There are many decisions to be made during the home construction process, and one very important one is flooring. The floors of your home are the surfaces that you will live and make memories on. The material and finish of your floors has a major impact on the look and feel of your home, and because of this, making selections may seem like a daunting task. To help with this, we’ve compiled a list of considerations to help you pick the perfect flooring for the rooms in your new home.
How much traffic will flow through the room?
Some spaces in your home may only be lived on while you are using them, such as a dining room or office, while others will be walked around on constantly, such as the kitchen and living areas in an open concept floor plan. When selecting the floors for a particular area, consider the foot traffic and how often they will need to be cleaned.
Do you have kids or pets?
Kids and animals can create messes while making memories, and it’s important to be mindful of that if you’re choosing floors that will be lived on by either or both. White carpet may not be a great choice for this stage of life, but perhaps something that is not easily stained and can easily be cleaned up
Choosing Kitchen Flooring
The floors in your kitchen need to be durable and easy to clean. There are several great flooring choices for kitchen areas: linoleum, ceramic tile, and wood. Linoleum is inexpensive and very easy to clean, plus there are countless designs to choose from. The downside is that it is susceptible to dents or tears. Ceramic tile flooring offers great durability, however can crack if there is structural movement beneath it. It is easy to clean up, however, and there are many styles to select from depending on your taste. Wood floors are another great option for kitchens. They can withstand the foot traffic and also give the space a homey feel. However, since kitchen floors will get some moisture, it’s important to apply a protective finish to hardwood floors there.
Choosing Bathroom Floors
Bathroom floors see even more moisture than in the kitchen. Linoleum, ceramic tile, limestone and marble are great choices for bathrooms. All can be cleaned easily but offer different levels of durability. You’ll want to keep your design style as well as your budget in mind when making flooring selections for your bathrooms.
Flooring for Living Areas and Bedrooms
Your living areas and bedrooms are less likely to be exposed to moisture the way your kitchen and bathrooms are, so there are more options for these spaces. While keeping traffic and messes in mind, it all comes down to your personal preference. Tile, while durable and easily cleaned, may not feel as cozy as a wood floor. There are many options for wood floors, which are a great long-term choice since they can be sanded and refinished. For spaces such as basements, which are susceptible to moisture, a wood laminate is a good choice. Carpet is another popular choice for the floors in your living spaces and bedrooms. It is warm and cozy, and also a great sound barrier, but can stain easily.
Choosing flooring for your new home can be overwhelming. Carefully considering how the spaces will be used and what look and feel you want to create, while keeping practicality and budget in mind, will ease the process. Our design team will make recommendations while keeping your personal style in mind, and will be with you every step of the way.