So you've decided to redo your floors. But even after an Internet search, you're lost. Solid hardwood? Engineered hardwood? Vinyl? Waterproof wood-look flooring?
If you're new to flooring installation, all these terms can sound like a foreign language to you—how on earth are you to navigate? Where do you even begin?
How do you know which brand to buy? You're so overwhelmed you think that maybe you should just keep your ratty old carpet and spare yourself the stress. But don't despair; E Hardwoods & Flooring is here to help pick the right flooring for you!
Let’s take a look at some things you'll need to consider before diving into flooring renovations.
How many people are going to be passing over this floor each and every day? Do you have pets? How often do you have company over?
Is the room you're renovating used for high-impact activities like dancing? How big a beating your floor needs to take will affect what it should be made out of.
If you've got a big and active family, prefinished solid hardwood flooring might be a good choice. It's durable and stands the test of time. In fact, houses from a hundred years ago often still have their original hardwood flooring. However, it's not the best choice if you have pets or small children around.
Though hardwood flooring might be able to stand up to their constantly moving feet, toddlers tend to spill, and water damage to hardwood can be costly. On the other hand, waterproof vinyl flooring makes for easy cleanup jobs, but it's comparatively easy to puncture and stain.
If you are an adult who lives alone, your flooring needs are likely very different from someone with many children. But, even if you don't have kids, you should still factor in pets or visitors.
You'll need to consider how long you want the flooring to last, but remember that more durable flooring options tend to be a bit more expensive, although this isn't always the case. Overall, you'll want to find flooring that can withstand your lifestyle. If you have kids, you'll want to go waterproof.
But if it's primarily adults in your household, you can choose a more high-maintenance option, such as solid, prefinished hardwood. This kind of flooring is always a showstopper.
For some people, health issues aren't something they have to think about much, but for others, these are present daily thoughts. Even people who have health conditions to worry about might not always consider how their flooring impacts their health.
If you have allergies and want allergy-resistant flooring, you'll want to choose the style that is less likely to trap pet dander and other allergens. So, generally, you'll want to avoid carpets. Instead, consider an easy-to-clean option like laminate.
And, if you or someone in your family is worried about slipping and falling on the floor, consider a slip-resistant choice, such as vinyl flooring.
You want flooring that is functional, but this isn't all it needs to be. The way the flooring looks is also meaningful, and it's especially vital to some people.
If you're someone who cares a lot about the interior design of your home, you're likely to be pickier about the flooring you choose. This means you'll need to think about how flooring options will go with the rest of your home.
The good news is that many durable, sturdy flooring choices also look great. For example, laminate comes in wide varieties to match color and design aesthetic. Or, if you love hardwood's classic, timeless feel, an easier-to-maintain alternative is engineered hardwood.
It's no secret—hardwood flooring, though gorgeous, is more expensive. Water damage can also warp the wood, leading to costly repair jobs further down the line.
Engineered hardwood and tile vinyl flooring are much more economical and can often serve your family for many years to come. Consider the upfront investment you're willing to make and purchase your flooring accordingly.
If you haven't decided what type of flooring best suits your needs, feel free to pursue our online stock or contact us with questions. We're always happy to provide you with information about our products to help you make the best, most educated decision you can.
Reach out today to request a price match!