Setting up your home can involve several decisions. You have to decide on the lighting, colour of the walls and other fixtures that will make your home functional. Furniture and fittings will add to the comfort. But we often forget flooring when it should also be an important element to be considered. It’s part of every home and literally the ground beneath our feet. We will consider some good flooring options, including bespoke flooring for wooden floors that are durable, elegant and reflect your own choices.
The Different Types of Flooring for Your Home
When it comes to choosing a floor that is custom-made for your residence, you have to consider the cost, durability and maintenance requirements as well as its aesthetic appeal. Since made-to-order flooring can involve a considerable cost, choose the best and most expensive options for areas that are highly visible such as the entrance and hall. You can budget for other areas of your house if you desire to control costs. Always think long-term and spend wisely.
1. Hardwood and Engineered Wood Floors
Hardwood floors are a good choice for your home. This type of flooring is incredibly long-lasting and beautiful to look at. However, it can be expensive to install. Hardwood can be sanded and refinished several times and can last for even 50 to 100 years, so it is a good investment that adds value to your home. Watch out for dents and scratches, as this would require maintenance. Floors made with solid wood are likely to expand with humidity and tend to warp, crack or splinter if not cared for properly. They are also available in a variety of plank styles and sizes. Oak, teak, spruce, maple, and cherry are some of the most used and demanded hardwood varieties all over the world.
Another type is engineered wood, in which a top layer of artificially created wood from fibres and filaments is added to a base of plywood. This type of wood is a one-time installation and is not capable of being refinished. It can adapt to humidity and moisture better than hardwood. It can last between 20 and 30 years.
2. Laminate Wood Floors
Laminate wood is easy to clean and install and has a protective plastic coating that prevents it from scratches and dents. The lower layer of laminate typically consists of dense fibreboard. Laminate wood is a cheaper option and comes in a variety of styles. Waterproof varieties are also available. You can also have a choice of tiles or planks as you prefer.
3. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is water and scratch-resistant and comes with many style options. It is incredibly durable and suitable for high-traffic areas or homes that have kids. It may not have the same look as tile or hardwood and can feel like plastic. Sometimes its shine and patterns can give it away.
4. Carpet Flooring
Adorning your floor with carpet used to be quite a common choice in homes. It is known to be soft, warm, and durable. However, its ability to attract dust and dirt makes it questionable for those who suffer from allergies. Carpets come in a variety of colours and are easy to install. They must be vacuumed regularly if they are to be kept clean. It can also get stained easily and is not suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. It can absorb acoustics and falls and is suitable for seniors.
Tufted carpet is made of nylon fibres and has a polyurethane base. Woollen carpet is made by weaving yarn that comes from wool. The woollen version is more expensive.
5. Stone Flooring
Stone flooring can be as durable as wood and is even more long-lasting. However, it may not be so suitable for cold climates and requires heating in winter. The type of stone may vary from limestone to granite, marble, and slate. Each type of stone floor has different properties.
It is a solid base for your floor and is durable. However, it must be professionally installed and can be costly. Tile and stone floors may require sealing to avoid staining. These floors are liable to crack or chip if heavy objects fall on them.
6. Concrete Flooring
This is the default flooring that comes with every house. Although it can seem cold and clammy, polished concrete can be a good option that can be stylish and easy to maintain. It can be fitted with radiant heating when being installed. Its non-porous nature makes it an excellent choice for kitchens and bathrooms. It does not require much maintenance, just dusting and mopping to keep it clean. It may require polishing every few years.
7. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is preferred because it is light, eco-friendly and can absorb sound. It is water resistant, which makes cork a good choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Beware of cheaper varieties that may show damage like cracks and stains. Cork is fire-resistant and non-toxic. It comes in a variety of styles and colours and is available in planks and tiles.
8. Bamboo Floors
Bamboo is also an option that you can go for when choosing a floor for your residence. It gives the feeling of a wooden floor. However, it can be sensitive to humidity and is not water resistant. It absorbs sound and is eco-friendly but lacks proper quality standards.
9. Rubber Floors
This is one of the surprising options that is becoming a favourite for home gyms, garages and kitchens. It can absorb falls and noise and can be good for children’s play areas. Rubber is non-slip and water-resistant. You can even have it fitted in a designated area where it can be used for a specific purpose.
10. Linoleum Floors
This material is made from a mixture of linseed oil and wood. It is a sustainable product and comes in many styles and colours. You might have to wax it to make it last longer. It can scratch and dent easily especially when exposed to a lot of foot traffic.
Final Words
We have now looked at different options for bespoke flooring for your home. You are free to take a pick out of the available choices or use a combination of them based on the individual requirements of each separate room.
