When deciding which flooring to install in your home, certain considerations are necessary to keep in mind. Dan Darvey is senior managing partner of Trade Mark Design & Build, based in Hawthorne, New Jersey. Here he points out what you need to know to make your floors look better, last longer and be more comfortable in your home.
The first think to keep in mind when thinking about a new floor is that flooring materials should flow together well. You don’t want a floor in one room that contrasts badly with the flooring in an adjacent room, and by the same token, you want your floors to run smoothly. The surface height should be planned so that the finished floor transitions are flush, and they fit smoothly and seamlessly together.
The type of install should also be considered before you choose a floor. Some hardwood floors are prefinished, for example, meaning that they don’t create a lot of dust. If you have specific allergies, or if someone in your household has allergies or asthma, then that can be a pertinent point, especially if you are living in the house while the floors are being installed.
Remember the Upkeep
Certain floors require different levels of upkeep, so what you choose could also depend, in part, on how much time you want to spend keeping your floors in good shape. Natural stone needs to be sealed every year, for example, whereas ceramic tile requires less maintenance. If you want to spend less time on keeping your floors properly maintained, then ceramic tile might be a better option for you.
Higher traffic areas will also require a higher wear rating – the higher the number, the more durable the product. Shopping malls use a 5-rating or higher, so keep that in mind when deciding on a product. You can decide yourself on how much traffic an area will get, based on which room of the house is in question, and the number of people in the household.
Heating Considerations
If you want underfloor heating, radiant heat can be installed under tile or hard wood. When using wood above radiant heat, then engineered lumber is best suited to prevent your floor from getting damaged, as engineered lumber has a stable backer.
Laminated floors, on the other hand, need to expand and contract. That means that items such as cabinets should not be installed on top of a laminated floor. It’s always good to discuss the flooring ideas you have in mind with an experienced professional before you purchase and install them.
