When it comes to home renovations, you have to consider everything from the bottom to the top. It’s not just about painting walls in a new color or installing shelves. Everything must tie together and a good place to start is with the floors.
They may not seem like they command a lot of attention. But floors cover a lot of surface in a home. The right type can mean the difference between a classy finish or an outdated look.
To help you make a big decision, here are five different factors to consider when it comes to floors:
Cleaning and Maintenance
Typically, people tend to only think of the result of the project. They consider how it would look and match with the other element. But the work doesn’t end there. It’s also important to consider the maintenance and durability. Otherwise, it
For example, you want to use carpet for a bedroom. You have to consider that you’ll need to hire a carpet cleaner every once in a while to keep the floor in top shape. Your carpet will get stains sooner or later. While you can use a vacuum or a homemade solution, nothing compares to the work of experts.
Besides carpeting, hardwood flooring is one of the most popular choices among homeowners. It looks great and matches with different themes. The thing is there’s a few things you have to do to maintain its look. Avoid using mops or steamers. Wet mops can cause the wood to swell. Meanwhile, the vapor from steamers can damage the floors as well. It’s best to stick to the manufacturer’s recommended cleaning material. Besides a regular clean, hardwood floors also need recoats because of the wear and tear. It may be a hassle, but it can save you money in the long run. Unlike other types, you can lengthen the life of wood floors by recoating and refinishing.
Type of Room
No matter how large or small a house is, you have to use different types of floors depending on the room. Different functions translate to different needs. For example, there’s bound to be a lot more water in the kitchen and bathrooms compared to the living room and bedrooms. Naturally, you’ll need something more durable and water-resistant for the former. Vinyl flooring is a great affordable alternative. The downside is they can look cheap and synthetic. Tiles are also great options because they resist scratches and dents, but they can be very slippery when wet. Textured stone floors are ideal alternatives, but they can cost more.
Besides kitchens, there’s another part of the house that has different demands. There are factors that affect the basement which does not affect the rest of the home. Broken pipes or bad weather can lead to a flooded basement. When it comes to floors, the priority should be to keep moisture away. Experts recommend plank tile or ceramic floors. They’re very durable and handle water very well. The downside is they can be cold and uncomfortable. A good way to get around it is by using mats. There are even electronic varieties that can warm up the floor.
Environmental Impact
Not all floors are created equal. Some have a bigger negative effect on the environment than others. Take bamboo for example. It’s typically thought of as an alternative for hardwood floors. They’re cheaper and harder while having a similar finish. Bamboo is also considered environmentally friendly because it grows fast. The thing is bamboo in the US is usually imported from Asia. It may be sustainable in a way but the distance traveled cancels out the green benefits.
When you’re choosing the type of floors for your home, try to buy local. You’re not only supporting your own community but also helping the environment. If you’re partial to wood floors, consider using recycled material. There are several suppliers across the country that sell reclaimed wood.
You should also consider the lifespan of the floors. While you may be saving money on something that’s cheaper than average, they may not last a long time. You’ll have to replace them enough which won’t help your wallet or the environment. Look for environmentally sourced material. For example, if you’re thinking of getting hardwood floors, make sure that it’s been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The certification proves that the wood has been sourced in an eco-friendly and socially responsible manner.
Before you spend a lot of money on floors, think of the big picture. It’s not just the aesthetics that matter. You’ll have to make sure that it suits your needs and you can handle the maintenance costs.
