Choosing the best flooring can be an overwhelming task, but it’s a crucial part of creating a space you’ll love. Whether you’re dancing in the living room or sneaking into the kitchen for a midnight snack, your floors set the stage for every step.
Here’s how to select flooring that fits your style, needs, and budget—so you can transform your space from the ground up.
One of the most classic flooring options is hardwood. Solid hardwood planks are crafted from a single piece of wood, showcasing the natural beauty of unique grain patterns and color variations. These floors can be installed by professionals, but if you’re an experienced DIYer, you might be able to handle the installation yourself.
The best part? You can stain them on-site, giving you complete control over the color and finish. Plus, they can be sanded and refinished, allowing you to refresh or completely change the look over time. For a sustainable option, choose 100% FSC-certified hardwood.
If you need something a bit more versatile, engineered hardwood might be the way to go. This option combines the beauty of solid wood with added strength and versatility, making it suitable for areas where moisture might be a concern, like basements. Engineered hardwood is less prone to warping and comes in various widths and lengths for a spacious look.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) offers a durable, affordable alternative to wood. It’s waterproof, low-maintenance, and can handle heavy traffic, making it an excellent choice for busy households.
Tile is the design darling of the flooring world, with endless options in material, shape, size, texture, and color. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are popular for their durability and versatility.
Porcelain is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, as it’s water-resistant and low-maintenance. Ceramic tiles come in glazed and unglazed options, offering everything from sleek, modern looks to rustic, earthy vibes.
Cement tiles are perfect for adding a bold statement to any space, and they’re slip-resistant, making them a great choice for bathrooms and kitchens. For a touch of luxury, natural stone tiles like marble and slate bring the beauty of the outdoors inside.
When choosing tile, consider whether you want rectified tiles for a clean, modern look with minimal grout lines or handmade tiles for a more artistic, textured feel. Don’t forget about grout! The color you choose can either blend in with your tile for a seamless look or stand out for a more graphic design.
Carpeting and area rugs add a cozy factor to any room. For wall-to-wall carpeting, consider the pile height and face weight to determine durability.
Low pile and high face weight are best for high-traffic areas. While high pile carpets create a soft, luxurious feel in low-traffic spaces. Don’t overlook carpet padding, which adds comfort, insulation, and noise reduction.
Area rugs are like art for your floors, offering endless patterns, colors, and materials to choose from. Whether you’re opting for a hand-knotted wool rug that will last generations or a machine-made loomed rug for high-traffic areas, there’s something for every style and budget.
When choosing an area rug, consider size. Make sure it fits your space comfortably. For material, wool and natural fibers are top choices for sustainability and beauty.
Choosing the perfect flooring for your home doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right information, you can make confident choices that suit your style, needs, and budget. And if you ever need a refresher, download our free flooring guide below.
Be sure to connect with us on Instagram and Pinterest for more design tips and inspiration.
Remember, good design is for everyone. So have fun choosing flooring like a pro and fall in love with your home, one room at a time!
XO,
Ashley
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