Thankfully, quality flooring providers, like Braid, offer professional consultations and there are some basic guidelines that can streamline the decision-making process. These guidelines include:
- Considering the maintenance required for the flooring
- Choosing flooring that’s in line with your budget
- Accounting for additional costs
- Considering the durability of the flooring
- Considering the room where the flooring will be installed
Maintenance Requirements
The time and money you have to spend on the care of your flooring should be taken into consideration. For example, carpeting requires a lot of maintenance, such as the occasional professional cleaning and frequent vacuuming. Maintaining a carpet can be time-consuming and costly, so if you don’t have the time or money, you should probably consider other options.
Laminate, hardwood and ceramic tile can be low-maintenance and affordable options. Additionally, consider staying away from marble, as it can be expensive to install and maintain, hard to clean and easily damaged.
Watch the Budget
Before you purchase any flooring, you should calculate how much you have to spend on the flooring itself, its installation and future maintenance. Keeping your budget in mind will automatically narrow down your flooring options. So, if you can’t afford wood, perhaps laminate is a better choice, as its cheaper and just as stylish and functional as wood.
Additional Costs
When purchasing flooring, it’s common to only focus on the cost of the material while totally overlooking installation and other expenses. Depending on the type of flooring, installation can actually cost the same or more than the cost of your material. Many flooring types require professional installation, which means additional costs.
If you don’t have your flooring professionally installed, it could lead to improper installation, costly repairs and possible replacement. If you’re unsure, you should always take advantage of a free flooring consultation.
Consider the Durability
The importance of durability in flooring is oftentimes overlooked. Flooring is not durable just because it’s designed for the floor and heavy foot traffic. Materials such as certain woods, marbles and tiles can be prone to scratches, dents and other forms of damage. On the other hand, carpeting is prone to excessive staining and collecting dust and allergens. However, not all materials are created equal, so the specific type you choose will depend on the traffic in your room(s) and your personal needs.
Consider the Room Where it Will Be Installed
It’s common to use different flooring types in different rooms. For instance, using ceramic tile in the bathroom and kitchen and hardwood in the living room and dining room. The flooring chosen for each specific room will depend on the material’s wear and tear, traffic in the room, the probability of moisture exposure and maintenance needs. These factors and a bit of common sense should help you narrow down your choices.
There are many flooring options on the market, but the one you choose should reflect your personal taste and requirements. For some people, a home consultation for flooring can be very beneficial. If you’re ready to discover which flooring options will work best in your home, call us to schedule an appointment.
