What Flooring is Right for You?
Here are 6 Things to Consider
1. What room is your new flooring going into?
Some flooring types are designed to work best in specific areas of your home. For instance, tile is a great fit for rooms like kitchens and bathrooms that will see moisture and need water-resistant or waterproof flooring. Lifestyle factors are also an important consideration—if your new floors will go in a high-traffic area with kids and pets, then you may want to consider durable hard surface flooring options, such as laminate or vinyl, which are designed to withstand scratches, dents, and moisture. If you’re considering carpet, keep in mind that not all carpets are a good fit for high-traffic areas—and if you have kids or pets, you will want carpet with high stain resistance and durability.
In addition, if you are considering a DIY installation, the room it’s going into can seriously impact the scope and difficulty level of the project. Rooms with multiple angles and corners, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and rooms with bay windows, require more effort and skill. Are you a DIY novice, or are you up for the challenge?
2. Are allergies a major concern for your family?
The right flooring can work for you in the battle against allergies! While allergens are everywhere, some flooring choices are better than others at helping diminish their presence. Did you know that some types of carpet can actually improve symptoms of asthma and allergies? That’s because carpet acts as a passive air filter, trapping dust, pollen and other particles, and removing them from the breathing zone. All you need to do is remember to vacuum those allergens out of your carpet on a regular basis to improve your home’s air quality.
However, if someone in your household is sensitive to smells, then hard surface flooring might be a better choice. Carpet is known to hold on to pet smells, cigarette smoke, and other strong odors that might be a concern for your family.
3. How will the new floor impact your home décor options?
Flooring is a long-term décor choice that could impact your future design and décor options. If you’re looking for a flooring option that will give you the most versatility, then look for neutral colors in classic designs and textures. You can always add or remove bold style elements like bright area rugs or quirky, fun furniture pieces to change the feel of a room. Bonus tip: If a room feels cramped to you, a lighter colored floor can make the same space seem larger and open. Similarly, a darker colored floor can pull a room together, and make it feel cozy.
Laminate flooring offers a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from, so you’re likely to find a style to match your décor. If you’re flying solo with a DIY floor installation, your local Mohawk flooring dealer can help you choose the style and color that work best in your home.
4. Will Your New Floors Look Good With Other Floors in Your Home?
If you are looking to tackle your home’s floors one space at a time, you might need to consider whether the new floors will clash or accent your existing floors. If your existing floors are all wood or all carpet, then laminate might not be the right choice. That doesn’t mean it’s off the table, though! If you choose the right style and color, your new floor can complement the original floors even if it has a different texture or is a new category altogether. Your retailer can work with you to choose flooring that creates a blended feel that transitions well throughout the home.
Now, you don’t have to be Bob Vila to install laminate flooring on your own, but it does require a certain level of skill and attention to detail. If you’re someone who like to cut corners (pun intended), then a DIY installation project might result in floors that…well…look like you did them yourself. Will the lack of professional polish bother you?
5. How much maintenance are you comfortable with?
Every new floor you purchase is an investment, and like most things, proper upkeep will ensure that you get the most out of your investment for as long as possible. Solid hardwood floors might need to be refinished over time. Carpet needs to be professionally cleaned at least once a year. If you have an active home and find yourself pressed for time, it might be better to choose a low-maintenance surface that cleans quickly like laminate or LVT.
If you decide to install flooring yourself, then you’ll have a head start in the process of repairing or replacing a plank—as long as you choose a product that’s designed to be easily cut out and replaced. Many laminate flooring products offer this feature, making a DIY laminate flooring project the right choice if you anticipate a lot of wear and tear.
6. What is your budget?
No matter how much you have to spend, you can find many beautiful flooring options to choose from. But the cost of flooring can be much more than just the price per square foot. If you’re looking at carpet, then you’ll also need to purchase padding. If you’re looking at hardwood, LVT, or laminate, then you’ll need to factor in trim and accessories.
Installation cost is also an important consideration. If you had to, could you afford to pay someone to install new floors, or is installing it yourself the only way you can afford new flooring at all? Some flooring products might be more expensive to purchase but less expensive to install and vice versa, some products will be expensive no matter how they’re installed, and some products (like carpet!) should always be left to the professionals to install.
Contact a local dealer for tips and advice!
Once you know what you need, ultimately your choice will come down to your preferred style, your budget, your skill level with small tools and construction projects, and your comfort level with the risk that comes with installing floors yourself. Still planning to install laminate flooring yourself? Contact a local dealer for tips and advice!