The flooring used in your home will be walked on thousands “ even millions “ of times while you own it. That’s why it’s essential to choose a type of flooring that’s high quality, durable, and most importantly, fits the unique needs of your family.
Here are a few of the most popular types of flooring available in Austin homes “ both old and new. Consider what’s most comfortable for you and your family throughout the year, during the heat of the summer and the cooler days of winter.
The price of each type of flooring will vary based on style and brand. If you’re replacing your current flooring with a new type, be prepared to pay installation costs that will vary by the company you’re working with. The below flooring options are listed from least expensive to most expensive.
Resilient Flooring “ Resilient floors got their name because they have some œgive as they’re walked on. They’re easy to maintain, and are common in kitchens and bathrooms due to their resistance to moisture, affordability, and wide selection of colors and textures.
Carpet “ When choosing carpet, take a look at how often the room will be used “ is it a popular gathering area, or a room that will only be used occasionally? The two most well known types of carpet are loop and multi-level loop. Loop carpet, or carpet made of loops that are the same height, is ideal for rooms with high traffic. It’s more durable and doesn’t show walking or vacuuming marks easily. The opposite is multi-level loop, which is better suited for low-traffic areas. It shows markings, but is a softer, more luxurious carpet.
There are a wide array of other carpet styles to choose from that vary based on height, thickness, and texture. Each of these characteristics affects its durability, performance, and cost. Be sure to choose a color and texture that will best create a comfortable and cozy living area for you and your family.
Laminate Flooring “ Laminate flooring has the appearance of hardwood floors, and is the ideal choice for areas that are walked on frequently throughout the day such as hallways, doorways and the kitchen. They provide a less expensive alternative to hardwood, and are very easy to install “ it can even be done by the homeowner. Even better, they’re easy to clean, moisture-resistant, and will never need to be waxed or polished.
Mosaic Tile “ Mosaic tiles are a great choice if you’re looking for a room full of color or rich patterns. They can be purchased in an array of shapes and colors that promise to give your room a vibrant atmosphere. This type of flooring is frequently used in kitchens, bathrooms, and even outdoor patio areas. Glass mosaic tiles are also available, which will reflect hints of the room color onto the floor.
Ceramic Tile “ Ceramic tiles are known for their durability, and are ideal for a kitchen or bathroom. They resist stains and dirt, so can be easily cleaned with a mop or household cleaners. They’re also non-toxic and fire resistant, which means it won’t be damaged, even if a hot pan is dropped on it.
Hardwood Floors “ Hardwood flooring has been used in homes for hundreds of years, and promises to give any room a distinct sense of elegance. You can choose from a selection of fine hardwoods for your flooring, all of which provide beauty and durability. Solid oak, maple, and hickory are popular choices, as well as more exotic types like Australian cypress and tiger wood. This type of flooring is easy to install, whether you’re putting it in a new home or giving a brand-new look to an old room.
Bamboo “ Known as an environmentally friendly choice, bamboo flooring is quickly becoming a popular alternative to hardwood flooring. The renewable resource is strong and stable like natural wood, but is more versatile as both vertical and horizontal cuts can be used. It’s available in a wide range of colors, ranging from natural to mocha. Although bamboo is great at holding up against scratches, it will still show marks from use over time. If you know the room will be used frequently, a darker color bamboo would be a good choice so it shows less marking.
Natural Stone “ High-quality natural stone is a great choice for elegant, high-performance flooring. The appearance of the floor varies by stone since they’re formed over time – each will have its own unique texture, color and grain. Popular choices are marble, limestone, slate, and granite. These types of natural stone are a good investment, as they will increase your home’s resale value down the road.
Choosing proper flooring can be one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your home. It will provide your family with a comfortable living area for years to come, so don’t take the decision lightly. Consider the above qualities to choose flooring that’s right for you and your family.
