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When you think about the style requirements of a home remodel, your first thought might not point to flooring. But associates at Giant Carpet One know that certain flooring choices could make or break the finished product. Luckily, it has an all-in-one guide on how to match the perfect flooring type for each room in your home.
Use the room descriptions below to determine which flooring option suits you best:
1. Foyer/entryway
Vinyl and other laminates are great options for young families that may track in a lot of debris. Hardwood and ceramic tile do a great job at leading into the kitchen, but it all depends on what you want to present. Entryways act as the "first look" of your home, so choose something that reflects your tastes. "Variances in color choices depend on the location of the rooms and the number of levels in the house," says Jann Seal, a design and dcor writer.
2. The kitchen
As one of the busiest and most-used rooms in your home, the kitchen presents a special challenge when it comes to flooring. To succeed in meeting aesthetic and practical needs, you need a flooring type that offers substantial durability along with a timeless beauty and ease of cleaning.
Linoleum and tiled or sheeted vinyl offer function and durability at an affordable price. While slightly more expensive, ceramic tile and hardwood are well worth the cost when it comes to authentic-looking elegance.
3. The bathroom
The bathroom is the most humid area of the home. Even in dry climates, your bathroom absolutely requires a water-resistant flooring type. Carpet works swimmingly for bedrooms and family areas, but it just doesn't cut it when it comes to creating a modern and easy-to-clean bathroom space.
Splashes from the tub and sinks all create a lot of moisture, not to mention the steam from a hot shower. With so much moisture present, linoleum, ceramic tile and natural stone will put your mind at ease.
Stone and marble are by far the most costly flooring choices, but they ensure flooring strength and an incredible design contribution. Ceramic tile works perfectly for bathrooms, but remember to get a textured design to avoid any "slippery when wet" problems.
As alternatives, there are new waterproof products that are just as beautiful, like Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT) and Engineered Vinyl Planks (EVP), available for bathrooms and kitchens where water can be a problem.
4. The bedrooms
Flooring options for these areas vary greatly, and it depends on your family's patterns and preferences. For instance, children and teens who are apt to spills and messes do well with hard surfaces that allow for simple mopping. Another option could come in the form of yarn nonabsorbent carpet to minimize noise, mess and protect young children from falls. The flooring can and should match each room's décor, but remember to keep things consistent with hallway floorings.
Guest bedrooms can be a little trickier since they often double as offices, dens or storage rooms. Choose a durable low-pile carpet that holds up well and provides easy cleaning. Lisa Freedman of Good Housekeeping said that low-pile carpet is convenient as well as durable. She states that when it comes to low-pile carpet, "an office chair should be able to roll around without one of those unsightly plastic mats," which is always good news.
Master bedrooms have a little more flexibility. Plush carpeting allows for the comfort you've always dreamed of, but wood or tile laminate hold up just as well. This choice can depend on your style preferences, but remember to use area rugs on hard surfaces to create a warm footpath for those cold winter mornings.
5. Living and family areas
Consider the size of family or amount of foot traffic, the presence of pets and how long you want the floor to last.
With these things in mind, choose from among hardwoods, tile or carpet. The first two options hold up best under high-traffic, but if you have a small family, carpet does just as well. According to Tom Silva of This Old House magazine, carpet is especially great for . . . anywhere you may like to spend a lot of time barefoot."
If you end up going with carpet, opt for a sculpted finish in a darker color in case of stains. Color schemes for these rooms should also connect with those of neighboring rooms, including the kitchen.
To ensure that your flooring choices present a cohesive flow, consult with your local flooring expert at Giant Carpet One today.
