- By Daniel Smith
- Published 04/30/2012
When you choose the floor for the different spaces in your home, you need to focus on two essentials – utility and aesthetics. Keeping this in mind is necessary when choosing the right type of flooring for your home. Before you choose any specific flooring, it is necessary to know about the different types of flooring available at the flooring shops.
Hardwood floors are a popular choice among homeowners, as they add a touch of elegance to the room. Favoured options include planks and parquet tiles made from oak, beech, maple, pecan and birch. The tongue and groove joints ensure proper installation of the hardwood floors. The installation may involve the use of glue or nails.
Engineered wood flooring is another option you may consider if you are looking for scratch and stain-resistant, easy to clean and maintain flooring. In this type, the tongue and groove joints are constructed of plywood while the surface layer is made from hardwood. This floor is also easy to install as there is no need for a subfloor.
Vinyl flooring is available in rolls or squares that need to be glued to the subfloor. Check the thickness of the vinyl to understand the quality and the colours and patterns to ensure they match your home décor. Vinyl flooring usually comes with a no-wax surface; however, it is better to opt for a floor finish to enhance the look and boost durability.
Laminated flooring may provide a scratch, stain and dent resistant surface for the different areas of your home. Made from adhering layers of wood or paper to a resilient foam core, it may be designed to look like wood, marble or stone. The interlocking design ensures easy installation while the aluminium oxide coat ensures longevity.
Tiled flooring is aesthetically appealing. Here are a few varieties you may consider.
Ceramic tile: Ideal for residential and commercial use, these tiles come in a variety of colours and patterns. The manufacturing process ensures permanent colour and shape and makes these tiles scratch, stain and burn resistant.
Marble tile: Made from natural marble, these tiles are available in white, green and travertine. It is necessary to seal these tiles after installation as they are prone to scratching.
Granite tile: Made from solid granite, these tiles are more durable than their marble counterparts. Sealing after installation is necessary for these tiles as well. Though damage to these tiles is uncommon, restoration, if damaged, is difficult.
Quarry and slate tile: Both are made from shale; however, quarry tiles are extruded, cut and smoothed around the edges while slate tiles have a cleft finish. Both need to be sealed after installation to ensure that they last for a long time.
Different flooring types have different characteristics, and you need to choose the one that suits your requirement and your budget. If choosing is a confusing task, opt for advice from flooring specialists. These professionals would be able to assess the requirements that you have regarding home flooring and determine the suitable option.
Author Bio: Steven Hayes is the editor of a home improvement magazine. He provides tips and suggestions for homeowners looking for the right kind of flooring from flooring shops.
