Flooring is an element of a home’s design that, despite its omnipresence, can feel forgotten. It’s under our feet, after all — not always where we’re looking! And yet, flooring is as essential and structural to a home as the walls and roofs. But flooring can play much more than a functional role in your home. As such, there are several factors to take into account when choosing the best type of flooring for your needs.
Below, find some key ideas to consider. Keeping these in mind as you plan your flooring will ensure your purchase is a solid investment for years to come!
Think About Your Lifestyle
Form follows function. Meaning you should first consider the function of your floors before getting into all the aesthetic details in your home. If you have young children or pets, that will dictate what kind of flooring you should get — and where. Carpeting can be a more affordable option than certain hardwood floors. Wall to wall carpet may also be more suitable in rooms with children where floors can be more easily banged up or dirtied.
Know There Are Myriad Types of Floors
Your options are not limited: hardwood, vinyl, bamboo, tile, carpet, linoleum, laminate flooring (to name a few). Each will serve a specific purpose in a given room but, together, can create a mosaic of the flow and feel of your home. Each piece works together to provide individual rooms a distinct tone while still unifying a household.
Own Your Design
Working with a flooring professional and an outside eye can be helpful here. They are the interpreters of your vision, the executors of your dream. When you tell them your aesthetic preferences, this professional can show you options that articulate your design.
Style, tone, and color are all factors here. It also helps to understand the multitude of hues available. A wood floor is not just “brown.” There are endless shades — from light and pale to dark and rich — that evoke different feels, compliment your furniture and paintwork, and tell the story of your home.
Consider Each Room’s Needs
There may be rooms, like bathrooms or laundry rooms, that emit more steam or water. Hardwood floors might be a wrong choice here because the vapor can, over time, warp the wood. Similarly, consider which rooms get a lot of heat and sunlight, like kitchens or living rooms. That can fade colors without the help of curtains or decorative rugs. Keep all this in mind as you prepare for a purchase, and inform your flooring professional of these details.
Understand What You Can Afford
Budgeting might be the most important and practical step, as the pricing for flooring can vary. Material type, quality, and amount of square footage needed are just some of the determinants for price. Before you begin your search, do your research. Know what the range of costs might be. Then calculate your budget so you can start the process informed and prepared.
ACS works with clients to choose their flooring and then expertly install it. Reach out to see how we can help you pick the best type of flooring for your needs.