but also it is much more affordable. Laminate floors are constructed of a variety of different wood-based materials. These materials are layered, glued, and laminated together before being topped with a wood grain imprint and this is where the name laminate comes from.
You also have something that is referred to as engineered wood flooring materials. This type of flooring is almost the same as laminate flooring, except for the fact that is actually contains real hardwood veneer. These veneers are attached to a variety of different plywood layers. While this might get a more authentic appear in certain rooms, it does raise the price a bring more than traditional laminate.
Considering Bamboo Flooring Materials
If you speak to any professional at Dublin Flooring Store they will tell you that there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding this type of flooring. One of the major misconceptions that most homeowners make is that they automatically assume that this type of flooring is constructed of trees like traditional hardwood flooring. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as bamboo flooring is actually comprised of lightweight woody grass. However, do not be fooled by this, because this fast-growing and regenerating grass has the same strength of steel and can take a beating.
In addition to this, bamboo is highly resistant to swelling and warping, which makes it ideal in conditions where humidity might be an issue. Bamboo flooring is constructed in the same manner as traditional hardwood, as it contains tongue and groove joints. This does make the installation process a bit more tedious and the durability and versatility will also raise the price.
Hardwood
Hardwood is the one of the most popular types of flooring in the United States. There are two type of hardwood flooring, including solid and engineered. Depending on your budget, you may find it in your best interest to choose solid wood flooring, which is available in thicknesses of 1-1/2 and 2-1/2-inch.
Engineered wood flooring is constructed of a variety of wood composite veneers and wood. This type of flooring is very unique, as it has grains that run in different directions. These directions ensure the stability of the wood, so it can withstand high and extremely low temperatures, as well as high humidity.
Solid wood flooring is constructed out of a solid piece of wood. To safe money, consumers can choose a brand that is not sanded and unfinished. However, if this is a project that you are undertaking without professional assistance, you may find this option unsuitable for your needs. In fact, it will take longer to complete such a project, compared to the refinished solid wood option. It truly depends on your budget and how much you are willing to spend.
Tile Flooring
Ceramic tile is extremely easy to access, as it is available at both big box and specialty flooring stores. Tile offers both advantages and disadvantages, but it is extremely versatile. Tile is suitable for indoor and outdoor environments as long as it is installed correctly.
As mentioned above, there are a variety of advantages of ceramic tile flooring. These advantages include resistance to high humidity and moisture. However, the level of resistance will depend on what type of ceramic tile you choose. Glazed tile is more resistance to moisture, as compared to unglazed tile. In the real world, most consumers choose glazed tile because it requires less preparation and is more accessible than unglazed tile.
The downside to tile flooring is it is vulnerable to cracks and chips. However, if it is installed properly it is possible to reduce the risks. There is also the risk of mold, but again this is most often the result of poor installation.