So many options, so little time.
No worries. It’s easy.
Style
DO: Think about the layout of your home. Open floor plans? The same flooring can be used throughout the space to create a seamless appearance.
DON’T – Don’t neglect your home’s architectural integrity. Make your home reflect your personal style. Get inspired by these cool floor designs. It’s important to remember that your home’s unique style will be preserved when you sell it.
Tip: Hardwood floors can be a foolproof choice.
Hardwood is a great choice for architectural style. It can be used in both traditional and modern homes. Both you and your buyers will not regret making the decision.
It’s beautiful and practical. While hardwood can be used for kitchen duties, it also adds a classic and homey touch.
Durability
DO: Be aware of the local climate. The floor’s lifespan can be cut down by damp and humid conditions. For example, hardwood may warp.
DON’T – Underestimate wear and tear depending upon where you are planning to lay new flooring. It’ll crack if you drop a glass container on ceramic tile. And heavy foot traffic will cause damage to beautiful plush carpeting.
Tip: Concrete floors look great and are durable when properly sealed.
Concrete is resistant against water, stains, odors, scratches, and smells. Concrete won’t harbor mildew or mold.
It can take a beating so don’t worry about daily wear.
It can save you energy because concrete floors can be used to heat or cool your home.
The final touch? It can be painted to look just like wood or tile.
Comfort and Air Quality
DO: Choose comfortable flooring materials for rooms that you spend a lot of your time in, like the kitchen.
DON’T: Don’t contribute to household pollution. Vinyl flooring, as well as newly installed carpets, can emit VOCs up to 72-hours.
Tip: Cork hits the comfort and environmental-friendly trifecta.
It’s a delight for the feet (think of kitchens) as well as a relief when little ones fall (think basements and family rooms, or kids’ rooms). This is due to microscopic air bubbles that give the material it’s cushiness.
Cork is great for indoor health. Cork doesn’t keep dust and pollen on the surface and is resistant to bacteria, fungi and other harmful substances. VOCs should be avoided. Avoid high- or low-formaldehyde levels and cork-vinyl combinations. How do you do this? Cork flooring products should be certified Greenguard or Floorscore by Greenguard, or have a LEED point to reduce emissions. You should also choose a low-VOC sealer or adhesive if you use it.
It can be sustainably harvested. Cork oak bark makes cork flooring. Because the bark grows back, it is left standing.
Tip: To protect cork from standing water, seal it every few years. Cork is waterproof but water-resistant.
Carpets made with new technology have been more durable (think long wear and better color-fastness), stain-resistant, and eco-friendly (some carpets are made of recycled materials like plastic bottles and natural fibers). You need to find the right carpet for your home. For high-traffic areas, dense carpets with shorter pile heights (less than 1/2 inch) are best.
Don’t believe that carpet is unsuitable for you because of allergies. Many studies show that carpet doesn’t trigger allergies or worsen asthma symptoms.
According to a Spanish study, carpet traps dust and dander. This can act as a filter, providing relief for some people.
You can maintain good air quality and carpet health by regularly vacuuming, using a rug mat, and doing a deep cleaning every year.
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