With so much choice in flooring materials, it can be difficult to narrow it down to just one. So we’ve rounded up the top 10 so you can make an informed decision about your next flooring project.
Solid wood flooring
Solid wood flooring suits any type of home and gives an unmatched sense of finesse and style to your interior. Getting that kind of style and durability doesn’t come cheap however and there is a susceptibility to water damage if it is used in a kitchen/diner. For looks and insulation properties, solid wood flooring is an excellent choice as long as it is properly maintained.
Engineered hardwood
Engineered hardwood has the advantage of looking like solid timber flooring while being more resistant to moisture. This means it is suitable for rooms where solid wood would be unsuitable and makes it an ideal alternative. It will still be prone to scratches and stains but can be sanded down to a certain degree if needed.
Vinyl
If you want the look of wood without the high maintenance or cost, vinyl is a great alternative. There are designs which mimic timber flooring, stone, tiles and almost any pattern that you might want. It’s an easy to clean and water resistant material that is perfect for busy family homes but has a shorter lifespan compared to wooden flooring.
LVT
LVT or luxury vinyl tiles come in planks or tiles. This makes it much easier to replace one if the floor gets damaged or stained, something you can’t do with rolls of vinyl. This type of flooring is hardwearing, warm underfoot and comes in a huge range of patterns or colours. It can also be used with underfloor heating systems.
Carpet
Carpet is still a popular choice, particularly for bedrooms and living areas. It provides good sound insulation for first floor rooms and stairs and is soft and warm underfoot. When choosing carpet for high traffic areas it’s important to choose a good quality to prolong its life. Any carpet fitting should be carried out by a professional as it is not a DIY friendly task.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is both practical and cost effective. It is constructed of compressed fibreboard and has a design imprinted on the surface. This means it can have a variety of designs and styles. Laminate is not suitable for areas with moisture as if the base layer gets wet the flooring will be irreparably damaged.
Porcelain tiles
Porcelain tiles are extremely hard wearing, low maintenance and ideal for use in rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom although they can be used anywhere in the home. Their colour and pattern goes through the whole tile rather than just being on the surface like ceramic tiles. Porcelain is very hard to cut and it’s recommended that you use a professional installer.
Natural stone
Natural stone such as sandstone, granite and limestone are renowned for their hardness and ability to withstand a lot of wear and tear. They have an intrinsic natural beauty with no two tiles being identical and are easy to maintain as long as they are properly sealed. This kind of flooring can be hard on your legs if you have to stand for long periods so invest in a soft rug for in front of the cooker or sink.
Polished concrete
Polished concrete floors are very popular in very modern homes and have a seamless quality that you can’t get with tiles or wooden flooring. It goes without saying that it’s a tough flooring material, water resistant and long lasting with a life span of more than 20 years. Poured resin is another type of poured floor that is also durable and waterproof.
Cork
Warm, flexible and environmentally friendly, cork has a lot going for it as a flooring option. It can be used in any room of the house, even in high traffic areas due to its pliability. It adds an organic element to your interior and it’s very easy to maintain, needing just a vacuum and damp mop to keep it looking good. Cork is an affordable, sustainable and functional choice of flooring.
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