There is an ever-widening variety of choices in home flooring, from materials to finishes to installation options. Before you arrange for carpet and flooring installation, consider the variety of options you have and what might be best suited to the intended area.
A classic and elegant option, wood flooring is durable and easily cared for. It is famous for its natural beauty and longevity; in fact, it becomes more beautiful over time, especially if it has been kept clean, polished, and in good repair. It?s also an excellent design choice as it can be used in multiple rooms, creating visual continuity within open floor plan layouts.
In a recent Houzz survey, 47 percent of participants said they favored hardwood flooring over other types, especially in the kitchen, and 34 percent reported having hardwood flooring in their home. And consider it an investment: the National Association of Realtors report that over 50 percent of home buyers are willing to pay more for a home with hardwood floors.
The most common woods used in hardwood flooring in the U.S. are oak, maple and black walnut. However, non-domestic or exotic woods are also available, such as bamboo, acacia, and mahogany. An interesting and unique option is to custom design wood floor textures and patterns to create an artistic and one of a kind floor. Hardwood floor installation should be done by a professional carpet and flooring expert to ensure proper installation techniques.
Floor tile materials can come from natural or synthetic sources, but the best and most common is ceramic tile. It is made from a mixture of clay and other natural elements that are baked in a kiln. They are categorized into four types: glazed ceramic, quarry tile, porcelain, and terra cotta.
Each have benefits and design features, and are made using different techniques. Glazed ceramic shiny coating that is applied before the tiles are baked; a virtually unlimited variety of colors and textures can be created. Quarry tile is the unglazed ceramic tile, and the colors are pigments mixed into the clay rather than painted on afterwards.
Carpet can be a viable choice for those with allergy problems. Recent studies suggest that certain carpets can reduce allergens. A Swedish study compared results, showing that a 70 percent reduction in carpet usage resulted in a 30 percent increase in allergy problems within the general population. Carpet and flooring installation experts will be able to help you choose a non allergenic carpeting option.
Carpeting offers the most versatility of all flooring options, as it features more colors, patterns and textures than any other type of flooring. Carpeting is made by pulling fibers through a woven backing, which is then glued onto a backing to provide strength. The more fibers per square inch, the more durable the carpet. There is a rating system used for carpets that indicates its durability, with one being the lowest quality and five being the highest.
There are also an infinite number of carpet designs and carpet textures in a variety of styles and qualities. A few of the materials from which carpeting is made are as follows. Wool carpeting is moisture resistant and temperature responsive, wool carpeting also feels great on your bare feet. Aside from wool, most carpets are made from synthetic materials. Acrylic has physical properties similar to wool, making it an excellent second choice. Nylon is notably strong and resistant to wear and tear; however, it must be treated to reduce static electricity. Like other types of flooring, professional carpet installation is the best option to avoid buckling, loose edges, and other unsightly mistakes.
There are other choices for carpet and flooring installation, such as stone, linoleum, engineered wood or wood laminate flooring, that can be explored as options as well. Linoleum is a great choice because it?s made from natural materials such as milled flax seed, cork, and pine resin and is completely biodegradable. There is also a new emphasis on environmentally friendly flooring and the use of upcycled materials, but the above listed materials remain the most commonly used. Carpet and flooring installation professionals will help you choose the best option for your home, find the best price for your budget, and then install the floor materials properly and safely.