There are many different types of residential flooring available for your home. You can choose a hardwood floor or a more affordable option, such as engineered wood. Engineered wood is less expensive than solid hardwood, but you should be careful to read the manufacturer’s warranties before investing in a new floor. The benefits of hardwood flooring are numerous, and you can choose the type that is most suitable for your home based on the type of wear and tear you expect from the floor.
Cork Flooring is Eco-friendly
Unlike carpet, cork flooring retains its aesthetic appearance even after years of use. What’s more, the product’s low environmental impact is largely due to its manufacturing process, which generates almost no waste. Cork is recycled and the remnants are bound together. Cork oak trees are not cut down, harvested, or damaged for their manufacturing process. These factors combine to make cork a truly eco-friendly choice for residential flooring.
Bamboo is another eco-friendly option for residential flooring. Bamboo is a renewable resource, which means that bamboo supplies replenish every three to five years. It is a durable natural flooring material and is suitable for domestic and commercial use. Both bamboo and cork are desirable flooring materials, and they can help create a healthier and more comfortable space for residents. However, bamboo flooring is not as environmentally-friendly as cork, so be sure to do your research before deciding on either material.
Cork has many advantages over wood. Its high-quality appearance is one of its biggest attractions. Cork is sustainable for the environment, and it is also very durable. Unlike wood or vinyl flooring, cork is produced from the bark of the cork oak tree, which only grows once every nine years. It’s easy to harvest, and its anti-microbial and allergen-repelling properties make it a great option for residential flooring.
Besides being eco-friendly, cork floors are also beautiful and highly versatile. Cork can be purchased in a wide range of colors, and the intricacy of patterns will affect the price. Cork flooring will run you between $4 and $8 a square foot. In contrast to hardwood or bamboo floors, cork costs less than half as much as bamboo. Purchasing cork flooring from a reputable retailer like The Floor Shop can ensure the highest quality flooring for your home, as can choosing a trusted Houston based epoxy floors company.
Cork floors are soft and pliable and provide the insulation and resiliency of carpet. They have the smooth and easy-to-clean surface of the wood and offer excellent visual texture. Unlike other materials, cork is a renewable resource and doesn’t require any special cleaning or maintenance. Its durability is enhanced by its ability to resist stains and mildew. Also, the material is a great choice for backsplashes and low-traffic areas, making it an excellent choice.
Engineered Wood Flooring is Less Expensive
While the look of engineered wood is similar to solid hardwood, it is not actually made from hardwood. Rather, it is constructed with a plywood core and a thin layer of hardwood. The product is typically available in glued or interlocking planks. Though it can’t be refinished as often as solid hardwood, it can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance. This is an advantage over solid hardwood, which is more expensive.
It is easier to care for engineered wood, as there is no need to sand and refinish it like solid hardwood. Refinishing is also easier than solid hardwood. Because it doesn’t need a subfloor, you can easily replace damaged planks. And, it can be installed using a click-and-lock system. Solid hardwood requires that the floor be installed on a concrete subfloor or grade, which can be tricky to do yourself. Engineered hardwood can be installed over concrete, over radiant heat systems, and even below grade.
When comparing both types of wood flooring, engineered is less expensive. Depending on the wood species and plank thickness, engineered wood typically costs $3 to $14 per square foot. Solid hardwood, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $8 to $15 per square foot. Generally speaking, engineered wood is cheaper than solid hardwood, but the quality of the wood is the primary determinant of price.
As a whole, engineered wood is better for the environment. The manufacturing process uses less energy and waste. While solid hardwood may be more environmentally friendly than engineered wood, you still need to be careful when choosing a supplier, and solid hardwood needs to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The National Association of Realtors released its 2019 Remodeling Impact Report, which concluded that in most cases, homeowners who install hardwood floors see a 100% return on investment.
The cost of engineered wood is directly related to the thickness of the wear layer and backing. Those with a thinner wear layer tend to wear out faster, require more frequent refinishing and are more expensive. Meanwhile, higher-quality solid wood floors are cheaper to maintain and last longer. So which one is right for you? Hopefully, you’ll decide soon. And don’t forget to consider the durability of engineered wood flooring.
Vinyl Flooring is Easy to Install
While installing vinyl flooring is usually an easy job, it can be more challenging if you do not have any experience installing the material. For example, not all types of vinyl flooring require an underlayment, and some are installed directly on the subfloor. Make sure to check the instructions carefully, and if necessary, purchase an underlayment of the correct thickness for your new flooring. Not adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions may void your warranty.
You can install vinyl flooring yourself in just a few hours, using a utility knife to cut around any obstacles. Then, you can peel off the backing of each plank. Make sure the subfloor is level, as the vinyl can move around. Use a knife to mark door jambs and other features in the room to determine where to begin the next row. When laying vinyl flooring, make sure to place square tiles in the center of the room and planks in the corner. You may need to cut some of the planks with a utility knife, so use the blade to scrape away the debris. Using a tile cutter is optional, but can help you achieve a clean installation.
Another advantage of vinyl floors is their durability. If you take care of them, they can last for many years. However, if you want to preserve their good looks, you must take steps to protect your floors from scratches and dents. Protect your floors by placing protective felt tips on furniture legs. You can also use a dust mop or a vacuum cleaner to clean your floors. If you do find that you have traces of asbestos, you must contact a professional for removal.
There are several types of vinyl. Planks are typically the easiest to install. However, luxury vinyl flooring uses waterproof PVC, which is a synthetic polymer. The higher the quality of the vinyl, the longer it will resist water. In addition, some types of vinyl flooring are free of phthalates, which can cause reproductive and respiratory problems in humans and animals. There are some brands that contain less PVC, but you should check for safety and environmental considerations before purchasing any type of vinyl flooring.
Ceramic Tile is Durable
If you’re looking for a durable and stylish flooring solution for your home, look no further than ceramic tile. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for many homeowners. Because it is relatively soft and easy to cut, ceramic tile is easier to install than porcelain. You can use a tile cutter to cut ceramic tile whereas porcelain tiles require a more detailed process. Unlike porcelain, ceramic tile has a clean-lined appearance and a glazed finish that is easy to maintain. Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of colors and patterns and are versatile enough to complement any decor style.
Another great advantage of ceramic tile is its hardness. It can withstand heavy foot traffic without cracking or breaking. While porcelain tile is harder, it is also more scratch-resistant, so it’s a great option for high-traffic areas. If you have heavy furniture or pets, ceramic tiles are not only scratch-resistant but can hold up to a high degree of moisture. In addition to being extremely durable, ceramic tile is also heat-resistant, so they’re ideal for kitchens and bathrooms.
One of the advantages of ceramic tile over other materials is its long lifespan. Because ceramic tiles are sealed, they are more resistant to moisture. This is important because the water in the grout lines can damage the installation. Additionally, water can also cause mold growth in the grout. So, the sealant is a must if you plan to install ceramic tile in your home. When you seal ceramic tiles properly, you’ll be able to enjoy them for a long time.
While ceramic tile is extremely durable, it is not immune to damage. You can expect scratches, dents, and stains to be present on your tile over time. However, you can choose to have extra tiles in case you need to replace a tile in a certain area. It’s not unusual to find extra tiles of a particular color in the same area, but having extras on hand will make it easier to match the color of the tiles.