What's New Underfoot?

There are so many choices in flooring these days, from vinyl tile to hardwood to carpeting and every option in between. Nobody, and no home, is the same so there are a number of factors to consider when deciding on new flooring. Some of the most important factors to consider are durability, cost, location and the amount of moisture in the home. Of course you'll also want to keep material, style and color in mind. If you have pets, you should look for pet-friendly materials such as ceramic or porcelain tile, laminate flooring or vinyl flooring. Carpeting and hardwood floors are less desirable options if you have pets, because they do not hold up well against the occasional "accident." Even the most durable flooring needs to be maintained to keep it looking good for years to come.

Reflooring a home is not an inexpensive project, with prices ranging from $1 to real hardwood at up to $12. These figures do not include installation and depend somewhat on where you are located. A rule of thumb is that labor for professional installation will cost about the same as what you spend on the materials. This is important to factor into your budget when making a final flooring decision. Even before the material is installed, the general condition of the floor must be considered. Is the floor level? What is the moisture content of the subfloor? Will there need to be extensive prep work?

Here are some factors to weigh before purchasing the actual flooring materials:

Tile is one of the best flooring choices around, as it can stand up in high-traffic areas such as entryways, hallways and kitchens. It comes in a variety of materials, from stone to ceramic. It is durable, readily available and cost-effective. Tiles come in a wide variety of sizes, ranging from small mosaics to large, oversized tiles, offering greater design flexibility. Tile itself is pretty easy to maintain, but the grout needs to be sealed to keep it from staining. Generally, the installer will leave behind extra tiles should the need to replace broken tiles arise.

Hardwood floors are the most popular type of flooring being installed in new homes today. It's easy to see why when you consider the warmth and timeless beauty of these floors. They are durable, easy to maintain and can be easily repaired. Any damage to the floor, such as scratches or dents, can be sanded out or refinished. 

Luxury vinyl flooring (LVL) is a great solution for those who love the look of wood or stone yet don't love the price tag that goes along with it. Today's vinyl flooring does not resemble the vinyl flooring you may remember from the past (think 1970s gold and olive green patterns). Thanks to improvements in graphics technology, vinyl wood or stone flooring closely resembles the real thing found in nature. The texture is also made to feel like wood or stone under your feet. This flooring is also nearly twice the thickness of ordinary tile. It stands up well to spills and pets, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.

Wood-look ceramic planks have been used in high-end retailer stores or restaurants for years. While more expensive than luxury vinyl, ceramic planks have a more realistic appearance and will last longer.

Eco-friendly cork flooring is made from a renewable resource (the bark of the cork oak tree). For that reason, cork's natural textured grain patterns are visually interesting. It can also be manufactured from reclaimed wood from white oak wine barrels. Cork is resilient, retains its shape and has been used in libraries because of its ability to dampen sound. Another plus is that cork is a nontoxic material that is safe for pets and young children.

Another green flooring choice is Bamboo, which is a fast-growing plant. It shows great promise as a highly durable material that can be conditioned to be as strong as the hardest woods. The material comes in tiles or planks similar to cork.

In the end, not only will new flooring make your home feel brand-new again, but it will make you happy and will have a positive impact on the value of your home!