How to choose the best flooring option for your home
Flooring is a crucial part of renovating or building a home, but with so many options, it can be difficult to decide on a material. Lots of elements to consider, from aesthetics to price, durability, and upkeep. Plus, every room has different needs and requirements, so you’ll likely use a few different types of flooring across your home.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring consists of solid wood planks in various hardwood varieties, including maple, oak, walnut, and cherry. Hardwood is one of the most sought-after flooring types, favoured for its aesthetic appeal, versatility, and durability. Hardwood floors are timeless; they look just as good in a 19th-century Georgian property as in a new build, and they flatter almost any interior style. This is mainly thanks to the vast array of tones, grains, and finishes available and the different patterns it can be laid in, such as herringbone, chevron, brick, and basket weave.
While there’s no doubt about hardwood floors' durability, they do require regular maintenance and treatment with speciality hardwood floor cleaners. The good news is that if the flooring does get damaged or scratched, it can be refinished. However, they’re best avoided in bathrooms or other wet rooms, as wood warps when exposed to moisture for extended periods.
Tile
Tile is a great flooring choice for moisture-prone spaces like bathrooms, utility rooms, and kitchens. Made from either porcelain or ceramic, tiles are water-resistant, durable, and super versatile. Available in a wide variety of colours and shapes, tile floors present the perfect opportunity to tap into your creativity and add character to a space.
High-quality tiles are long-lasting and durable and very easy to clean and maintain. They don’t harbour dust mites or pet hair, making them an excellent option for those with allergies.
The main threats to your floor’s longevity are problems with the subfloor and grout. Issues can be prevented by cleaning and re-sealing your grout yearly in high-traffic areas.
Carpet
Carpet is a popular type of flooring, particularly in places with colder climates. Not only does the carpet have acoustic and thermal insulating qualities, but the soft, textured surface visually warms up the space and feels soft underfoot. That’s why they’re popular in quiet areas where you are likely to walk barefoot, like the living room and bedroom.
Carpets are available in synthetic and natural fibres and vary significantly in price and quality. Synthetic carpets don’t score too highly on the sustainable front but tend to be more budget-friendly. The plethora of colours, patterns, and textures means there’s a carpet for every interior style.
Laminate Floors
Laminate is another excellent option when price and practicality matter most. Laminate flooring comprises particleboard topped with a photographic image of the actual material and a layer of laminate to protect the surface. Like vinyl, it can be installed DIY, eliminating installation costs. Its main advantage over vinyl is the wide range of textures, colours, and styles available. Laminate floors are made to look like hardwood, tile, marble, and more, so you can get a high-end look with any budget
For all your carpet requirements, why not take a look at Blackberry Hill, call us on 01858 288 031 or email gareth@blackberryhill.co.uk.