How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home

Published on: 03 December 2019 Last Updated on: 30 November 2024

Do you know what the difference is between solid wood flooring and engineered wood flooring?Are you aware of the price differences between marble flooring, wood flooring, tiles, and laminates?
Do you have young kids, pets, or elderly adults at your home?
What kind of weather conditions are you living in?

Very few people realize that choosing the flooring for their new homes is a far more complicated task than picking out curtains! However, in spite of it being so important, many are completely unaware of how to go about it.

The basic considerations for choosing a specific type of flooring depends on many factors-

The function of the flooring
Budget
Weather and climatic conditions
The durability of the flooring
Habitants in the house

This is the basic starting point, which many consider. However, when it comes to deciding what is best, we get confused and seek help from family and friends.

While their help might be helpful, it might not always be the best. In such instances, it is best to listen to the advice and suggestions offered by experts and professionals.

Important Things To Consider when Choosing Flooring For your Home:

We have spoken about some basic things to consider when choosing the floor in the introductory section. In this section, we will look at some of the more important things which people often overlook.

1. Does the Flooring match the aesthetic appeal of the home?

Every home has a definite personality. To complement the personality, different aspects of the home are chosen carefully. From the wall paint to the furniture, everything has a certain aesthetic attached to it.

It is important that whatever flooring you choose blends with the aesthetic décor and appeal of the home. Most people consider flooring to be an afterthought. However, being such an important part of the home, it should be a top priority.

2. Does the flooring require regular maintenance?

Let us get one thing out of the way- maintenance work related to the flooring is expensive! If you have to do it annually, you will incur heavy costs. This means that you will have to pick flooring, which is good enough and durable and requires little or no maintenance.

Doing the flooring all over again is going to create a mini storm in your life. From rearranging furniture to in-access rooms in the house, it is slowly going to turn into a nightmare. It is best that you consider maintenance options before deciding on one.

3. Do you have to install different flooring in different parts of the house?

Even though this is something which is basic and quite generic, many people do not pay attention to it. You cannot install solid wood flooring in your bathroom! Neither can you install marble flooring on your front porch?

This has a lot to do with form and function. Wooden flooring should not be installed in places where you are going to have a water presence. This is why there are ruts and mosses, which start building on damp and mushy places like basements.

Different Types Of Flooring For New Homeowners:

In the previous sections, we spoke about why it is important to be careful when choosing the right flooring for your new house.

In this section, we will help new homeowners with some examples of the various types of flooring options, which they can consider.

1. Solid Wood Flooring

If you go to some of the best and most luxurious homes, hotels or resorts, you will always find solid wood flooring. This is because there is still no other material which can match the beauty, aesthetic appeal, and durability or a well-maintained solid wood flooring.

It is important to note that solid wood flooring can be a bit expensive. However, you will always end up saving money on them because of their timeless appeal. They are very durable and never go out of fashion!

2. Engineered Wood Flooring

Let us begin with a small quiz- What looks like wood; feels like wood, but is not wood? Engineered Wood is slowly becoming popular amongst people who want to enjoy the look and feel of solid wood flooring in an inexpensive fashion.

It should be noted that as there is plywood, there is a tendency for this to warp and mold. This can shoot up your maintenance budgets remarkably. Other than that, this can be used as flooring in any part of your home except the bathroom.

3. Tile Flooring

In recent years, people who want to experience something new are going for porcelain and ceramic tile options for their flooring. The attraction of tile flooring lies in the number of options that you have.

You can choose from different shapes, looks, and feelings. You can also get a faux wood kind of ceramic tile for your house. However, you should consider the weather options when it comes to tile flooring if you are living in particularly cold climatic regions.

4. Carpeting

Carpeting continues to remain the most popular choice for homeowners when it comes to flooring. They come in different price points, colors, textures, and maintenance schedules. It is easy to see why they are such an attractive proposition.

However, they are also prone to attracting dust, hairs, fur, and other non-healthy airborne particles. People who are becoming slowly conscious when it comes to health issues are avoiding them.

It is proven that they pose health issues and are not good for homes that have people who have breathing-related or asthma problems.

5. Laminate Flooring

Like engineered wood flooring, laminate flooring is also highly in demand because of a number of reasons.

The best laminates might fool you into believing that you are looking and standing on a solid wood floor! The advancement in this technology has made this proposition affordable, attractive, and maintenance friendly.

However, the drawback of this is that this form of flooring has become very common. You are going to see this in every home, apartment, and restaurant, and even in shops. If you want your home to stand out as a special place, laminate flooring is not for you.

Budget Friendly Flooring Options (…For Rented Place)

A home is a home, even if it is rented!

Just because you’re renting doesn’t mean you can’t have a cozy, stylish home. The good news is there are lots of budget-friendly flooring options that can spruce up your space and keep your landlord happy. Check out these smart ideas for every type of flooring.

Peel & Stick Vinyl

Suppose you want something quick, cheap, and temporary. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are the way to go. They come in all sorts of styles (I found one that looks like wood planks!) and couldn’t be easier to install.

Within a couple of hours, your gross floor will be transformed into something sleek and modern. And when is the time to move out? Just peel them up off the ground.

For those of us on a rental budget who still want to flex our creative muscles without permanently changing anything. These floor tiles are perfect for you. Did I mention they’re also water-resistant?

Area Rugs And Carpets

You can also consider area rugs. Area rugs are cost-effective, and they add beauty in addition to warmth, comfort, and style to any room.

In fact, area rugs of all shapes, sizes, and designs are available so you’ll definitely find one that works with your interior design tastes.

Area rugs can also cover up old or unattractive flooring that you don’t really want to see all the time.

Easy to clean and take with you when you move. Pro tip: Layering rugs on top of existing carpets can really help transform a blah space.

Laminate Flooring

If you’d like something a bit more permanent (but still affordable), I recommend looking into laminate flooring. It looks just like hardwood but costs considerably less. It’s also really durable and easy to maintain.

Most laminate floors use a click-and-lock installation method that doesn’t require any adhesive or nails and simply floats over the subfloor.

It can be a great weekend DIY project!

Plus, it’s perfect if you’re not up for too much commitment or live in a rental; it removes easily since floors are not technically “glued down.”

Laminate is also great if you have little ones running around on softer soled shoes or paws. Since it doesn’t scratch as easily as some harder surfaces, it’s your worry-free ticket to compulsively clean.

For something super plush, consider foam tiles. Great for bedrooms, playrooms, or workout rooms, foam tiles are soft on the feet and come in various colors.

Choosing The Right Flooring!

By picking the right flooring option for your new home, you can give a defined personality to it. You can also be careful enough to see budgets, maintenance requirements, and other considerations.

We have tried to give the readers an idea of the different flooring options they can consider for their new homes.

From solid wood flooring options to laminates, the new homeowner is surely spoiled for choice!

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Roof Repair: Should You Hire Roofers Or DIY?

There is a lot that we need to prepare for while living in this world. Growing up, most of the things we did were focused on preparing us for the future. Our education is a prime example of such a plan, and it has given us a lot of opportunities as we grow older. Now that we are adults, we learn to face problems before it even starts. It can be anything from our daily lives, like planning ahead of our week. Calculating each moment of our lives in order to manage it better has been one of our continuous goals. However, there are so many moments in our lives that we cannot prepare for at all. For example, the weather these days is truly unpredictable. How Does Unpredictable Weather Affect The Roof? It can rain in the morning, and then the sun will scorch you in the afternoon. It might be summer on normal days, but the air feels like it is winter. There are a lot of weather anomalies that are happening every day in our world right now. 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How Do You Match Sofas With Accent Chairs?

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Fan Heaters: The Basics In contrast, fan heaters operate by drawing air over a heating element and then using a fan to distribute it around the space. Fan heaters are renowned for their ability to heat a space quickly, increasing the ambient temperature. They can, however, occasionally produce a dry heat, which some people may find less comfortable. Here are the various considerations before you buy oil heaters online: Energy Efficiency And Cost-Effectiveness The energy efficiency of oil heaters is highly praised. The heater's oil holds heat efficiently after it reaches the proper temperature, reducing the frequency of on and off cycles. As a result, there may be a decrease in energy use and, eventually, heating costs. Furthermore, oil heaters can contribute to energy conservation by maintaining a comfortable temperature without continuously using power because they generate heat even when shut off. Meanwhile, fan heaters use more energy even though they are good at warming a space rapidly because they run continuously. Using a fan to disperse heat is another way that using more electricity might increase. But thanks to developments in fan heater technology, more energy-efficient models with eco modes and thermostat controls have been created to help reduce energy use. Cost Comparison Fan heaters are typically less expensive upfront than oil heaters, which makes them the more logical option for consumers on a tight budget. The long-term operating costs, however, must be taken into account. Oil heaters are typically more energy-efficient because they use a heating element soaked in oil, which maintains heat well and permits less frequent cycling. As a result, this may lead to decreased energy use and cheaper heating costs over time. Improvements in fan heater technology have created more energy-efficient versions with features like eco modes and thermostat settings, which help partially offset their higher energy usage. Consequently, even though fan heaters could be less expensive initially, the overall cost-effectiveness of the two differ based on several variables, including usage habits, energy costs, and the particular model. Heating Performance And Comfort Known for its capacity to deliver even, delicate warmth, oil heaters are highly recommended for use in living rooms, bedrooms, and other spaces where keeping a comfortable temperature is crucial. Many people describe the warm, comforting, radiant heat that oil heaters create as ideal for resting and relaxing. Meanwhile, fan heaters are excellent at quickly heating a space, making them ideal for short bursts of heat in areas like bathrooms or home offices that need to be warmed up immediately. However, some people might feel that the dry heat of fan heaters is less comfortable, mainly if they use them for an extended period. Safety Considerations Because of how they are made, oil heaters are typically considered safer than fan heaters. The oil-filled fins encase the heating element, reducing the possibility of fire or burns from direct contact with the hot surface. Oil heaters usually have automatic shut-off systems and overheating prevention to prevent further mishaps. Unfortunately, burn risks are increased by fan heaters, mainly when they come in contact with skin or explosive objects. Fan heaters can also be dangerous due to their exposed heating element and moving parts, so they must be positioned steadily, away from potential threats. Read Also: What To Do When Your AC Unit Stops Working Impact On The Environment Due to its higher energy consumption and shorter lifespan, fan heaters typically have a more significant environmental impact. Carbon emissions are increased when electricity is used to run the fan and heating element, mainly when that electricity is produced from non-renewable resources. Nonetheless, the environmental impact of fan heaters can be reduced by selecting and operating them wisely. Oil heaters are often seen as being more environmentally friendly. They are quieter to operate and have less emissions since they use radiant heat instead of forced air. Fan Heaters vs Oil Heaters: In Summary It's critical to consider your unique heating requirements and preferences when choosing between oil and fan heaters. An oil heater can be a better option if you need constant, soft warmth in larger areas, including living rooms or bedrooms. Oil heaters are excellent at producing radiant heat that heats the surrounding space gradually, making it seem friendly and suitable for rest or sleep. However, a fan heater can be a better option if you're searching for a rapid and effective heating solution for smaller spaces or regions that need instant warmth, such as home offices or restrooms. Fan heaters are renowned for their speedy heating qualities, allowing them to relieve chilly air and raise the room's temperature instantly. Make The Right Choice There must always be a clear winner in the age-old comparison between oil and fan heaters. The ideal option ultimately relies on your preferences, budget, and particular heating demands. Each type of heater has a mix of benefits and drawbacks. Whichever kind of heater you use, you must always take safety precautions. By researching and using your heater sensibly, you may have a warm and comfortable house all winter while consuming the least energy and having the least damaging effect on the environment. Read Also: What You Should Know about Solar Energy for Schools Benefits The Benefits of Solar Lighting in a Nutshell Everything You Need to Know About Portable Solar Power

How To Pick The Perfect Flooring For Your New Home

Important Things To Consider when Choosing Flooring For your Home:

1. Does the Flooring match the aesthetic appeal of the home?

2. Does the flooring require regular maintenance?

3. Do you have to install different flooring in different parts of the house?