If you’re planning a remodeling project this year, knowing how to choose the right flooring should be high on your priority list. That’s because flooring plays a significant functional role in how each room is used. It also contributes to the room’s overall feel and design, so it’s important to get it right.
What exactly constitutes the right flooring for your space? Does that entail choosing the most expensive option? Do you have to sacrifice aesthetics in order to preserve function? These are some of the questions we’ll answer today so you can end up with a finished remodel that meets your needs AND looks great.
How to choose the right flooring: What Factors To Consider
Ultimately, the ‘right flooring’ is determined by which space is being remodeled along with how that space is used. To determine the best flooring option, you can answer the following questions:
- Does this room have a high traffic volume? If yes, choose flooring that’s durable and easy to clean.
- Is this room subjected to moisture on a daily basis? If yes, the right flooring is one that will hold up well in wet places.
- Is there a potential for dropped or dragged objects in this space? If yes, select a flooring material that is dent and scratch resistant.
- What is the overall look and feel we’re trying to achieve in this room? With all of the flooring options available today, there’s no reason you can’t have a material that meets your functional needs but also fits with the room’s theme and overall design.
- How much money is available for flooring? The right flooring is not always the most expensive choice. Rather, it’s the option that meets your functional and aesthetic needs but still fits within your remodeling budget.
Now that you know some of the appropriate factors to consider, let’s look at some of the best flooring options based on the room or area being remodeled.
The best flooring for kitchens, mudrooms, and entryways
Mudrooms and entryways offer daily access to your home. As such, they’re often subjected to dirty shoes, grocery bags, raincoats, boots, sporting equipment, and more. Kitchens are similar in nature, a hotspot of daily activity and periodic entertaining.
The right flooring for these spaces should be aesthetically pleasing since these rooms often provide the first impression to visitors. But the flooring here should also be dent and scratch resistant while simultaneously being easy to clean.
An obvious flooring choice here is porcelain tile. Durable and easy to clean, porcelain is also resistant to scratching and denting. Plus, it comes in a variety of styles so design options are almost endless.
Another great flooring option for kitchens and entryways is luxury vinyl. It can mimic a variety of designs, including that of hardwood or stone. And, it can often be more cost-effective than porcelain tile. In this Laguna Niguel kitchen remodel, the homeowners opted for waterproof luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the kitchen and other living spaces.
Choose the right flooring for bathrooms and laundry rooms
What do bathrooms and laundry rooms have in common? They’re the rooms in the house that are most frequently exposed to moisture on a daily basis. The right flooring choice here is one that’s waterproof, or at least water resistant, and easy to clean. You’ll also need to know what type of cleaning products should and shouldn’t be used on the flooring you choose.
Porcelain tile also makes an excellent choice here. It doesn’t absorb moisture and is easy to clean. Plus, its wide variety of shapes and sizes make it the perfect option for elevating your room’s visual appeal. And, if you’re worried about porcelain being slippery when wet, simply choose textured tiles where needed. It can also be used throughout the entire bathroom, including inside a curbless shower.
This Irvine bathroom remodel showcases porcelain tile flooring in a flowery patchwork pattern with slip resistant penny round tile flooring in the shower.
How to choose the right flooring for dining and living rooms
Dining and living rooms aren’t exposed to as much foot traffic or moisture. Instead, they come into contact with food spills, children’s toys, and pets. Here, the right flooring will give a warm, welcoming feel while also standing up to everyday hazards.
An excellent choice for dining and living rooms is solid wood or engineered wood flooring. Both options can add value to your home and can be made even more cozy with an area rug that’s easy to clean or replace as needed.
This Irvine whole home remodel is a perfect example. Euro Oak hardwood flooring was installed throughout and the living room gets an extra boost of cozy from an area rug and comfy couch.
Choose the right flooring for your remodel with the Orange County remodeling experts
Selecting and installing the right flooring is only part of a successful remodel. There are a variety of other factors to consider that will influence whether or not you’re satisfied with the end result. That’s why it’s so important to work with a professional remodeling company, one that also offers expert design services.
At Sea Pointe Design & Remodel, we’ve been helping homeowners throughout Orange County make their remodeling visions become reality for almost 40 years. Our award-winning design-build team is made up of professional designers and master builders. Together, they can design and create an inviting space that you and your family will love for years to come.
Browse through our online portfolio of completed projects to gain inspiration or learn more about the quality of our work. Or, register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars to learn helpful 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.