Ever since the dawn of civilization, humans are laying wood flooring to create comfort. It’s a very popular practice and why shouldn’t it be? In our modern homes flooring is not only a sight to see, but it is also very practical. There are literally millions of floor types and most of them are very similar. The difference rests in the price and the quality. You will find that a more beautiful and durable type of floor is more expensive of course. But there are so many options available on the market that the price is not the main concern anymore.
You need to choose wisely depending on the needs you have such as: the weight of the furniture, resistance to humidity, foot traffic, the room in which you’ll place the floor and so on. Read on to discover 5 types of home flooring to consider.
1. Hardwood flooring
Hardwood floor continues to dominate. It has been the first choice for decades and it continues to be, mainly because it’s very durable and resistant. Oak, maple and cherry flooring are the most popular choices. This type of floor is really versatile and compliments all the interiors. When it’s properly finished, it adds a certain warmth to the space and it comes in different width and dimension. When choosing this type of flooring you should think ahead and consider the color of the furniture and to determine whether you prefer a shiny or a mat finish.
2. Marble Flooring
Marble was mostly used in bathrooms and kitchens, but nowadays it is is also wanted for the other rooms of the house. Pros: it is considered to be very stylish and elegant, not to mention it is really durable and you can choose the finish ( matte or shinny). Cons: it is very heavy, it requires proper care maintenance and some types of marble are very soft and prone to cracks.
Photo by Glen Ardi on Unsplash
3. Vinyl flooring
The design versatility of luxury vinyl is endless and is very suitable for high moisture areas. It requires little maintenance and it is the most inexpensive option on the market. It has no negative impact on home resale value. However, vinyl flooring has it’s own disadvantages: it has a shorter lifespan than wood floors, it is difficult to remove, especially if adhesive is used during installation and it can emit volatile organic compounds ( VOCs).
4. Natural Stone Flooring
Natural stone flooring is known for its classic beauty, durability, and long lasting value. Stone tile flooring is excellent for kitchens, bathrooms, foyers, hallways, living areas, and paved outdoor areas. It comes in various shades and they are truly versatile. Travertine, Limestone, Ceramic, Porcelain are just a few of the most popular natural stone types of flooring.
5. Terrazzo flooring
Originated in Italy, Terrazzo is a composite material of marble chippings set into cement. It is either poured in situ by hand or precast into blocks that can be cut to size. There are available on the market as ready-made tiles, easy to apply straight to floors and/or walls. It doesn’t require special attention, it gives a very jovial look to the room and it can be found in a multitude of colors.
Cover photo: studio-mcgee.com