There are many flooring choices today and they just keep getting better and better! Basic flooring choices will be discussed in this article. Always give thought to the type and amount of wear and tear a particular area in the house will receive when deciding on the type of flooring.
A Few Considerations with Flooring Choices
- Will the area under consideration be subject to heavy traffic?
- Is a sound barrier required (as in a condo)?
- How easy will it be to clean?
- Will the area be subjected to moisture as in a kitchen or basement?
- Does anyone in the home have allergy or asthma issues? If so, carpeting is not among your best flooring choices.
- Does the floor need to be slip resistant?
- What is the warranty period, cost, and durability of the material?
- Is the new floor suitable for the type of subfloor?
Glues and Sealers That May Affect Flooring Choices
Check out the type of glues and sealers used, as they can off-gas chemicals that can affect someone sensitive. There are now materials available that have less off-gassing of these harmful chemicals. Ask questions! Research is paramount here!
The main categories of flooring available are:
1 – Resilient flooring choices include luxury vinyl flooring, sheet vinyl, vinyl, or VCT floor tiles. The most common resilient’s are luxury vinyl, cushion, vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and cork.
This flooring product is fairly inexpensive, is easy to maintain, comfortable to stand on, and easy to install. Sheet flooring is installed using adhesives. Try to get adhesives that have the lowest amount of VOC’s as possible. The negatives about tile flooring are the tiles can curl, minor scratches, holes or tears are quite visible, needing to be replaced before it gets worse.
2 – Carpeting flooring choices offer warmth and color. They are not a good choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or basements (moisture areas). It is great for bedrooms because it is warm, soft on the feet, and is good for absorbing sound.
People with allergies should not have carpeting in their bedrooms because they spend eight hours of their day in this room. Carpets can trap dirt, dust mites, mold, and bacteria. The harder the floor surface, the better for allergy sufferers. There are also carpets on the market today that off-gas fewer harmful compounds than in the past. A shorter pile (eg, Berber) is more durable and harbors fewer pollutants.
Cost depends on the quality of the carpet and cushion. It is important to get a very good quality carpet pad, as this will increase the longevity of the carpet.
3 – Wood flooring choices come in many widths, colors, thicknesses, and grades. Some hardwoods are birch, maple, beech, and oak. Softer woods include pine, fir, and hemlock. They come in strip flooring, plank, engineered wood, and parquet.
Most new hardwood today is pre-finished and has UV-cured polyurethane layers to protect the finish. Pre-finished flooring prevents off-gassing of chemicals into the atmosphere, versus unfinished flooring that can have strong chemical smells lurking in the home for months after they are stained and varnished.
4 – Laminates are usually among the cheaper flooring choices as they are not real wood, but better qualities of laminate wear very well. Laminate is a good alternative to hardwood. Hardwood will increase the value of the home. It is easy to care for, looks beautiful and lasts a long time.
5 – Ceramic tile is available in a wide selection of flooring choices and in many sizes. They can be glazed or unglazed. Glazed tiles are more slippery when wet and are not recommended for bathrooms. Ceramics are very cold and hard and can be less comfortable to stand on for long periods.
Ceramics wear very well and are easy to clean. White or very light colored ceramics are not practical, as they always look dirty. They can crack easily if a hard object is dropped on them, and can be noisy for anyone living below. This type of floor is an excellent choice for people with allergies.
Water-based sealers and grout are better as they have fewer emissions. Ceramic tiles can last a very long time, resulting in cost savings.
Final Thoughts
Most people find that their flooring choices for their homes include a mixture of the above flooring types. It is worth putting a little extra money into good quality flooring as this can help prevent problems down the road.
FAQs
What environmental and health factors should I consider when selecting flooring materials?
Consider materials with low off-gassing of VOCs and harmful chemicals, especially if you or your family members have allergies or sensitivities. Using water-based sealers and grout further reduces emissions, promoting a healthier indoor environment.
Why is it important to choose high-quality flooring and materials?
Investing in good quality flooring helps prevent problems in the future, ensures longevity, and can maintain or increase your home’s value while providing better comfort and safety.
What are the main types of flooring available, and what are their benefits and drawbacks?
The main categories include resilient flooring like vinyl and linoleum, carpeting which provides warmth but can trap allergens, wood flooring available in many styles, laminates as cost-effective wood alternatives, and ceramic tiles that are durable but can be cold and noisy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages depending on the use and environment.
How do glues and sealers impact my flooring options?
Glues and sealers can off-gas harmful chemicals that might affect sensitive individuals, so it’s important to select low or zero-VOC products and research materials to ensure safety.
What should I consider when choosing flooring for different areas of my home?
When choosing flooring, consider the level of traffic, moisture exposure, sound insulation needs, ease of cleaning, allergy considerations, slip resistance, warranty, cost, durability, and whether the flooring is compatible with the subfloor.
