There are many options when choosing floor coverings with the number of different products and materials increasing all the time. Have you ever thought about cork, sea grass, poured resins or engineered woods? Perhaps you should. If you’re looking for a new floor covering for your home or workplace and you find yourself in a quandary here are ten options to help you decide:
Solid Wood. A classic choice as wood is a hardwearing and practical material yet looks and feels high-end too. One of the best qualities about wood is that it can stand up to kids and pets and needs to be refinished only every few years. Wood, in general is more expensive to install than carpet yet the value is much higher because it will never need to be replaced. Choose narrow boards if you want a narrow room to appear wider where as wide boards help provide balance for a large rooms. For a more rustic feel choose wood with knots and colour variations. Dark woods and finishes have proved very popular in the past but over of the last few years blonde woods appear to be in vogue.
Carpet. Often regarded as the cheapest option in floor coverings. Carpet is appropriate in many settings, especially in low-traffic areas like bedrooms. One of the main advantages carpet provides is sound insulation. It also helps with energy conservation and it doesn’t necessarily require a level surface for installation. Although there’s a certain “yuck” factor in carpets as they are only cleaned rarely, they trap allergens and dust and need to be vacuumed regularly. When choosing carpets look for a loop or twist pile of 80 percent wool/20 percent nylon blend for the best look and durability. Current trends suggest more and more people are using for carpet in stairways and halls are opting for striped patterns.
Porcelain tiles. More hard wearing than their ceramic counterparts, Porcelain tiles are virtually maintenance free. Porcelain is more expensive than ceramic and usually requires installation by a professional since they need to be properly bedded and spaced, as they can expand and contract. Current trends are metallic finishes, modern weaves and wood effects.
Bamboo. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly floor choice, bamboo is the way to go, since it can be harvested every three to five years, unlike the 15 to 25 years for most wood. It wears well and comes in many colour choices. The current trend is glossy, almost black bamboo especially in rooms with an East Asian feel.
Cork. If you’re looking for a floor with anti-slip properties then you can’t do better than cork. Cork can help impede falls and is a natural fire retardant. It is also an excellent choice for those looking for sound and energy insulation but who don’t want to go the carpet route. Pale shades, greys, dark browns and metallics are gaining favour over the traditional light brown.
Laminate floors. More popular a few years ago than they are now, probably due to too many people buying cheap laminate floors that bubbled and warped. Today, high-quality laminates are the norm and are perfect for high-traffic areas. A laminate floor shouldn’t be used in bathrooms or kitchens as exposure to water will encourage laminates to warp. For a more realistic finish look for laminates with textured surfaces.
Stone. Very widely-used in Mediterranean countries. Stone floors such as marble, limestone, granite and basalt are classic and elegant. Their advantage is that they are perfect for high-traffic areas and generally can last a lifetime or two. However, stone is permeable and can stain so ensure that you prevent and protect against water with a reputable sealant. During spells of cold weather, stone can appear and feel very cold. The most popular modern look is large-scale matte tiles.
Natural Fibre. If you’re looking for something softer than stone or wood but you’re not quite ready for carpet, natural fibre floors may be your best choice. Materials like jute, sea grass, coir and sisal can be hard-wearing in high-traffic areas and classier-looking than carpet. The downside of natural flooring it can be slippery and scratchy on bare feet. As with most other flooring options the colour ranges are far broader than before.
Poured Resin. Are you seeking an ultra modern look that isn’t concrete? Consider poured resin, which is decidedly warmer than concrete but still waterproof and hygienic. Poured resin can be poured into extremely large spaces without visible joints or seams and works well in kitchens and bathroom. Although white is always in style, the hot look in poured resin is vividly-coloured lacquers.
Concrete. One major advantage of concrete is its durability and industrial chic factor. It can also be poured onto an existing floor with no need for levelling and needs resealing only every seven years. Concrete can appear and feel cold, and a little too stark in cold climates. Concrete looks especially good in indoor/outdoor settings where an outdoor patio adjoins an indoor living space. Waxing concrete floors gives a high gloss finish, colour choices also range far beyond just the standard grey.
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