Walls can be repainted and furniture slipcovered, but floors are a more permanent statement, so choosing new flooring can present a challenge for many homeowners. There is a huge assortment of flooring available today. How do you find what is perfect for your home? Here are some general questions that will help you make the right choice:

•  What is the size of the room and how will it be used? Will it be exposed to moisture?
•  Are there children or pets in the family?
•  Is it a high-traffic area, such as a foyer or family room, or a
lightly used room, such as an office?
•  How often do you expect the flooring will need to be cleaned?
•  What is your budget? Do you plan to do the installation yourself?

Rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms require durable flooring that’s easy to clean. In the bathroom, particularly, moisture problems must also be addressed. Vinyl flooring is a popular option because it is inexpensive and extremely easy to maintain. Vinyl sheet flooring should be installed by a professional; however, vinyl tiles can be installed by the homeowner. On the downside, vinyl, a synthetic product made from chlorinated petrochemicals, can be cut if a sharp object is dropped on it, and it will melt if a lighted match or heated iron lands on it.

Linoleum, a product produced from all-natural ingredients, is experiencing a resurgence. Today’s product comes in a bunch of vibrant hues, as well as some retro patterns. It is considered to be “green” because its components are natural, largely renewable, and there are no toxins involved in its manufacture. The color goes all the way through linoleum, and it is very durable, water resistant, and easy to maintain. Again, sheet linoleum should be installed by a professional, but tiles could be installed by a homeowner.

Ceramic tile has long been a favorite in bathrooms and kitchens because of its durability and longevity. It is easy to clean and comes in countless textures, colors, and patterns. Ceramic tiles are more expensive than vinyl or linoleum, but they can be installed by a do-it-yourselfer. However, if installed over a floor that has structural movement, ceramic tiles are prone to crack. Their primary downside is that smooth tiles can be slippery when wet.

A new twist on the ceramic tile concept is glass tile, and many designs and colors are now available for flooring. There are even “green” glass tiles made from recycled bottles and jars. Glass tiles are expensive and not as durable as ceramic. And, many tile experts suggest using small tiles to distribute the weight more evenly.

Limestone, marble, and granite are also excellent choices for the bath or kitchen. Stone is an expensive product, and it is best to have it installed by an expert. Again, it requires a strong subfloor and has the potential to be slippery when wet, especially in the polished form.   Natural stone floors are also available with a honed or textured surface, but these may require some special sealant to prevent stains.

Hardwood floors are becoming a popular choice for both kitchens and baths. If finished properly to be water resistant with a few good coats of clear gloss sealant, they offer a warm, rich look and are easy to maintain. Hardwood should not be installed below ground, where humidity can cause problems.

Bamboo is an alternative to regular wood flooring. Bamboo is a grass and is very renewable. It comes in tongue and groove planks, like hardwood flooring, and maintenance is similar to that of wood. Moisture does not cause it to expand or contract excessively, so it is a good choice for kitchens and baths.

Laminate flooring is made of layers of materials literally bonded together for strength. The surface of a laminate plank is a photographic image taken with a high-resolution film that provides an extremely realistic appearance. Laminate flooring, which is durable and very easy to maintain, is another logical choice for bathrooms and kitchens and below-ground basements. It can be installed by the homeowner with the proper tools and instructions.

Living areas that are not subject to moisture can use any of the floorings we’ve already discussed, but they have even more options. Concrete, for example, is one of the newest and most popular flooring materials. The new concretes are stylish, colorful, and unique and can have a rough or smooth texture. With the addition of glass chips or metal shavings, the floor can take on the look of terrazzo. Concrete is just as appropriate for a finished basement or a formal living room depending upon the finish. It is best installed by a professional.

Cork has been a classic floor covering for decades. Today it comes in tiles or tongue-in-groove planks and in a variety of colors and patterns. A natural and renewable substance, cork is considered a “green” option.

Leather is a very expensive option and needs quite a bit of maintenance, but it offers a wonderful buttery feel and a subtle leather scent. Appropriate for rooms that are used lightly, it should be installed by a professional.

Carpet has always been a favorite for flooring. Especially comfortable in bedrooms, it provides soundproofing and some insulation. Wool is softer than synthetics, is exceptionally durable, and offers great stain resistance, but it is the most expensive of the fibers. Nylon has excellent soil resistance, is very durable, and has a lovely feel. Most nylon carpets are less costly than wool. Olefin, or polypropylene, is durable and water and stain resistant. Best in low-pile carpets, it is popular in indoor/outdoor carpeting and berbers. Polyester is popular because of its softness and economical cost. It has good color retention and soil resistance but is not as resilient as nylon. Finally, acrylic carpets have the feel and look of wool at a reasonable price. The fiber tends to fuzz and pill, but because it is moisture and mildew resistant it is often found in bathroom rugs.

—Written by Carolyn M. Runyon

Rodney Heard
317-753-7876
rheard@ymail.com
www.yourindyhouses.com

As featured in Your Home and Lifestyle.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

All measurements are approximate.

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