It can seem like there are so many factors to take into account when you’re trying to decide on flooring. It can get a little overwhelming, but you can make the process easier by concentrating on four main areas.
1. Your Lifestyle
First and foremost, make sure you think about how you and your family use your home. For example, if you have a couple of pets and some very active children then deep, plush carpeting might not make the best choice.
Think about how the flooring will be used on a day to day basis, and take into account how much maintenance and cleaning you’ll need to put up with for each material.
2. The Location
Of course, those lifestyle considerations will differ depending on the location in your home which you’re looking at.
In general, it’s best to reserve more upscale options for areas such as the living room, while high traffic areas should use flooring with more durable options, such as slate, tile, or wood. Similarly, rooms which are likely to experience higher than normal levels of moisture should avoid materials which may warp.
3. The Cost
Cost is always going to be a concern, and you should remember that, since flooring is priced per square foot, your costs can rise quickly. On the plus side, this often means that you can afford to use more expensive materials in smaller areas.
Luckily, you should be able to choose most materials without cost being a factor. This is because nearly all will come in several grades of quality; synthetic carpet is cheaper than wool, and laminate wood is cheaper than hardwood.
4. The Environmental Factor
Not always something which homeowners spend too long thinking about, but certainly something that you should take into account.
It’s becoming increasingly important to make your flooring eco-friendly, and there are several great options available. Recycled glass tiles, cork, and bamboo are all options for the eco-conscious.
Picking out flooring might seem tricky, but all you have to do is think about these four main areas to have your choices whittled down in just a few minutes.
