Your home will be comfortable, functional and healthy only when you don’t compromise on some basic, yet important features. Flooring is one such feature that should not be overlooked, as we will have more physical contact with the floor unlike the ceilings or walls.
In order to make sure that you select the right flooring, you need to focus on practical aspects rather than its beauty. Choosing a fancy floor may look good initially but it may not last long. Since the floor is subjected to rough and rigorous use, you should check for its durability, stain-resistance, maintenance, comfort and safety.
Various Flooring Options:
Are you confused with the vast range of flooring options available today? Read through this article, which surely helps you sort through the different options available.
Among the various types of flooring materials, tiles, marbles, granites, and polished Shabbat stones are more commonly used in houses.
Tiles:
Tile flooring is much better than traditional concrete or cement flooring. Tiles are available in different patterns, varieties, and designs. They are applicable for interior and exterior flooring. They can also be used for staircases and wall cladding. Ceramic, vinyl, mosaic, and vitrified tiles are the different options among tile flooring.
Ceramic tiles need less maintenance. With availability of different colored tiles, you can use contrast colored borders for a room. They are commonly used for kitchen and bathrooms as they are water resistant. However, the ceramic tile flooring should be even, otherwise, the tiles may break. Also remember that imperfect sealing of grouts may lead to water absorption. This may discolor the tiles and make the joints visible.
Though similar to the ceramic ones, vitrified tiles are fired under higher temperatures to impart low water absorption. They are more scratch resistant compared to ceramic tiles. They also avoid grouts as they are butt-joined. Unlike the yellowing of marble over extended time, the color of vitrified tiles do not change for decades.
You can install the vinyl sheets (flooring) on old flooring of your home. They are much resistant to stains and scratches, making the original luster last for a long time. They are pleasant, inexpensive and require less maintenance.
The other type of tile flooring is the mosaic style that was more popular a few years back. Though they are durable, you cannot notice dirt and stains on mosaic flooring due to its design.
Marble:
Marble is generally considered as the premium and royal option. Marble flooring gives a cool and elegant look to your home. The price of marbles depends on the size and color of the slab. However, they are little expensive when compared to other forms.
Though marble flooring looks good, the issue with it is that it becomes too cold during winters and hot during summers as it absorbs temperature. In addition, any stains on the marble flooring are clearly visible. Certain extremely shining varieties of marbles may attract more dust and develop cracks. They may also involve regular polishing – colored marbles require more polish. Smooth marble flooring may also cause slip or trip accidents.
Granite:
Granite flooring is very sturdy and used mostly for kitchen and bathroom slabs. However, it is not preferred because of its dull look. But its appearance can be enhanced in combination with marbles.
Polished Shabbat:
Nowadays polished Shabbat stones are rarely used. Though they are not associated with any issues, they are avoided as they are not great looking. Shabbat stone is preferred in kitchens over marble because it does not absorb stains or food leftovers. Marble on the other hand absorbs those things and may lead to diseases.
Apart from these types, you can also go for wooden flooring. You can add wooden laminates to any type of flooring. It is resistant to stains and abrasion, and also easy to install and maintain. It retains temperature in hot and cold conditions. However, it retains excess water and dampness. We cannot use a wet cloth to mop the floor.
You can also use carpets and rugs as part of flooring. Though they enhance the beauty of your home, they can be a home to dust mites, pet dander, dust, bacteria etc., which can be very dangerous for kids or patients suffering from asthma.
Choose the best flooring option from the above mentioned types for your home. Ensure that you consider factors such as durability, cost, comfort, and safety along with color and design during selection.