Know Your Floors

Sometimes your job will require more than just picking colors and furniture. Your client may request your assistance in helping choose the right flooring for their home. Whether it's a new build or they are having their original replaced, it's important to know the difference in floors to assist them. And if you're a real estate agent, knowing floors can help you assist your clients figure out what type of floor the homes they explore have.

DIFFERENT FLOORING TYPES

1. HARDWOOD FLOORING

Hardwood flooring is known for its timeless beauty and durability. It increases home value and adds warmth and character to any space. Recent strides have been made in factory-applied finishes, including the addition of aluminum oxide. The durability of this material adds years to the wear warranty. Though the finishes address surface wear, consumers should still consider the hardness rating when selecting a species for their home. 

Hardwood flooring is susceptible to denting, so the higher the hardness rating the better in very active rooms. Most exotic hardwoods have very high ratings and are excellent choices for rooms that house a pool table, a piano or other heavy furniture that would damage softer woods like pine or maple. One thing to keep in mind about exotic wood flooring is that the light-sensitivity and a visible darkening of the floor can be witnessed over just six months. Area rugs should be either moved from place to place over this initial oxidation period or temporarily avoided to allow the floor to darken uniformly.

2. LAMINATE FLOORING

For active families concerned over possible damage to hardwood floors, modern laminates are a great option. Far removed from the earlier styles, new laminate floors have texture, color and grain variation with beveled edges to make them look more like real wood. Since the surfaces of laminates are made exclusively of non-porous aluminum oxide, they are warrantied for stain, fade, wear and moisture. The fade-resistance of laminates can be important in rooms with many windows and makes it possible to install one room at a time without worrying about future color match. 

Laminate moisture warranties usually cover only surface spills, so keep in mind that water is an enemy of both laminates and hardwood, doing severe damage in the case of a flood or plumbing leak. The proper cleaners evaporate quickly and should always be used to avoid adding moisture to the floor. Neither hardwoods nor laminates are typically warrantied for scratches, though laminates are more scratch resistant. A matte finish makes surface scratches less visible than a hi-gloss hardwood floor. Warranty instructions for either flooring option recommend felt pads under furniture and the use of rubber wheels rather than plastic or metal-wheeled casters.

3. TILE FLOORING

Because of the potential for damage due to plumbing leaks, it's sometimes best to opt for tile in kitchens and bathrooms. Ceramic, porcelain and stone tiles are available to suit any decor. Ceramic tiles are either red-clay or white-clay bodies with a baked decorative glaze on the surface. This glaze has a PEI, or hardness rating, of one to five, with five being the hardest. Residential floor tiles require a rating of three or better and ratings of four or five are usually thicker and baked at a higher temperature, making them more durable. 

One drawback to consider for ceramic tile is the potential of chipping or cracking and the struggle to keep grout clean. Porcelain tiles can address both of these concerns since they are manufactured from a finer, denser body that is usually similar in color to the surface glaze, rather than a white ceramic tile whose red-clay body stands out with each new chip. 

Porcelain tiles can also be rectified or cross-cut to avoid size variation that comes with baked products. For this reason, rectified tile can be laid with either a very fine grout line or, in some cases, none at all. Stone tiles are yet another option for your client's home, but can be limiting due to their expense and upkeep. They require sealing to avoid stain and regular maintenance of the surface, which many people prefer to avoid.

In considering their options, your customers should take into account the rooms involved. More active spaces lend themselves easily to hard surfaces, but a formal dining room might be a better place for a hi-gloss wood, while a laminate is perfect for the kid’s playroom or den. Tile might be a better option for an area that could be affected by water like the foyer, kitchen, utility room or baths. Folks who often prefer carpet underfoot in their bedrooms should extend hard surfaces into their hallways, since this is where carpet will show the earliest signs of wear. With hard surfaces dividing individual bedrooms, carpet can then be replaced in each room as needed.

WHAT FLOORING TO USE ON DIFFERENT BUDGETS

• Hardwood is always a good choice. You will always get a good ROI with hardwood floors. Floating Floor with an interlocking system is easy to install. Stick with a neutral color (no reds & blacks).

• Laminate flooring is great. Super easy to install and can be installed over most floors.

• Luxury vinyl plank is super popular right now. It functions and installs like laminate, and most often you don’t need to do any demo. It can be installed right over top of most flooring.

• Vinyl tile is another option. Most people can’t tell the difference between vinyl tile and ceramic – it looks that good.

• Carpet is the last best option. In general, going with a beige color is best… it keeps all decor options open.

BEST FLOORING OPTIONS FOR EACH ROOM

1. Entryway

Any type of floor covering will work in this area, since most people wipe their feet off on a mat before entering the house. Stone and hardwoods are going to be your best bet for an attractive entrance.

2. Bedroom

The most private room in the house is still the domain of carpet, which dampens sound and feels softer underfoot than other floor coverings. However, with wood floors trending, you can add wood with a rug on top. You can't go wrong with wood flooring throughout the house.

3. Dining Room

In most cases, the dining room is attached to the kitchen, so it makes sense to simply extend the flooring from one room to the next, whether you choose wood flooring, tile or cork.

4. Guest Bedroom

While carpet is a popular choice for the bedroom, wood flooring, whether hardwood, engineered or laminate, can be a great alternative for a guest bedroom if you're looking to add style. Choose a warm color and a defined texture to up the coziness factor. Add a premium rug for maximum sound reduction.

5. Library or Study

A study or reading room should exude a sense of elegance and formal serenity. Wood floors in dark, rich colors help make that statement. If you're on a budget, laminate is an affordable alternative to the real thing. 

6. Living Room

The flooring options for living rooms are many and should match the style of the house. Hardwood is timeless, and slate, terra cotta and carpet are also good choices on a tight budget.

7. Bathroom

Water splashed from the tub or shower and the high humidity in this room require flooring that won't be affected by moisture. Laminates and hardwood floors, which absorb moisture, aren't recommended, but ceramic tile is a good choice. And if you use natural stone or marble, seal them with a protective coating.

8. Media Room

When watching television and movies or listening to music, the acoustics of a room are a factor. You don't want to disturb others in adjoining rooms, and at the same time you want to enjoy hearing what you're listening to. Carpet and cork are good choices where acoustics count. Avoid hardwood.

9. Basement and Below Grade

Before installing any flooring option, make sure there are no moisture issues with the concrete slab. If there are, laminate and wood wouldn't be good choices, because they tend to absorb water. Resilient vinyl floors are often used in basements because vinyl is unaffected by moisture and is low maintenance. Engineered wood or laminate flooring, above a moisture barrier, will also work. If moisture isn't an issue, carpet will help keep the room warm.

10. Kitchen

Wood flooring and tile are popular choices for the kitchen, which may be affected by liquids hitting the floor during cooking. Cork is virtually nonabsorbent and moisture-proof, and it won't burn. For appeal, tile is the way to go. For strength, you may want to consider cork (although it's not a feature many like.)

- PROS AND CONS OF DIFFERENT FLOORS: -

1. Hardwoods

Costs: Depending on the type of hardwoods you go with, it could cost you anywhere from $3 to $12 per square foot. Engineered wood will cost you a little less. On top of the cost of materials, you will need to pay to get it installed which will likely run you in the hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Pros: Hardwoods look very nice and have a great resale value. They are easy to clean and maintain and usually only require vacuuming.

Cons: The cost is the largest drawback, they can get very expensive. Like tile, hardwoods are also loud to walk on. Real hardwoods also need refinishing occasionally in high-traffic areas. Standing water can also ruin hardwoods.

Best Rooms: The best place to put hardwoods is in a living room. It looks good and is stylish. It is not a high-traffic area such as a foyer so they would remain protected. You can also use a rug to muffle the noise.

2. Tile

Costs: There are many different types of tile. It can range in price from $1 to $20 a square foot. Professional installation can run into the hundreds of dollars depending on the size of the area.

Pros: Glazed ceramic tile is very durable and resistant to scratches. It is water resistant. Tile comes in a variety of sizes and materials, such as marble, porcelain, travertine, slate, and granite. Additionally, tile is fairly easy to clean, and stains are not much of a concern.

Cons: Tile can be very loud to walk on and echos. It can also be cold, and heating systems for tile are very expensive. Tile can crack and can be difficult to repair. The grout gets stained and needs to be cleaned.

Best Rooms: Since tile is water resistant, it is perfect for a bathroom or a kitchen. It may also work well in a dining area where food and drinks tend to be spilled frequently.

3. Laminate

Costs: Again, this ranges in price, but are seen to be anywhere from $0.50 to $3 a square foot. You will also have to pay for installation.

Pros: The best thing about laminate is that it does not easily scratch. And if it does, a little vegetable oil rubbed on the scratch will get it right out. It also can look like real wood or tile, and it can even be difficult to tell if it is real or not. Like hardwoods, laminate is easy to clean. You can even make your own cheap and natural house cleaners. It is also great for pets because they can’t scratch or stain it.

Cons: Standing water will ruin laminate flooring. If the laminate does get ruined, unlike real hardwoods, laminate can not be refinished.

Best Rooms: Laminate is great for high traffic areas such as a foyer or any room with a lot of activity because of its durability. We highly recommend not putting it in a kitchen, bathroom, or a laundry room since laminate should not get wet.

4. Carpet

Costs: The cost of carpet varies greatly depending on the quality. However, standard carpeting and padding is between $2 and $5 per square foot. There are usually decent installation deals at Lowe’s and Home Depot for around $50.

Pros: Carpet not only feels soft, but it also gives a soft look to a room. It is quiet to walk on and prevents echoing throughout a home. Carpet is quick and simple to install and can go over uneven subfloors.

Cons: Although advancements in fiber technology have enabled carpet to be more stain-resistant, it still gets stained. Even when vacuumed frequently, it still may contain hidden dirt. Carpet also needs to be steam-cleaned occasionally to keep it fresh. Additionally, carpet is not good for people with allergies.

Best Rooms: The best location for carpet is low traffic rooms, such as bedrooms, to minimize the dirt that gets trapped in it. It also gives bedrooms a more cozy look and feel.

5. Vinyl

Costs: Vinyl can cost less than $1 per square foot on the low end but can cost up to $5 per square foot on the high end. Installation is a couple hundred dollars.

Pros: Like carpet, vinyl is quiet and easy on your feet. It is inexpensive compared to some of the other flooring types.

Cons: Although vinyl has come a long way and can be made to look like wood or tile, it still does not look as good as the real thing. Vinyl dents and tears easily, and we have found that it can be a challenge to clean.

Best Rooms: Vinyl is great for a laundry room as it can shield a lot of the sound from your laundry machines. It could also work well in bathrooms and the kitchen because of the warmth it adds.

6. Cork

Costs: There is a range of prices: $2 to $8 per square foot.

Pros: Cork is a good insulator. It is warm, soft, and absorbs sounds. Cork is a natural material, so it is environmentally friendly. Also, since it’s antimicrobial and resistant to mold, it’s safe for the family.

Cons: Since cork is a natural material, it will fade in direct sunlight. It also has been known to turn yellow with time. Because of the moldable nature of cork, it may get damaged underneath furniture pressure points. It will also swell when it is in standing water.

Best Rooms: Cork would work great in bedrooms because of it softness and warmth.