Without custom flooring, everyone’s homes would have bare concrete floors. This is not optimal for some situations. That is why you should decide on which type of flooring to install in the rooms of your house. You don’t need to have the same flooring throughout your home, but you do need to choose the flooring that works best for each room.
Here is a quick guide on the available flooring solutions out there and where you can best use them:
Wood
Hardwood flooring looks great and traditional. This is why it is a favorite among so many homeowners. It is also pretty simple to install. The wooden planks are nailed to a wooden subfloor to keep them in place. Usually, an application of varnish or coating follows so as to better protect the wood. Wood works well with multiple styles so you won’t have to worry much. Besides that, cleaning them is actually pretty easy. Just a simple wax can buff up most wood floors.
The trouble with wood is that most affordable woods are not as durable as the other options. Moisture can also end up warping and distorting the wood if you are not careful. There will be a need for maintenance every decade to ensure that they will look good in the future.
Tile
Another favorite is tile. There are several types of tiles available and they have different properties of hardness and color. This is what makes tiles so effective. You can pick the one that works best for your particular room. Tough porcelain can resist any number of scratches and types of surface damage.
The problem with tile is the installation. For example, if you want them to lay flat, you will need to look for a reliable tile leveling system in Australia and other countries. Without professional help, you might end up with an uneven floor. In addition, tiles can get quite expensive.
Laminate
A laminate is essentially plywood with a thin covering over it. This makes it a great substitute for most wooden flooring options. In addition, it is cheaper than most others. Installing it is also pretty easy. As wide flat sheets, you can just lay it over your current floor and secure it with some glue or nails. The challenge is that like wood, it has a tendency to warp when wet. It is easy to replace, though.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a layer of PVC and easy to place over your current floor. It is available in sheet form so you can lay it out similar to laminates. The main advantage of vinyl is it is very durable. Moisture and heavy traffic will not affect it. It is also easy to install. It would be great for garages, basements, and other high-traffic areas, but it is not exactly showroom material.
Not all flooring options work for all rooms. It all depends on the function of the room and what you expect to happen there. The choices outlined above should show you the advantages and disadvantages of each and why they would work best for a particular area. It will still be up to you to make the final decision, so you should think carefully.
