New Home Flooring Options
- There are many good options for floorscarrelage 3 image by Nathalie P from Fotolia.com
Selecting appropriate flooring for new homes means the difference between durable, long lasting floors and something that will need to be replaced sooner, rather than later. Those looking to make the right choice for their homes should consider all of the available flooring materials, where the material will be laid down, how sustainable and environmentally the material is, who will be occupying the space where the floor will be laid down, and cost. - The most commonly used flooring material in new homes, carpet is comes in many cuts, materials, and colors. Short cuts are ideal for high traffic areas, while longer cuts, such as shag, are lush and inviting but not always practical. Light colors show dirt and lint, while darker colors are more resilient to staining. Carpet is also a warmer option than most hard floor materials.
- Though many people believe tile is a material strictly for kitchens and bathrooms, tile comes in many colors and finishes. Glazed and unglazed, tile is a cold flooring material, but creates a smooth tailored finish in any space. Tile is ideal for those looking to create floors with elaborately designed patterns. Generally more expensive than carpet, tile is one of the least expensive hard flooring options available. Tile is a fragile material and so is not ideal for high traffic areas.
- Vinyl, like carpet, is a highly used flooring product. Also called linoleum, vinyl is reasonably inexpensive. Available in large sheets of rolled material, peel and stick vinyl tiles, and floating, laminate faux-wood floors, vinyl is a versatile and durable material for home flooring that works well with carpet from one area to the next. Very simple to clean, vinyl does not require any special treatment to stay beautiful, but is not resistant to tearing, scratching and heat.
- Hardwood flooring is a durable and luxurious, but is not always a highly sustainable material. Some wood floors, such as bamboo and recycled, or reclaimed, wood make green choices when looking to install wood flooring in new homes. Wood is more expensive than carpet, tile and vinyl floors, and requires a fair amount of upkeep to stay looking new. Some wood floors require stripping and waxing on a regular basis to maintain its luster.
- Concrete is becoming increasingly popular among modern homeowners looking for something unique. Polished concrete makes excellent flooring and counter media for new homes, but can be cold. Versatile and durable, concrete must be laid and polished professionally, but comes in a multitude of colors and can be laid in intricate patterns and designs. Alternately, new concrete installations can be primed and painted.
