A floor that is simply usable and attractive can remarkably raise the value of the house. Finding the most suitable one is a very difficult task as there are many options available in the market, each with their own advantages. Understanding the features of various flooring designs will definitely make the search easier for you. This floor guide is a detailed exploration of the different floor types and their suitability for various rooms and needs.
Understanding Different Flooring Styles
Flooring materials differ greatly in their makeup, durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. Every kind of flooring addresses the functional needs of a room differently depending on its features. For example, certain types of flooring can resist water better, thus they are perfect for the bathroom and the kitchen, while some are made to be very strong and durable under heavy foot traffic and thus the living room or driveways are where these floorings would be the most suitable. Moreover, the likes and dislikes of people regarding the beauty of floors also have a major impact on the decision of the most suitable flooring. Knowing these differences will enable you to come up with a flooring plan that will not only be the most useful, but also the most visually attractive. Check the 7 best types of flooring here.
Popular Flooring Styles for Homes
Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is an environmentally friendly, renewable resource. It is incredibly durable and resistant to water, and for that reason, it is excellent for heavy traffic rooms such as the living room and kitchen. Nevertheless, it can still get scratches and in places with high moisture, it ought to be sealed properly. Bamboo is less affected by temperature variations compared to hardwood, hence it is a more stable choice for temperature fluctuations.
There are several types of bamboo flooring to choose from, including:
A. Horizontal Bamboo Flooring
- Appearance: Features a wider grain with visible bamboo nodes, offering a natural, rustic look.
- Durability: Softer than other types, making it more prone to scratches and dents. Best for areas with moderate foot traffic.
B. Vertical Bamboo Flooring
- Appearance: Has a narrower, uniform grain pattern for a sleek, contemporary look.
- Durability: Denser and harder than horizontal bamboo, offering better resistance to damage. Ideal for high-traffic areas.
C. Strand-Woven Bamboo Flooring
- Appearance: Made by compressing shredded bamboo fibers, resulting in a textured, random grain.
- Durability: The hardest and most durable option, suitable for high-traffic areas or commercial spaces.
Carpet Flooring
A carpet is a great addition in terms of comfort and warmth to any room. Nylon is strong and therefore suitable for places with heavy traffic, while wool is a luxury item and is resistant to stains. Cut pile carpets (e.g. plush and Saxony) are softer and it is just what you need in a bedroom or living room. Loop pile carpets (e.g. Berber) are more robust and thus can be used in the hallway or office. Frequent cleaning and maintenance are obligatory, and carpets are not the best choice in wet areas as they can soak up stains and spills.
Concrete Flooring
Concrete flooring is long-lasting, low maintenance, and highly customizable with finishes like polished, stained, or stamped concrete. It’s a great choice for areas that require high durability, such as commercial spaces, basements, and garages. Polished concrete gives off a sleek vibe, while stained concrete can resemble stone, marble and other natural materials. Besides being energy-efficient due to its heat-absorbing properties, concrete can still be a nightmare for your feet and may crack after some time if the installation is done improperly.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is made from the bark of the cork oak tree and is a renewable and environmentally friendly solution. The product maintains the properties of natural insulation, both in the thermal and acoustic fields, which makes it a first choice for sound insulation and climate regulation as it is also water resistant. Being soft and comfortable to walk on, cork is the favorite of people who are on their feet for a long time as it lowers foot fatigue. Besides being hypoallergenic, cork is also dust mite and mold resistant. However, it can still be compromised by dents, especially if heavy furniture is dropped or by the heels of shoes. Regular sealing is also a must to keep the floor safe from moisture.
Hardwood Flooring
With its timeless appeal and durability, hard wood flooring not only adds aesthetic value to your space, but also acts as a two-way investment providing you real returns across super long-term periods. There is a variety of floors made of hardwood in different species such as oak, maple, cherry, teak, pine and walnut. Teak has been the first choice of people for centuries with its deep brown shade and great strength, giving the floor a pleasant look even after a very long time of usage. Hard wood colour over time deepens, so you get the feeling of comfort and luxury in your room. Besides, hardwood floors are also quite flexible. However, they can be prone to water damage. It is therefore important to use special coatings to keep them from getting rotten, especially in areas with high humidity or located close to water sources.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate is an affordable alternative to hardwood and natural stone. The core is made of high-density fiberboard to which a photographic layer has been applied to recreate the look of natural materials. Laminate is very resistant to scratches, and is also fade-resistant, which makes it perfect for houses with kids or pets. Though it is not possible to polish it like hardwood, it is still very easy to clean and maintain. However, the seams can get worn over time, and it can chip from heavy blows, so it is better to use it in low-to-medium traffic areas.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is produced from natural materials like linseed oil, cork dust, and wood flour and is consequently a green, biodegradable, and user-friendly flooring option. Besides that, it is a fire, water, and germ-resistant product and the best flooring option for areas that are subjected to rough usage, such as kitchens, and bathrooms. Linoleum comes in many colours and patterns; also, a wax may be applied to the product’s surface to help maintain its gloss. Though it is quite resilient to scratches, it can still be damaged, and a heavy piece of furniture can cause dents on it.
Stone Flooring
Stone flooring, such as granite, marble, and slate, not only adds elegance to your home but also offers exceptional durability. Marble exudes sophistication and retains its charm over multiple decades, while granite is highly hard-wearing, and slate provides a rustic look with slip resistance, making it perfect for entrances and bathrooms. Stone floors come in various finishes, including polished, honed, and flamed, allowing you to choose between a glossy, smooth surface or a more natural, matte or rough look. While stone flooring is sturdy, it is also quite porous and requires the application of a sealant to prevent staining and water penetration. Additionally, scratches are noticeable on stone surfaces, and the installation process can be expensive due to the material’s weight and complexity.
Tile Flooring
Ceramic Tiles
- Affordable and versatile: Ceramic tiles come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, making them suitable for various design styles.
- Easy to maintain: They are easy to clean, making them ideal for areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
- Ideal for low-to-medium traffic areas: Best for rooms with less foot traffic as they are not as durable as porcelain or vitrified tiles.
Porcelain Tiles
- Durability: Porcelain tiles are denser and more durable than ceramic tiles, making them perfect for high-traffic areas.
- Water resistance: They are more water-resistant than ceramic tiles, making them suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
- Variety of finishes: Available in a wide variety of finishes, including matte, glossy, and textured, offering flexibility in design.
Vitrified Tiles
- High durability: Vitrified tiles are non-porous, making them resistant to water, stains, and scratches, perfect for high-traffic and outdoor areas.
- Low maintenance: These tiles require minimal maintenance and cleaning, making them ideal for busy spaces.
- Glossy finish: Known for their sleek and glossy finish, they add a modern, polished look to any room.
Cement Tiles
- Aesthetic appeal: Cement tiles come in various intricate patterns and vibrant colours, adding a decorative touch to any room.
- Durability: They are highly durable and long-lasting, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
- Requires sealing: Cement tiles are porous and need to be sealed to prevent staining and water absorption.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl is a very budget-friendly, easy-to-maintain option available in the form of planks, tiles, or sheets. It can be a one-stop solution to get the feel of wood, metal, or stone at a fraction of the price. Vinyl is a perfect material for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms as it is quite resistant to water, and stains, and scratches. While being very comfortable and soft underfoot, vinyl might not be able to outlive other materials such as wood or stone, and discolouration caused by sunlight might also occur gradually.
Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Reclaimed wood flooring is made from wood that has been removed from an old barn, a factory, or any other building. It has a unique, rustic charm and also significantly lowers the cutting of forests for obtaining construction wood. The character in each piece of reclaimed wood can be very different, depending on the location from where it is sourced. It is sturdy since it has already undergone natural seasoning for multiple years, but can be difficult to install because you have to separate it from existing buildings and get it ready for new installation.
How to Choose Flooring Styles
When choosing the most appropriate floor, the following technical aspects should be taken into account:
1. Traffic Levels: Areas with high traffic, such as corridors and living rooms, are where you can use tiles made of ceramic, porcelain, or granite that are good for a long time.
2. Moisture Resistance: The floor in the bathroom and kitchen has to be made from a material that is not only resistant to moisture, but is also slip-resistant. Vitrified tiles with rough or matte finishes are the perfect option as they do not allow water to go through and at the same time are completely non-staining.
3. Climate Adaptability: When the weather is unstable in your area, it is only fitting to go for the most adaptable floor materials for the particular climate. For example, using engineered wood and hardwood floorings will not only retain the warm temperature in your house during the winter, but will also make sure that your home is cool during the summer by adjusting to indoor air temperatures. However, these are not good options for regions with high humidities or coastal areas.
4. Maintenance Requirements: When choosing flooring, take into account the ease of maintenance as well. Laminate and vinyl are both low-maintenance products, whereas natural stones and hardwood will most likely need regular cleaning and care.
5. Aesthetic Preferences: The floor has a great impact on the general mood of the room. Marbles, tiles, and terrazzo can provide countless choices. Pick the right colours and finishes to suit the rest of the components of the space.
6. Budget Constraints: There are many types of flooring in different price ranges. It is important to find the right balance between cost, quality and aesthetics of the floor. While granite and marble are luxury options, ceramic and laminate can provide you with less expensive alternatives.
7. Slip Resistance: Safety is a number one priority in any place that is wet or is likely to be wet. Go for floor materials having slip-resistant surfaces, for example, cork or tiles with a rough surface, to prevent falls.
8. Fire Resistance: In the case of a multi-storey building, the most important thing is to choose floor materials with good fire resistance. Materials such as concrete and terrazzo have been found to be fire-resistant and are thus safety enhancers during the occurrence of a fire emergency.
Cost of Different Flooring Styles
Cost is the main deciding factor when it comes to picking the best floor for your house. The price of floor covering materials might change drastically depending on the type, quality, finish and installation process. Below is the general cost that different flooring styles carry.
1. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring cost may vary from ₹100 to ₹500 per square foot.
2. Carpet Flooring
The price of a carpet depends on the type of material. Nylon and polyester are the cheapest types of material and the price ranges from ₹60 to ₹150 per square foot. Wool carpets are quite expensive, the price may go up to ₹300 per square foot.
3. Concrete Flooring
The price of polished or stained concrete usually is between ₹80 and ₹200 per square foot. The price of decorative or stamped concrete might be higher.
4. Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is a renewable earth-friendly choice with prices usually ranging between ₹150 and ₹250 per square foot. The expense can go up with add-on treatments such as water resistance and decorative finishing.
5. Hardwood Flooring
Wooden floors are an investment that will last a long time, their price varies between ₹150 and ₹500 per square foot. The main factors that determine the price are the type of wood (oak, maple, cherry) and the finishing. The price of exotic hardwoods can go even higher.
6. Laminate Flooring
One of the most cost-effective alternatives is laminate flooring with a price range of ₹60 to ₹150 per square foot. Basically, it is a wood or stone look-alike at a small portion of the original cost.
7. Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is a cheap and environmentally friendly alternative. The cost usually varies between ₹90 and ₹200 per square foot, depending on the thickness and the finish of the product.
8. Stone Flooring
Stone floors are one of the things in life that come with a high price tag but this includes granite, marble, and slate. Usually, the price ranges from ₹60 to ₹1,500 per square foot depending on the stone type and finish.
9. Tile Flooring
The most affordable ceramic tiles are those whose price starts at ₹50 per square foot. Porcelain tiles are a little bit more expensive with a price ranging from ₹80 to ₹250 per square foot. The cost can be higher for designer or imported tiles.
10. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a very budget-friendly option with the cost varying between ₹40 and ₹150 per square foot. The price for luxury vinyl, which imitates wood or stone, is higher but remains affordable when compared to other materials.
11. Reclaimed Wood Flooring
Reclaimed wood has a one-of-a-kind and vintage-style appearance, but it can be quite pricey, from ₹100 to ₹800 per square foot, mainly depending on the species of wood and the finishing.
Conclusion
All in all, selecting an appropriate flooring for your home is a crucial decision that will affect the appearance and sturdiness of your house. A floor style compatible with your area can be found by factoring in aspects such as durability, upkeep, and price. Whether you go for the ageless sophistic and charm of hardwood or the affordability of vinyl, the right choice will ensure easy living and the beautification of your house for years to come.