Best Flooring Types For Your Home, Lifestyle, and Home Sale
Faith Led Interior Design Show | Episode 58
Are you struggling to decide on the perfect flooring for your home?
Whether you are preparing to sell your house or simply longing for a fresh look, the abundance of options might overwhelm you. Fear not! I've got you covered.
In this episode, I explore the diverse range of flooring materials and their benefits. From timeless hardwood flooring to innovative luxury vinyl planks, I give you a vast array of choices that enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space and align with your lifestyle needs. Say goodbye to patchwork quilt floors and hello to a cohesive, inviting atmosphere in your home.
Don't let indecision hold you back. With my expert advice and practical tips, you will be empowered to choose the perfect flooring that enhances your home's beauty, comfort, and value. So tune in to discover the flooring solutions that suit your taste, budget, and practical requirements.
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Be Blessed Verse
This week’s verse is Psalm 46:10
It says, “Be still, and know that I am God”
The verse is speaking to me because He made me do that. I was so tired for over a month that I felt the Lord was telling me, “Be still!”
I did spend more time with Him, reading through the Bible.
It was a time for me to be still, and God did meet me there.
So I just want to pray the verse over you, in so many different ways we can be still and ask God.
Best Flooring Types For Your Home, Lifestyle, and Home Sale
The Importance of Flooring in Creating a Positive First Impression
Most of the time, flooring in a home creates a first impression, making it an important aspect of interior design.
When you enter your home, the first thing you notice is the flooring and its layout. A well-designed home usually has three or four different types of flooring. Interior designers refer to the points where the flooring changes as "floor breaks." These breaks can be used strategically to guide the eye and create a visually appealing space. However, too many floor breaks can make a space feel disjointed. It's important to take a careful look at your floor plan and determine where you want the breaks to be. For example, you may want a different type of flooring in your kitchen to handle spills and water.
When selecting different types of flooring, it's important to ensure they complement each other and don't clash. Your goal should be to create a cohesive look, not a patchwork quilt.
If you're planning to sell your home, keep in mind that flooring can have a big impact on its value. Even a small change like replacing dirty carpets can make a difference.
Make sure your home is clean and well-maintained before putting it on the market. Using current and stylish flooring options can also increase the value of your home.
Remember, first impressions are important when it comes to style, cleanliness, and quality materials.
Top 10 Flooring Types
1 | Hardwood Flooring
Natural wood flooring has a timeless appeal due to its versatility and beauty. It can be repaired and refinished to bring back the charm of cool old hardwood floors in older homes.
This is a real gem to find as it saves a lot of money for homeowners.
Many times, people put carpets or other types of flooring over the hardwood flooring, and it can be easily restored to its former glory.
Engineered Hardwood is known for its durability and resistance to moisture.
Main Differences Between Regular Hardwood Flooring and Engineered Hardwood Flooring
Construction: Traditional hardwood flooring is made from solid wood boards, typically cut from a single piece of timber. In contrast, engineered hardwood consists of multiple layers. The top layer, known as the veneer or wear layer, is made of real hardwood, while the core layers are constructed from plywood or high-density fiberboard (HDF).
Stability: Engineered hardwood flooring is more stable than solid hardwood because of its layered construction. This stability makes it less susceptible to expansion and contraction due to changes in temperature and humidity, making it suitable for areas where solid hardwood may not perform well, such as basements or rooms with radiant heating systems.
Installation: While both types of flooring can be installed using various methods (nail-down, glue-down, or floating), engineered hardwood is often preferred for DIY installations or over concrete subfloors due to its versatility and ease of installation.
Durability: Solid hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times over its lifespan, making it highly durable and long-lasting. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, typically has a thinner wear layer, meaning it can only be refinished a limited number of times. However, advancements in technology have led to engineered hardwood with thicker wear layers, offering increased durability and longevity.
Cost: Generally, engineered hardwood flooring tends to be more cost-effective than solid hardwood, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Overall, both types of hardwood flooring offer their own set of advantages and are suitable for different situations depending on factors such as budget, installation requirements, and environmental conditions.
2 | Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile is a highly durable material that requires low maintenance. It can mimic various materials such as wood patterns and textures, resembling real porous surfaces.
Additionally, it is both water and stain-resistant, making it an excellent choice for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and other areas with high moisture exposure.
One type of porcelain tile is the double charge, which is manufactured by fusing two layers. The upper layer, which makes up about 30% of the thickness, contains the design mixture that is typically digitally printed to create a textured or stone look.
3 | Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is a popular choice these days as it is a cost-effective alternative to hardwood floors. It imitates the appearance of hardwood floors and is also durable, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean.
One disadvantage of hardwood floors is that they can be easily scratched and faded, even by dogs. In such cases, they need to be repaired by lifting the board and replacing it with a new one.
In contrast, laminate flooring is a great option for a busy household with children or pets. If you have water-stained wood, you can easily replace the affected pieces with new ones that match the rest of the flooring. The floor can then be sanded down to the base to give it a brand-new look.
4 | Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring comes in a wide range of styles, including luxury vinyl plank (LVP) and luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which mimic the look of hardwood, tile, or stone. It's waterproof, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly, making it ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and basements.
Choosing Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) for your floors is not only a cost-effective option but the most popular brands also offer the timeless elegance of hardwood.
It's a budget-friendly solution that beautifully replicates the warm, natural look of wood, giving your home that high-end feel without breaking the bank.
As a Realtor and Interior Designer, I often recommend LVP to clients looking for a stylish and economical flooring choice that adds value to their homes.
Pro tips on selecting high-quality laminates
When selecting high-quality laminate flooring for your home, focus on options with a thick wear layer, ensuring durability and resistance to scratches. Look for reputable brands like Pergo or Shaw that offer a combination of realistic wood visuals and advanced technology, providing a long-lasting and visually appealing solution for homeowners.
5 | Natural Stone
This type of flooring gives a luxurious look and can include materials such as marble, slate, and Travertine.
Castles used this type of flooring, and even after 300 years, the marble is still functional.
Therefore, natural stone is a good material to use as it lasts long and is the final flooring option you will need to put down.
6 | Carpeting
Carpeting is a comfortable and welcoming flooring option that is becoming increasingly popular. It feels soft to walk on, which is why many people enjoy it.
When choosing carpeting, it's important to consider the right texture, feel, and color that suits your taste.
You should also take into account the lighting in the room, as well as the size and function of the room. If the room has a high traffic pattern, it's essential to choose a high-quality carpet that can withstand wear and tear.
Additionally, consider the height of the pile. Higher piles give a luxurious look, but lower piles are easier to clean and maintain.
To make the best decision, get a sample of the carpeting and bring it home to see how it looks in the room's lighting.
7 | Bamboo Flooring
Another option for flooring is bamboo flooring, which is known for its durability, modern and chic appearance, and eco-friendliness.
Bamboo is a highly renewable resource since it's a fast-growing grass that can be harvested five to seven times a year. It's a great alternative to traditional hardwoods that can take decades to mature.
Bamboo flooring is also more affordable than hardwood and offers health benefits. It's naturally resistant to allergens and pests, making it a healthier choice for indoor air quality compared to carpet or other flooring materials.
8 | Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a comfortable and eco-friendly option for your home.
It is made from the bark of cork oak trees, which can be harvested every nine to twelve years without harming the tree. This makes it a highly sustainable and renewable material.
The natural softness of cork provides a cushioned surface, making it comfortable to walk on. It also has natural shock-absorbing properties, making it ideal for areas where you spend long periods of time, such as kitchens or laundry rooms.
Cork flooring is an excellent insulator, both thermally and acoustically. It helps to regulate the temperature and reduce noise transmission between floors.
Moreover, it is highly durable and resistant to moisture, mold, and mildew, making it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and even basements.
I love the natural look and feel of cork flooring in a home. It's a sustainable and natural material that looks wonderful and adds warmth to any living space.
9 | Concrete Flooring
I absolutely love concrete flooring.
It's just so simple and elegant, especially when it's painted.
I know most of my clients wouldn't share my preference, but I personally find it very appealing because it's unique.
Concrete flooring is also incredibly durable, low maintenance, and versatile. It can be polished, stained, painted, or stamped, allowing you to create a custom look that complements any style. That's why it's an excellent choice for modern, industrial, or minimalist design.
10 | Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo flooring is often used in modern designs.
It is made by embedding chips of marble, granite, glass, or other materials into a cement or resin base, which creates a unique and customizable look.
Although it was trendy for a while and may still be popular today, it is really only suitable for certain people who like this type of flooring. If overused, it can look busy and overwhelming.
I have seen it used throughout an entire house, which made it look unattractive and may have contributed to the house not selling. Therefore, it is advisable to use it sparingly instead of going overboard with it.
Even in the house that I saw for sale, they had to show pictures of what it would look like if someone replaced the terrazzo flooring with plank flooring or something else because they may have received comments that it was unappealing.
Nevertheless, terrazzo flooring has a classic style and is resistant to stains, scratches, and water damage, which makes it a durable choice that can last for years. It could be used in small quantities, such as in a bathroom, laundry room, or powder room, to add a stylish touch, if that's your preference.
Practical Tips
For budget considerations and ROI for each flooring option, as a Realtor and Interior Designer well-versed in these considerations, here are some practical tips for you:
Evaluate Your Budget: Start by determining how much you're willing to spend on new flooring. Consider not only the cost of materials but also installation fees and any additional expenses such as removing old flooring or repairing subfloors.
Research Cost-effective Options: Look for flooring materials that offer a good balance between cost and quality. Options like laminate, vinyl, and certain types of engineered hardwood can provide the look you want at a more affordable price point compared to solid hardwood or natural stone.
Consider Long-term Costs: While budget-friendly options might save you money upfront, it's essential to consider their long-term durability and maintenance requirements. Investing a bit more in higher-quality flooring that requires less upkeep can pay off in the long run.
ROI Potential: Certain types of flooring can provide a higher return on investment when it comes to resale value. Hardwood flooring, for example, is a popular choice among homebuyers and can significantly increase the perceived value of your home. However, the ROI will vary depending on factors such as the local real estate market and the overall condition of your home.
Focus on High-traffic Areas: If you're working with a limited budget, prioritize installing new flooring in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, living room, and entryway. These areas have the most significant impact on the overall look and feel of your home.
DIY vs. Professional Installation: While DIY installation can save you money, it's essential to weigh the cost savings against the potential risks of improper installation. In some cases, hiring a professional installer may be worth the investment to ensure the job is done correctly.
Get Multiple Quotes: When sourcing materials and hiring contractors, always shop around and get multiple quotes. This allows you to compare prices and find the best value for your budget.
By carefully considering your budget, researching cost-effective options, and focusing on areas with the highest ROI potential, you can make informed decisions about installing new flooring in your home while maximizing its value.
I pray for blessings and protection over you and your families. I hope that we all can be still and know that He is God.
Next episode, I will talk about 2024 Design Trends. This is always a fun and exciting episode and very informative about the direction design is going in 2024.
Until next time…
Now, Stop Dreaming, Start Designing your luxury home within your budget!
Blessings and See you next episode…
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