Flooring is the foundation of any interior scheme and with the many options available it can be easy to get carried away and forget about the practicalities that need to be considered. By their very nature, floors are subject to the most wear and tear and therefore need to be able to withstand knocks, spills and furniture, not to mention foot and animal traffic. Buying cheap flooring may save you money up front, but it won’t last long and will look worn and worn before its time. Flats really should be seen as an investment and there are a number of options available to suit all budget levels. The first thing to decide is whether to opt for a hard or soft floor.
Tiles are a type of hard flooring and are available in a wide range of natural and man-made materials. Ceramic tile, mosaic, slate, and marble are just a few of the options available, and each has its own pros and cons. The main advantage of tiles is that they are extremely strong and, if well maintained, will last a long time. As they are waterproof, they are well suited to areas such as bathrooms and laundry rooms, and being easy to clean, they are also ideal for kitchens. However, tiles can be cold underfoot and slippery when wet, so they are not suitable where older people or children are present. If they have an intricate pattern, they can be difficult to put in, as well as being expensive and semi-permanent. They are also noisy and require other, softer surfaces to reduce the amount of echo in a room.
Wood floors are also classified as hard floors, but being softer than tile, they are also warmer underfoot. With the wide range of natural tones available, they can help create a warm, homey feeling and although they can be noisy, if they “move” they can help reduce noise and add bounce to the floor. The downside to hardwood floors is that they are generally made from soft woods and therefore can easily get dented, especially from shoe heels. Therefore, hardwood floors are best suited for rooms that do not receive heavy use, such as bedrooms.
Carpets are classified as soft flooring and by their very nature they create a feeling of warmth and comfort. They can feel luxurious underfoot and are good at hiding stains and dirt. However, heavily patterned rugs can make a room seem smaller and will age easily. Plain rugs, on the other hand, can make a room appear larger by creating a sense of space. In addition to being warm, rugs also help reduce noise while providing insulation by protecting against heat loss through the floor.
In addition to the above, there are many other types of flooring available, such as natural flooring that includes jute and seaweed, as well as concrete flooring. The key is to understand what function the room or area the floor will be placed in will be used for and select the right finish for that purpose. Once you have decided that, you should always choose the best quality that you can afford.