If you are building or renovating, one of the biggest decisions you need to make is about what kind of flooring you’ll use throughout the home. When it comes down to it, there are four main types of flooring you can choose from, each with their own benefits and downfalls. Here’s a quick rundown of each type:
Wooden boards – one of the most durable types of flooring, wooden floorboards can be sanded and refinished many times throughout their life. Wooden floorboards are extremely easy to clean and are resistant to wear. Each plank is different in terms of its grain, so you will have a completely unique floor. On the downside, wooden boards can be one of the more costly options and are quite labour intensive to install. They do not muffle sound, and can also expand and contract depending on weather conditions. Wooden floorboards are best suited to main living areas such as family and dining rooms, as well as bedrooms.
Carpet – carpet creates a warm, cosy atmosphere within the home. It is very comfortable to walk on and helps retain warm air during the colder months. In terms of noise, carpet is the best option for reducing noise throughout the home. It can also increase air quality throughout the home by trapping debris and other allergens such as pet hair. Carpet options a variety of textures, colours and patterns, so you can easily create the look you are going for. Unfortunately carpet can stain very easily and is harder to clean than other flooring. Carpet can also wear down faster than other flooring types if used in high traffic areas.
Vinyl – vinyl flooring has come a long way since its early days. With so many patterns and designs available, you can often recreate the look you want at a fraction of the cost, including wood grains. Vinyl is extremely hardwearing and durable, making it ideal for heavy traffic areas in the home as well as wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries. It is comfortable to walk on and reduces noise. On the other hand, vinyl cannot withstand heavy loads and is quite susceptible to damage from sharp objects. Vinyl flooring can also fade in direct sunlight, so it’s best not to use it in rooms without window treatments or outdoors. When installing vinyl flooring, the surface must be perfectly smooth as any imperfection will show through the vinyl.
Tiles – Ideal for wet areas such as kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, tiles are a cost effective option and are extremely easy to clean. They are durable, easy to replace if one gets cracked or chipped, and come in a variety of colours, patterns and textures. On the downside, the grout used between tiles can stain easily and can be quite difficult to clean. Tiles are not as comfortable as carpet or vinyl to walk on, making them not as well suited to living areas in which you are trying to create a cosy atmosphere.
For more information on these or other flooring options, contact your local Perth flooring specialist.
