Spring into New Flooring

If it is time to give your floors an update this spring, you may be wondering what new selections to make that will be beautiful and make your home look up-to-date with the latest trends. In other words, what are the fresh, most popular options to consider, and what are some benefits of one product versus another.

There are many things to keep in mind when selecting your new flooring, like if the room or hall has heavy foot traffic, if you have pets (how their fur, nails and accidents will impact the flooring), sustainability (how green is the product?), and the look and overall visual appeal of the flooring when the job is done.

Here are few top choices:

Hit the Hardwood – By far the most stead-fast, beautiful, and classic choice in flooring, it is appealing to just about everyone and fits into any style of home. It also has the potential to last a lifetime, though you will have to refinish it at some point. This option needs to be cared for with proper cleaning and perhaps repairs over time, especially if you have large pets that leave scratch marks. But it can also increase your home’s value if you are going from laminate to hardwood and it would attract potential buyers’ attention in the future if you decide to sell.

Cover with Carpet – This is a warm, comforting option for some rooms (but, not your kitchen or the bathrooms) of your home. You have the versatility of endless color choices, and even texture and material (natural or synthetic). There are different levels to a carpet’s durability, usually based upon if it is natural or synthetic and it is best to seek the advice of a knowledgeable salesperson to choose the right type for each of your rooms. Again, high traffic areas will need the highest durability, while bedrooms can go with something more moderate and perhaps more plush. Another plus: it is warm on the feet during winter.

Tough and durable Tile -This option is ideal for any high traffic area, places that get wet (bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and entries- especially if you have a pool and kids running inside with wet feet). Tile lasts for a long time, is easy to clean and maintain, and is beautiful as well as popular with future buyers. It is ideal for homes with pets because it resists scratches and stains. Downside: it can be slippery when wet and is cold on the feet.

Lay down the Laminate – There are some very impressive, high-quality alternatives to hardwood that cost far less to buy. Laminate wood-like flooring does not tend to scratch, stain or discolor, and can cost hundreds less per room. You cannot refinish it, and it does not increase the value of a home like hardwood does.

A pop of Cork – If you want sustainable flooring options, cork is very popular option (it replenishes very quickly unlike trees) and it provides a cushioned, comfy feeling to your flooring. It is more expensive than some other options and it is easy to dent or scratch, so it is not for high traffic areas or homes with rambunctious pets.

Springtime is a great time to refresh the look of your interior with new flooring, but shop around and ask for recommendations based upon your personal taste, budget, and the durability requirements of the room you are shopping for.