If you want to make some updates to your home, replacing the flooring is a good place to start. There are many traditional flooring materials to choose from, like hardwood, tile, and carpet, but there are also other types that aren’t as conventional. Here are 5 flooring material options and the pros and cons of each.
Hardwood
Hardwood floors provide classic beauty and texture that is unmatched in other types of floors. Hardwood floors are not waterproof, so it’s best not to install them in a kitchen or bathroom. Even a laundry room should have a water-resistant floor in case of a leak or the washing machine overflows.
Hardwood floors are a great choice for living rooms and bedrooms. They are expensive but durable. Over the course of their lifespan, you can refinish and restore hardwood floors many times.
Bamboo Flooring Material Options
Bamboo flooring has become popular in green building practices because it is sustainably harvested. While hardwood trees take 30-40 years to grow to maturity, bamboo trees grow much more quickly and can be harvested after only 3 years. While it is not waterproof, it is more water-resistant than hardwood and less expensive.
Repurposed Wood
If you want hardwood floors without the hefty price tag, consider repurposed wood. It will add a more rustic look than the clean and smooth surface of new hardwood, which works well in some homes. Sourcing the material takes more work because you’ll need to find suppliers that recycle materials from other properties. Once you find wood flooring that you like, you’ll need to make sure there is enough to use in your home.
Vinyl
Newer developments in vinyl flooring have made it more durable, waterproof, and attractive. Vinyl planks and tiles are manufactured to mimic wood, tile, and stone. They are easier to install than other flooring materials and some come with the underlayment already attached, which saves time. Because it is waterproof, vinyl is suitable in any room of the house. The price varies based on the quality, but in general, vinyl is one of the less expensive flooring materials.
Flooring Material Options with Existing Concrete
You may have concrete floors underneath another flooring material like carpet. One option to update is to remove the existing flooring to expose the concrete and then stain it. There are endless colors and types of concrete stain to choose from. The finished result will be a stylish, low-maintenance floor that you can warm up with area rugs.
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