When deciding on new flooring for your home, you will find as many options as there are flooring stores. If you have decided to upgrade your floor, you are probably looking into wood, tile, laminate, or carpet. Here are a few pros and cons of each to help you find your perfect floor match.
Wood flooring has been around for many years, and countless homes have wood flooring. It adds to the warmth, charm, and value of the property. Wood flooring also lasts longer than other flooring options and can be restained several times to change the look of your floors. However, wood floors are more expensive than other options and can fade in direct sunlight.
Ceramic tiles are a great choice for rooms where water is used often (like bathrooms and kitchens) because tile is not porous and will not take in water like other flooring options. It is also very easy to maintain and makes easy cleaning for high traffic areas like entryways. The downside of ceramic tile is that it has the added work of grout, which has to be periodically resealed, and it tends to be very cold to walk on.
Laminate floors are decorative images printed over fibrous material and make your floor look expensive without the added costs. Laminate floors come in a variety floor designs, and are very easy to clean. Laminate flooring is a great option for large dog owners because it has the look of wood flooring without being susceptible to heavy scratching from pet nails like hard wood. Laminate is also virtually stain-proof and fade-proof as well. However, laminate can be easily warped from water damage and cannot be restained like real wood floors for a different look from time to time.
Carpet covers almost 70% of all flooring in the United States, and it is no wonder when you think about the warmth and softness it adds to any home. Carpet is less expensive than most flooring, comes in a variety of colors and textures, and is very comfortable on your feet when walking around. The downsides of carpet are that it absorbs moisture and can be stained and it usually takes professional installation. However, there are high quality carpets available (like Mohawk) that have built in stain and soil resistants to keep your carpet looking new year after year.
Each type of flooring has its fair share of ups and downs. We hope this information is helpful. When you are ready for new flooring, call Stoneridge Flooring Design and we will help you find the best fit for your needs. We have unlimited flooring options and expert customer service that cannot be beat.
