The floors of a home are often over looked when picking out cabinetry, paint colors, lighting, and fixtures for your custom home. But high-quality flooring can really up the value of your home as well as bring the wow factor to any home interior design. There are several flooring options out there to choose from as you well know but each one has its pros and cons. Here are different flooring ideas that you can use throughout your home and ideas to make them work.
Hardwood floors
Hardwood floors are a classic choice. They have recently come back in style with a vengeance. Hardwood floors come in a wide variety of shades and colors which provide a ton of options to compliment a wide array of design styles.
Pros of Hardwood Floors
- Hardwood floors are gorgeous – Hardwood floors have warm tones as well as natural clean lines that make any room look elegant and inviting.
- Hardwood floors bring value – Hardwood floors are high on many buyers lists and they will pay for them as well. Hardwood floors are a good investment into the overall value of your home
- Hardwood floors are durable – It is not uncommon to go into a house that is over 100 years old and still find the original hardwood floors in the home.
- Hardwood floors are easy to care for – With a little TLC you can preserve the look of your hardwood floors for years to come
Cons of Hardwood Floors
- Cost – The cost of purchasing and installing hardwood floors is more than laminates, other hard surfaces or carpet.
- Cold – Hardwood floors tend to be colder. You will need to put rugs on high traffic places that you want to be more comfortable.
- Not Pet-Friendly – Just imagine your puppy dog running to see you when you walk into the house. Enough said. Their little paws aren’t able to grip the floor so they will be sliding around if they are moving at high speeds.
Make it work
Use hardwood floors in any room of the house. They are very popular in the entry ways of the home to create an elegant and inviting feel when someone walks into your home.
Laminate Floors
Laminate floors have many of the same pros and cons of hardwood floors but there a few differences.
Pros of Laminate Floors
- The purchase and installation of laminate flooring costs less than hardwood floors
- Laminate floors provide many of the same benefits in terms of look and design as hardwood floors
- Laminate floors are also great for the value of your home. Many buyers love the durability and how easy it is to clean when thinking of purchasing a home.
Cons of Laminate Floors
- Laminate floors are cold- Just like hardwood floors are cold, laminate floors will also be colder than carpet unless you install a heating system below the floors.
- Laminate floors are loud – Once again laminate floors are obviously louder than if you were to walk or play on carpet.
- Laminate floors are a little less durable- Laminate floors are extremely durable, in general, however, they do have the drawback that if they get wet they have to be replaced to avoid mold. Since wood is an organic material they can be dried out but laminate floors need to be replaced.
Make it work
Consider using laminate in the kitchen and/or the living room if you have an open floor plan. Since these floors also provide the look of hardwood floors you will get the warm, natural, and clean look throughout large spaces on less of a budget than hardwood floors.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tiles are typically used in bathrooms and kitchens. They are created from clay that has been fired and glazed and fired again.
Pros of Porcelain Tile
- Porcelain tile is durable – While naturally resistant to frost, moisture and stains, porcelain tile is also great for heavy traffic areas.
- Porcelain tile is long-lasting- If the tiles are installed properly ceramic tile will last as long as your home is standing. This makes them a great investment as a flooring choice.
- Porcelain tile is easy to clean – Since porcelain tile is resistant to all sorts of germs and bacteria they are very easy to keep clean with a neutral cleanser.
Cons of Porcelain Tile
- Installation- While other tile or flooring can be installed by a beginner, porcelain tile needs to be done with a professional or after significant research and preparation.
- Maintenance – As with any tile grout maintenance should be considered to keep your tiles and flooring looking in top shape.
- Hard – While porcelain tile has many attractive traits that keep it resistant to a host of issues it is also an unforgiving material. Heavy and delicate objects will most likely not survive impact with porcelain tile.
Make it work
Because of the pros of porcelain tile use them in the mudroom, bathroom or kitchen where moisture and humid conditions are the norm.
Replacing or upgrading your flooring is a great way to increase the overall value of your home. Beautiful flooring will elevate the style and design of your home as well. Consider contacting Hamilton Homes today.
