how to tell what type of flooring you have

We'll floor you lot with your floor guide. We set out every type but it doesn't stop there. For the more popular types of floors, nosotros have additional articles that shed fifty-fifty more light on your options. We went a little nuts well-nigh floors which you'll appreciate, at to the lowest degree then we're told.

Flooring for a specific room makes a huge difference. For example, hardwood floor is i of the nigh popular options for a woods floor, but non necessarily as a flooring option to be covered with carpet (such as in a master bedroom).

It really depends on what wait you are going for; so it's super important to expect at all the different types of flooring before you make a ownership decision.

Nosotros'll floor you with your flooring guide (pitiful – I can't resist a adept pun). We set out every type – merely it doesn't end there. For the more than popular types of floors, we have additional articles that shed even more light on your options.

When it comes to home floor, yous have lots of options. Hither'southward what you need to consider when choosing the correct i for different rooms in your home.

Flooring Buying Guide

At that place are several things to consider when weighing your options regarding floor types for your home.

It'south of import to not only choice a type that matches your decor and style merely too to consider the various materials bachelor and the pros and cons of each.

It's best to look at the rooms that crave and update first, and and so pick the blazon that'due south the best match for you that coordinates with your home, matches your needs, and fits your budget.

Remember – different flooring materials are used for floors in specific rooms. For instance, tile flooring may be peachy in the bathroom and the kitchen, merely something like stained wood floor with a statement carpeting might be best suited for a dining room or living room.

The expect and experience of dissimilar types of flooring or the flooring textile used tin also modify the overall look of the room – with materials like vinyl tile cheapening the wait, and solid wood flooring adding an element of luxury.

Rooms that Crave Careful Flooring Considerations

Whether you're building a new dwelling or making changes to your existing one, your needs may vary throughout your primary living spaces.

Hither we've divided your home into three main areas: the kitchen , bathrooms, and general living spaces. In that location are considerations you lot'll desire to keep in listen for each as you practise your research and make your final decision.

1. Kitchens

Many people consider the kitchen to be the heart of the domicile. It's not only where you'll prepare meals, just also a popular space to gather and entertain, peculiarly if y'all take a big island or open concept.

In this high-traffic space, information technology'south of import to choose a floor type that is both durable and easy to clean and maintain.

You'll probable see a number of spills on the surface, and so choosing an option that'south waterproof is also critical. Additionally, surfaces that become slippery or slick when wet might not be the right fit, peculiarly if yous care for children or anyone at risk of slipping and falling.

By and large, practiced choices in the kitchen are ceramic tile, natural rock, linoleum, and forest that has been treated to exist water-resistant.

2. Bathrooms

While moisture is a consideration in your kitchen, in your bathroom it's pretty much a guarantee. Choosing a material that can stand up to daily contact with water is very important.

Marble floor, ceramic tile or natural rock tiles made from limestone, or other stone flooring options like granite are pop choices in this space. The Kardashian sisters, Khloe and Kourtney, did some notable home renovations that included beautiful bathroom stonework in 2016.

For a less expensive option, vinyl tiles are too appropriate, though non as durable equally tile or rock. Vinyl tin sometimes expect inexpensive, however, so be on the lookout for luxury vinyl tile to create more than of a premium look – or forgo the vinyl floor altogether and go for an ultra-modern concrete floor!

3. Living Areas

In the living areas of your abode, like the family room, dining room, and bedrooms, you have dozens of possibilities. The right choice for you depends largely on your personal preference.

Some people like the warmth and durability of hardwood or stone tile, and add together area rugs to break up the spaces and add a comfortable surface under your anxiety. Others prefer the archetype experience of carpeting flooring.

The best fashion to kickoff to narrow down your options is to determine your budget and wait at swatches online to run across what styles, colors, and materials near appeal to you.

Types of Flooring

There are dozens of types available, simply in modern homes, yous come across some more ordinarily than others.

In each of these categories, you may still need to make boosted design choices. Picking things like specific cloth in the instance of woods or stone floors, or choosing colors, stains, finishes, or patterns may all the same be necessary.

Let's take a wait at the most popular choices and the pros and cons of each.

Related: half dozen floor pattern software options – visualize dissimilar flooring in your rooms.

ane. Hardwood

Harwood flooring is fabricated from one single slice of hardwood cut from a tree of your choice. Virtually commonly, you'll find floors made from oak woods, ruddy, or walnut, but at that place are several additional solid wood options to choose from.

Generally, planks are three-quarters of an inch thick, merely width tin can vary. The standard width is between iii and five inches, and well-nigh retailers volition phone call this a "medium" or "standard" plank. Some other pop mode is wide planks which measure between five and ten inches and look beautiful in living spaces throughout the home.

Hardwood floors come finished in 1 of ii ways.

Pre-finished wood will already take the finish applied earlier you install the planks. Unfinished hardwood volition need to be sanded down and finished so that it is both shiny and moisture resistant after installation.

While all solid hardwood floors are difficult, dissimilar species of wood will take dissimilar levels of hardness. Choosing a forest type that matches the amount of pes traffic that the room experiences is very of import to ensure your floors don't experience excessive wear and tear.

The Janka hardness rating calibration provides data on the most popular wood species which volition help you to cull one that all-time matches what you demand in a specific area of your dwelling.

Look to pay between $three and $eight per square human foot for hardwood. Exotic varieties could cost up to $xiv per foursquare foot. Installation costs vary depending on your area but average $5 to $12 per square pes.

See our hardwood cost computer hither.

2. Engineered Wood

Engineered hardwood is a more affordable culling to solid hardwood. Fabricated past combining a top layer of 18-carat hardwood with multiple layers of ply plank that run in different directions beneath, they wait similar solid hardwood but accept meliorate resistance to moisture.

Engineered hardwood is a good choice in areas of your home where you might exist concerned about truthful hardwood warping due to loftier humidity levels, like in a clammy basement. Additionally, as engineered hardwood floors use less expensive solid wood, they are typically a more cost-effective option for people who simply have their hearts assault plank flooring.

One drawback to engineered wood is that it's not able to be sanded down or refinished every bit frequently every bit you could with true hardwood floors considering of the thin acme veneer. However, you lot tin can utilise the same high-quality coatings to engineered forest floors that you can to traditional hardwood, making them very resistant to habiliment and tear.

Just like with hardwood floors, you can choose from a variety of species of forest like oak, carmine, and hickory. The plank sizes and finishes are also identical.

Discover the 40 types of engineered woods flooring here.

3. Bamboo

Although it falls under the general category of hardwood, most manufacturers put bamboo flooring in a course of its own. The sustainable option has a comparable hardness to oak and is an eco-friendly pick for your abode.

Natural bamboo produces floors with a very light wood color, but processing treatments are available to requite the material a darker cease and get in look like other stained wood options.

The majority of bamboo hardwood is made from Moso bamboo imported from Red china. The plants, which are actually in the grass family and not a tree, can abound up to over 70 feet loftier in less than threescore says.

The environmentally friendly constitute doesn't require h2o, pesticides, or herbicides to thrive. It fully matures in around five years, compared to 20 or more in other hardwoods, so it is easy to replenish supplies.

Additionally, because bamboo is part of the grass family and non an actual tree, there isn't a costly and time-consuming replanting process to grow more. It germinates via an hugger-mugger rhizome, making it grow dorsum quickly and forestall soil erosion around the crop.

Because it's so environmentally friendly, many types of bamboo floors qualify for the prestigious LEED Certification.

In terms of cost, bamboo is comparable to hardwood flooring at betwixt $iii and $8 per square foot on average. Installation is between $7 and $12 per square pes.

4. Laminate

If yous beloved the expect of hardwood, but just tin can't work the cost into your budget, laminate floor might be an bonny pick.

Like in design to engineered wood floors, it has a top layer that's been finished and sealed mounted over layers of plywood or compressed cobweb giving yous stable and durable slats.

The main difference between laminate floor and existent wood floor is that the laminate option doesn't have a real wood summit layer. Instead, it'due south an image captured using photograph-realism technology of beautiful finishes like wood, rock, ceramic tile, or stained concrete that'due south covered in a plastic coating.

The technology is and then incredible the laminate versions look most identical to the existent thing for a fraction of the toll. Expect to pay between $1 and $vii per square foot depending on the quality of the laminate, and between $two and $5 per square human foot for installation depending on the difficulty.

Meet our laminate flooring cost calculator here.

5. Linoleum

When nigh people picture linoleum floors, they picture kitchens from the 1970's with the slick-looking surface. Luckily, the choice has come up a long way since then, and there are many attractive choices available.

Made from renewable, biodegradable materials similar linseed oil and cork, linoleum is considered an environmentally friendly material.

It comes in sheets, and to install it you glue them directly to the floor. The sheets characteristic mineral pigments that create a variety of rich colors and patterns, and they may exist sealed with a protective coating to prevent staining and wear.

If the linoleum you purchase includes this protection, it can concluding a long time. Without it, program to refinish your floors around every 2 years to keep them looking fresh.

Depending on the type of linoleum you similar all-time, you'll pay between $2 to $5 per square foot. With installation, the price comes in at between $7 and $12 per foursquare foot.

6. Cork

Source: Home Depot

Cork floor is another selection if you wish to opt for something that has a small environmental impact. The cloth is harvested from tree bark without killing the tree. Every eight to ten years the bawl regenerates and can be used once more to make cork flooring.

Aesthetically, information technology has the same warm appearance as wood but with unusual grain patterns that sometimes include speckles and swirls in the design. Y'all can purchase it in either tiles or planks, and it's constructed similarly to laminate flooring with a top layer that'southward glued to a stable core cloth underneath.

Most cork products will come up pre-finished, but it'south a good idea to reseal your floors every three to five years to baby-sit against moisture and protect against stains. The well-nigh common sealers are either polyurethane or wax.

In terms of cost, cork comes in on the lower end of the spectrum at between $2 and $vi per foursquare human foot plus an addition $iii to $5 per square foot for installation.

7. Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile is i of the well-nigh versatile flooring types. Its many colors, textures, shapes, and sizes make it an option that could coordinate well with any room in your dwelling.

The tiles are made past combining a mixture of clay and shale and and then firing it in a kiln to harden the ceramic. Pigments added to the compound give you a variety of color choices in ceramic tile.

It'due south important to choose tiles that are rated for use on floors to ensure they volition stand upwardly to foot traffic. You lot may also want to search for options that have anti-slip finishes and meet the slip-resistance standards of the Americans with Disabilities Deed to continue your home prophylactic.

There are 4 different types of tiles to choose from.

a. Glazed Ceramic

Glazed ceramic tiles have a glossy coating that gets practical before they fire the file. This creates a drinking glass-like stop on the floor tile and makes information technology an easy floor blazon to maintain.

b. Quarry Tile

If you want a tile floor, only don't care for the shiny wait, quarry tile might be the right choice for you. These are unglazed tiles that become their colour from pigments added directly to the dirt mixture.

Quarry tiles normally have a slightly crude texture and provide more resistance against slips and falls when they are wet than glazed tiles.

c. Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tiles are bachelor in both glazed and unglazed varieties and are 1 of the most durable tile choices. They are fired at very high temperatures making them harder than other tile types.

d. Terracotta Tile

Terracotta tile is some other diverseness of unglazed tile that'due south mutual in outdoor spaces or homes with earthy or rustic decor schemes. This is the least durable type of tile, and if y'all choose to install information technology, you'll desire to seal it periodically to baby-sit against staining over time.

With so many different options in ceramic tile, information technology's difficult to approximate pricing. Some tiles sell for $1 per square foot, while others may cost $100. If you want professional installation for your project, you'll pay $four to $12 per foursquare human foot depending on the level of difficulty.

8. Carpeting

Carpeting is another common and versatile option. It comes in more colors and textures than whatever other potential choices and is woven from a variety of materials.

To determine the quality of the carpet, look for the fiber density count. The more fibers it has per square inch, the more durable the product volition be.

Some carpeting options will utilize a rating system that helps predict how well it volition withstand wear and tear. Information technology's usually based on a scale of 1 to v, and options that fall in the 3 to four range are well within normal.

Carpeting, including carpet tiles, tin can be made from a variety of materials, though wool is most common. Hither are the other choices.

a. Wool

Considered the standard of quality for carpet, wool is a naturally wet-resistant material that'south both durable and able to ward off stains. It feels good against hands and feet and is the most popular choice for carpet flooring, and is fifty-fifty bachelor every bit carpeting tiles!

b. Nylon

Another option that stands upward well against wear and tear, Nylon is a synthetic fiber known for being strong. It is known for edifice up static electricity, and so exist sure that the product you buy has been treated to reduce those effects.

c. Acrylic

A second synthetic option, Acrylic closely mimics the backdrop of wool. Information technology stands upwardly well confronting wear and mildew, and naturally wards off insects

d. Polyester

Polyester is a popular material if yous're looking for carpeting in assuming, bright colors. It's moisture resistant, but if you stain it, beware that it will be hard to remove.

e. Polypropylene

If you're looking for an choice that can stand up to indoor/outdoor living, a carpet fabricated from polypropylene might be the correct choice. It'southward the almost resistant to stains, wet, and mildew, and if you lot install it without a rug pad, it volition work well in an outdoor space.

Depending on the material and quality yous choose, you'll pay betwixt $ii and $12 per square foot for carpet. Installation is more affordable than many of the other options and will toll betwixt $1 and $2 per square foot including padding.

Check out our carpet cost estimator here.

ix. Stone

Ane of the well-nigh expensive flooring options is stone. This loftier-quality option adds a luxurious wait to any infinite.

Floor tiles are fabricated from many unlike types of stone including marble, travertine, ledger, granite, slate, and limestone. Softer stone likes sandstone won't resist wet as well as harder stone like granite or marble.

You'll need to seal and finish your softer stones every few years, and harder stones every four to five years to maintain their beautiful appearance.

Depending on the stone you choose, it will toll between $2 and $100 per square foot. To have it professionally installed, expect to pay $5 to $10 per square foot.

x. Vinyl

Vinyl (which can come in the form of vinyl tile, vinyl plank and sail vinyl) is known to be resilient flooring. Vinyl provides a flexible and cushioned floor surface that is durable and maintenance-free.

The most toll-constructive pick of the bunch, there are a multifariousness of patterns and colors to choose from that include bones designs and colorful mosaics. Vinyl can look inexpensive, but information technology tin can also wait expensive – the key is to buy good quality vinyl. Luxury vinyl flooring volition cost more, but information technology volition well-nigh definitely expect ameliorate than the cheaper options, and will likely exist even more durable. You lot can even opt for luxury vinyl plank if you want your floor covering to actually mimic the await and feel of wood.

Constructed by attaching the top wear layer to a layer of felt and cream, the price of the vinyl is commonly determined past the thickness of the tile. The top wear layer has a scratch and stain-resistant surface, and most manufacturers will include a warranty with the product. The all-time tiles will exist certified to last 15 years.

Regarding cost, you tin can notice good quality vinyl tiles for as lilliputian every bit $ane per square pes. At the top of the price range, you lot'll pay around $5 per foursquare foot and insulation will only cost an boosted $1 to $2 per square foot.

11. Polished Concrete

Polished concrete flooring is a new pattern tendency, specially in modern homes. Some people fifty-fifty add together colors, stains, or dyes to the surface before polishing to add color to the floor.

The multi-pace procedure needs to be done by a professional and will price between $3 and $12 per square foot depending on the complexity of the residential project.

Flooring Considerations

There are a few additional factors to consider and questions to inquire when determining which type and materials are the all-time fit for your space.

1. Durability

Past showtime determining how you apply the room you're purchasing the floor for, yous can better determine how durable your option needs to be.

If it is going in one of the main traffic areas of your home, like your living room or entryway, and y'all have children or pets , you'll want to choose an pick that stands upwardly well to moisture, scratches, and lots of use.

If you're searching for your kitchen and are someone who likes to cook and entertain, it might exist smart to look at options that are like shooting fish in a barrel on your feet and provide some cushioning when standing for long periods of fourth dimension.

By taking into account lifestyle factors, y'all can pick the pick that's durable enough for the room.

two. Installation

We will discuss specific installation considerations beneath, but it'south worth mentioning here as a factor that could aid narrow downward your options.

Some types of floor require expensive and time-consuming installations. For example, if you lot desire intricate tiling with an inlaid stone mosaic in your kitchen, expect it to be both costly and a projection that takes several days. even installing a hardwood floor can be labor-intensive!

If you lot are looking for an easy, do it yourself job or something that can exist done in one 24-hour interval, an option like rug tiles might be a better fit.

Any home renovation tin can plough into a headache if you lot don't know what to expect regarding fourth dimension frame for installation before y'all buy your materials.

3. Cleaning

Unlike types have unlike cleaning and maintenance needs. Recall about the types of traction the area gets and what surfaces will be the easiest to proceed make clean based on your lifestyle.

4. Toll

Near options have a significant range in how much they could cost. Whether you lot're looking at woods, rug, tile, or stone materials, you could pay a niggling, or a lot, based on the quality of what y'all cull.

Determine your budget and use that number to assist y'all narrow down your choices based on cost. For example, if you dearest the look of hardwood just can't afford the existent thing, laminate might be the perfect choice.

In that location are many ways to achieve the overall look y'all're going for without breaking the banking company or going over budget.

Further Considerations

Here are details on specific things you lot'll desire to inquiry when y'all're making the flooring choices in your home.

Soundproofing

If you alive in an apartment or condo or have design features like high ceilings, you may need to consider options that help to soundproof your dwelling house.

Surfaces like ceramic tile or stone can create echoes, and wood and laminate floors will acquit the sound of footsteps throughout your infinite.

Carpeting is a good choice to help to conceal the sounds of everyday life, and there are carpet pads that provide actress soundproofing that is helpful in apartment living situations.

If you desire to really recollect outside the box, yous could opt for safety floor! This is an incredibly soundproof option – and is smashing for spaces such as kids' playrooms or home gyms – merely that'due south non to say y'all couldn't benefit from it in other areas of the abode.

Carpet Padding

If you've selected carpet every bit your flooring blazon, you'll as well need to select a carpet padding to become below information technology. The padding volition not only provide a absorber to the surface but will too help extend the life of your carpet.

The rug manufacturer will accept specific recommendations nigh padding thickness, and so be certain to check those guidelines before making your pick.

III. Where to Buy Abode Flooring Online

Many online retailers offer home floor options. Be sure to bank check out shipping costs, return policies, and available warranties before making a buy.

• Wayfair
• Overstock
• The Home Deport
• Lowes
• Shaw Floors
• Houzz

doddjuddres.blogspot.com

Source: https://www.homestratosphere.com/flooring-types/

Share this post