Although it may not be glamorous or exciting, selecting the right flooring could very well be one of the most important decisions you make during a remodel. That’s because the type of flooring you choose has a significant impact on the overall comfort, style, and function of the room you’re renovating.
You may be tempted to make the decision easy by simply replacing your existing flooring with an updated version of the same material. But is that truly the right flooring for the room? If it has already performed well for many years and you like its look, style, and cost, go ahead and use the same material. But if you want an updated look or a flooring material that’s more durable, it’s time to see what else is available.
Today, we’re going to walk you through some of the most important factors to consider that will help you decide the right flooring for your remodel. Then, we’ll look at some of the popular flooring choices on the market today so you can see what’s out there for options.
Factors to Consider to Help You Choose the Right Flooring
There’s no doubt that planning a remodel comes with a lot of decisions to make. And before those decisions can be finalized, there are plenty of questions that need to be asked and answered. That’s why we recommend you work with a professional remodeling company that also has expert home designers on staff. When you work with a professional designer, they can answer the questions you already have but also help you think about things you may not have considered on your own.
For example, it’s tempting for homeowners to make their flooring decision based on cost and appearance alone. In reality, there are several other factors to consider that can help you choose the right flooring for the long term:
Flooring Comfort
Just because a flooring material looks pretty and fits your remodeling budget, it doesn’t mean it’s the right flooring for your remodel. Think about how it will feel on an everyday basis. For example, stone flooring can look beautiful and its cool feeling on your feet can be a welcome addition for homeowners living in a warm climate. Those who live in cooler areas, however, may find stone tiles to be cold and unwelcoming unless they also have radiant heat installed.
Also consider whether you will be standing on the floor for long periods of time, perhaps preparing a meal in the kitchen or doing laundry in the laundry room. Some flooring materials are more comfortable to stand on than others. Ultimately, the right flooring will be what matches best with how the room will be used.
Choose The Right Flooring For Cleaning and Maintenance
When you visit a showroom or look at online portfolios of completed home renovations, the floors always look beautiful, clean and pristine. But, how much work is required to keep them looking that way on a daily basis? If you have small children at home, expect that spills, scratches, and dents will happen, and choose a durable but easy-to-clean flooring material.
Even without little ones, everyday foot traffic will cause wear and tear on any floor. Decide how much time you’re willing to invest on a regular basis to clean and maintain your flooring. Then, pick a flooring material whose cleaning and maintenance requirements fit your commitment level.
Health and Environmental Concerns
If you care about your family’s health, along with that of the environment, choosing the right flooring is a big decision. If you like wood floors, for example, you can select flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council and be assured it comes from responsibly and sustainably managed forests. Similarly, if you want to reduce harmful chemicals in your home, choose flooring that gives off little or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Choose The Right Flooring Options for Your Remodel
Now that you know what to look for and think about when choosing the right flooring, let’s look at a few of the more popular options currently available.
Wood Flooring
The appearance of wood flooring is popular with homeowners who are looking for a more natural look. These days, however, there are several ways to get that look, some of which don’t include wood at all.
- Hardwood Flooring – This is the real deal with flooring made from solid pieces of wood or with a thin veneer of wood applied to a plywood layer. Wood can be refinished multiple times so this material can last a long time if taken care of properly.
- Laminate Wood Flooring – Cheaper than real wood, this type of flooring gives the appearance of wood. However, it’s actually made from a photo of wood covered with a plastic coating and adhered to a fiberboard backing. While it can’t be refinished like real wood, it does come with a lower price tag and is often more resistant to scratches and dents.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) Flooring – Available in a variety of styles, LVT flooring is more expensive than laminate flooring but it does a better job of mimicking the look of real wood. Vinyl tiles can be used to give a natural wood appearance but are more stain, scratch, and dent resistant than real wood. Unlike actual hardwood flooring, however, luxury vinyl tiles cannot be refinished.
Carpeting
Carpeted floors are often a great way to soften a room and add comfort, especially in areas that aren’t highly trafficked. Think bedrooms, dens, and even some family rooms. Available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, carpet is an affordable flooring choice and is also easily maintained with regular vacuuming and occasional shampooing. There are even some options that are more resistant to dust and dirt which can be a smart choice for people with allergies.
Tile Flooring
Primarily made from ceramic or porcelain, tile flooring is a home designer’s paradise. That’s because these tiles come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, making for endless design options. Tile flooring can perfectly blend with the room’s overall design theme or even be a design statement all on its own. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, tile could be the right flooring option since it’s waterproof and easy to clean and maintain. It’s not always easy to install, however, so this is another area where working with a design-build team for your remodel is a plus.
Other Flooring Materials
Wood, carpet, and tile are some of the more popular flooring options but the list doesn’t end there. Here are a few other flooring materials you might consider for your remodel:
- Concrete (durable, easy to maintain, and pairs well with radiant heating but hard and unforgiving if you drop fragile items on it)
- Linoleum (all-natural, comfortable, and resists fading but not as durable as vinyl)
- Cork (non-toxic, eco-friendly, and comfortable but fades and scratches easily)
- Stone (durable, resists fading, and is full of character but is pricey and requires professional installation)
Design Build Remodeling in Orange County, CA
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been helping Orange County homeowners with all kinds of home remodeling projects for almost 40 years. From kitchen renovations and bathroom upgrades to whole home remodels and everything in between, our design-build team has the experience and expertise to plan and build your remodel, too!
Browse through our online portfolio of completed projects to learn more about the quality of our work. Or, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars to learn helpful remodeling tips from the pros.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own remodel, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.