QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING A NEW FLOOR
We understand. You have questions! The world of flooring is a huge industry with near limitless choices. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of different brands, styles, materials and looks. Having too much variety can be just as bad as not having enough. Thankfully, we are here to help.
Believe it or not, one of the most common questions we get is “which flooring is the best flooring?” and, to tell the truth, there really is no single answer. This is completely subjective and depends on what you want out of your floor covering.
If the question is, “What kind of flooring is best for ____ room?”, that is a little easier to narrow down as certain flooring is better for certain conditions such as…
BEST FLOOR FOR A BATHROOM?
We get this one a lot. Thankfully, the answer is straightforward. It might even be easier to say, “Anything BUT hardwood and carpet!” Bathrooms can get messy and are havens for moisture. And if there’s one thing that does not agree with hardwood and carpet, it is water (cotton area rugs/bath mats notwithstanding.) Water can seep into hardwood, causing the wood to swell and, at best, warping the wood and creating unattractive (and unsafe) bulges and, at worst, causing cracks and significant structural damage. Anyone who has ever spilled water on a carpet can easily see why carpeting in a bathroom is a bad idea. Too much exposure to moisture can deform the rug material and create discolourations.
If you still want a wood look for your bathroom, worry not! Waterproof laminate, vinyl and SPC flooring technology has advanced greatly over the last few years.
BEST FLOOR FOR A KITCHEN?
Kitchens floors have more flexibility. Almost all types of flooring work well with kitchens. Laminate and hardwood flooring will require extra steps to make it fully watertight. Much like with bathrooms, kitchens can be prone to messes. If you are going with hardwood flooring in a kitchen, make sure to adorn the room with attractive cotton area rugs in the areas most likely to get wet (i.e., dishwasher, sink, stovetop, etc.). If a spill occurs, make sure you treat the area immediately to avoid damage to the floor. Vinyl and SPC flooring is much easier to maintain in a kitchen.
BEST FLOOR FOR A BEDROOM?
Bedrooms are meant to feel comfortable and cosy! That said, there are really no restrictions to what kind of flooring you can put in a bedroom. Traditionally, wall-to-wall carpeting or a wood-style floor are the primary choices. Wood adds both visual and physical warmth to any room. Carpeting, as well as being insulated, is soft underfoot resulting in no cold feet in the morning! However, there are some considerations to be made. If a child’s room is a common space for play, a laminate or vinyl is safer and more durable since carpets are more vulnerable to stains and marks.
BEST FLOOR FOR LIVING/DINING ROOM?
The short answer is, “anything,” as the living room is extremely versatile. Any wood-style would be a great choice. Adding rugs to the room will give splashes of colour and comfort over a wood-style floor. Wall-to-wall carpeting is great for a cozy, comfortable feel.
WHAT KIND OF FLOORING SHOULD I USE IF I HAVE PETS?
Everyone loves, or should love, pets! Our furry companions are in some cases the most valued members of the family. Whether you have cats, dogs, or both, there’s no replacement for your little buddies! Unfortunately, for all their good qualities, pets can be messy! Whether it’s a litter box for a cat or the dogs tracking mud, they can be a nightmare to flooring. Thankfully, we have many options for every pet lover. If your pet is prone to “accidents” it would be prudent to consider vinyl, SPC or laminate floor. If you are considering carpet and you have cats, make sure they have plenty of scratching surfaces, so they don’t turn their gaze to your rugs! Overall, laminate and luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is the best choice for the rooms your pets frequent. They are durable enough to stand up to the biggest, most rambunctious dogs and clean-up is easy.
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT FLOORING WILL GO WITH MY DECOR?
Decorative conventions have been around for generations with some of the most timeless looks longer than that. Hardwood and carpeting are typically traditional while vinyl and laminate are more modern styles. However, there is no hard and fast rule. Your home decor is the best place to be creative, and creativity is all about breaking the rules!
The best way to know what flooring will work for your home is to see it in your home. Pictures often don’t do justice to the real thing, despite how advanced imaging technology becomes. Decor doesn’t have any hard set rules. Even what today is conventional started out as experiments.
