There are a lot of flooring choices from which to choose these days. Appearance, personal preference, practicality, and cost are all deciding factors.
Here are interesting facts that will help you decide.
Carpeting
Carpet gives a floor a warm feeling. It is soft for walking and in case of falls. Carpeting is quiet for multi-home units like condos and apartments.
Carpet comes in a wide price range. There is a plethora of colors and designs so you are sure to find one that suits your décor. Carpet can be installed by DIY’ers.
Carpet is likely to cost the least of the three flooring options.
However, maintenance and upkeep can be costly. Carpet wears out and has to be replaced. Replacement time depends largely on how much tracking or use the floor gets.
Wood
Hardwood flooring is elegant. It adds to the value of your home. Improvements in technology and manufacturing make installation easier. It can be installed by a professional or a proficient DIY’er.
Hardwood can now be installed over existing sub-flooring.
New hardwood floors are easy to look after. In fact, modern technology has made hardwood floor finishes more durable. This makes maintenance easier.
Hardwood flooring comes in strips 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 inches wide or planks 4 to 8 inches wide. Natural wood choices include oak, maple, black walnut, pecan, chinquapin, and mesquite. Each has distinctive grain patterns.
Hardwood costs between $3 and $8 per square foot. Unusual varieties could be as high as $14 per square foot. Installation costs between $5 and $12 per square foot.
Each wood and style has advantages and disadvantages. Be sure to do research to select the best option. Pre-finished floors are more practical. Unfinished floors you have finished or do it yourself provide a smooth, uniform look. Hardwood floors, over time, need refinishing, as surfaces get scuffed, worn, chipped, or cracked. Laminates and vinyl are easier to care for and yet look like wood. Laminate flooring costs between $1 and $7 per square foot. DIY Installation is possible. Professional installation runs between $2 and $5 per square foot.
Stone Flooring
While attractive, easy to care for, and durable, stone flooring is also cold. If a fall occurs, stone floors are very unforgiving. Therefore, they are bad choices for elderly and homes with small children.
Stone floors will also get condensation if temperatures are very warm or very cold. This moisture layer can be very slippery.
Stone floors are costly to buy and installation is expensive. However, stone floors can last a lifetime.
Depending on the type of stone, there are many color and pattern options to a stone floor. Professional installation is a must!
