Choosing to the floor is a significant decision for your home. It defines the outlook of your indoor and how you feel and use the space in your home. The market has numerous types of floor to choose, making it a hard decision to make sometimes. There are various factors that you need to consider before buying flooring, making it more confusing. Also, depending on your space, there are things to consider. Fortunately, this article provides guidelines on the best types you should choose by expounding on each floor type. They include the following:
Cork
This type has been around for many years now. Despite this, it is still gaining popularity due do its eco-friendly nature. Cork flooring comes from the bark of the cork oak tree. To get this material, one harvests the bark from living trees meant for commercial purposes. It means that you don’t have to cut down trees or experience the guilt of using materials from hardwoods. The material collected is then processed by grounding up, compressing, and then forming into bonded sheets with resins.
The end product is a natural and recurring material. The good thing about cork is that it breaks down at the end of its life cycle, making it biodegradable. Cork floors can bounce back once you dent it. The surface gives your feet a cushion feel. Cork is ideal for wet areas, like bathrooms and kitchen, since it is natural and non-slip.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is known to be one of the most value-conscious types of flooring. It is an excellent choice for rooms prone to moisture issues such as kitchens, basements, and bathrooms. The material is easy to clean. It gives your feet a feeling of softness. Vinyl flooring is in self-stick tiles and sheets. When purchasing vinyl flooring, remember that the thicker the material is, the better the ability to bear traffic. Vinyl flooring is in various types. Some of the models you can get in the market are the plank and loose lay vinyl types. The plank vinyl is an earlier type of flooring and is universal. It would help if you learned more about loose lay vinyl, which is relatively new. The reason why this type of vinyl flooring is gaining popularity narrows down to various benefits. You can install the floor over an existing one without causing damage. It is also easy to install the material.
Laminate
This flooring is one of the most popular types around the world. One reason why people love it most is that the laminate flooring installation is less complicated. The floor is also affordable and fits perfectly with a tight budget. The name comes from the process of installation. It involves laying various wood-based materials, laminating, and topping with wood grain imprints on each board. Laminate requires a flat floor for the best performance. The content varies in thickness and uses different locking systems to stick together. To absorb any possible irregularities, you need to use a foam underlay. Laminate flooring is warm to walk on and is a great option, especially if you have kids. You can easily install it yourself without having to hire the services of a professional.
Concrete
This type is the most basic flooring idea you can have. It involves a simple notion of pouring slab directly on gravel for installation. Concrete flooring is famous for its durable and extremely long-lasting features. However, there are changes in this type of flooring following modern technology. Advancement in technology is allowing manufacturers to make reinventions with this essential flooring. Modern concrete flooring has a more polished and smooth texture with traction. You can also choose a painting of your choice. Another advancement in concrete flooring is that you can use various techniques to replicate the look of a desirable natural material. It is also possible to embed it with intricate designs of your own choice. Keep in mind drying times as they can vary depending on the type of concrete used for the project.
Hybrid
Composite flooring is known for its waterproof abilities. The materials vary in thickness and use different locking systems to stick them together. You don’t require underlays to install hybrid flooring because it has acoustic backing attached to the base. The hybrid floor can have stone or timber as the surface material. The fact that hybrid flooring doesn’t require adhesive installation makes it an excellent choice for decks that stick. It also requires minimal preparation to lay down. The acoustic backings provide your home with various benefits as it absorbs foot sounds reducing sound penetration. The composite polymers and synthetic materials of hybrid flooring make it durable. It also has the most resilient surface in all the flooring ideas.
Your flooring is part of your home environment and needs attention and care. It is the surface you most come into contact with every day. Therefore, choosing the best flooring type and design is of great impact to your home. The right floor brings accolades to visitors and is a joy to your home. If you are not sure how to install the flooring material, make sure you hire a professional to do the job for you. Designs in flooring are changing every other day, make sure you check the latest plans for a beautiful home. You owe it to yourself.
