Selecting your home’s flooring is a significant task. After all, the flooring material you choose can impact how your property looks. Plus, the floor is one of the first elements that people see when entering the home. You have to live with your choice for a long time, so you need to put careful thought into your decisions. Constantly changing your flooring is not economical or viable at all. This is why shopping for the right flooring material matters. Since there are so many flooring options, from vinyl to hybrid, it can be overwhelming to choose the right material. That’s why you should consider these crucial factors before giving your flooring a total makeover. Weighing your options makes you a savvy shopper and helps ensure you don’t regret your choices!
- Assess the Space
Space is a primary consideration. Will you be doing flooring for the whole house or just a specific room? Look at the shape of the area and measure the exact size. Where does the light come from? All of these details affect the overall look of your space. Flooring works like wall paint. Lighter colours give the illusion of space and darker hues can bring a cosy vibe. Get flooring samples and lay them out in the room to see if they match the room, paint, and furnishings. Be sure to check how everything looks at different times of the day because the way natural light enters the room can also have a dramatic effect.
- Select a Suitable Style
You can get carried away when shopping because there are a lot of pretty styles in the market. Remember, the flooring must coexist with the following:
- Existing decor
- Furnishings
- Wall paint or wallpaper
- Home theme
Although style is a matter of preference, you must still ensure that what you buy complements what you already own inside the house. Besides, taking the context of your space into account can help narrow down your selections. Otherwise, you may end up spending more if you have to replace mismatched furniture!
- Merge Form and Function
Although some flooring is beautiful, it may not work for a particular area. For example, hardwood floors and laminates don’t do well in moist areas like the bathroom and kitchen. There are spills, stains, steam, and water droplets to contend with in both rooms. It is crucial to assess how practical your chosen flooring is based on the activities in the area and the amount of traffic it receives. Potential wear and tear must also be considered because you don’t want to waste your investment. For example, a guest room has minimal action compared to a busy hallway.
- Check Out Different Flooring Materials
Get to know the different flooring options before making a final selection. Each flooring type comes with its strengths and weaknesses. There are many flooring options, such as vinyl, laminate, hybrid, tile, hardwood, natural stone, carpet, etc. The following factors may influence the flooring type you choose:
- Where you will use it
- Personal preference
- The theme of the house
- Budget (more on this later)
Some flooring types work well for specific rooms, such as carpets for bedrooms, because they’re comfy, cosy, and provide good sound cushioning. Do your research or ask a professional for advice.
- How Much Can You Spend?
Having a working budget is crucial when changing your flooring. Since it covers a relatively massive area of your home, it can cost a lot of money. Carefully evaluate if you have the funds to pay for substantial upfront costs. Identify your budget and stick with it to avoid debt for your floors. Fortunately, there are flooring materials for every budget, ranging from inexpensive to extravagant. Weigh your options and get the flooring that provides the most value for your hard-earned money. Of course, you want durable and high-quality materials that will last for the long haul.
- Floor Maintenance and Potential Repairs
The type of flooring you choose will influence the amount of work required. If you want your floors to last, maintenance is vital. Besides, with the traffic your floors receive, you need to shower them with TLC to keep them looking pristine. For example, flooring materials like vinyl and hybrid floors are waterproof, so there’s not much maintenance required. You can do simple sweeping and mopping to refresh the floors.
Meanwhile, wood floors tend to be more delicate. You may need to polish and re-sand them to take out scratches. And if your flooring gets damaged, the type of flooring may influence repair work and installation. For instance, laminates that click and lock in place could be more accessible to replace than ceramic tiles.
- DIY Versus Expert Help
If you’re good at doing handyman jobs around the house, you may consider installing the new floors to save money. However, if you have no experience or are too busy with other responsibilities, DIY is not the best choice. Laying out new floors may seem simple, but it is a time-consuming endeavour. It becomes even more cumbersome when you don’t have the proper knowledge, techniques, skills, or tools to get the work done. You want to find a good supplier and team to install the new floors seamlessly and swiftly. The right contractor can make a big difference, especially regarding workmanship.
Are you considering changing your flooring? Take note of these tips when shopping for new floors. Investing in new floors will spruce up your space and make it feel more comfortable. Flooring can give your home a new lease of life and improve your property’s curbside appeal.