The floors of a house take the brunt of our everyday activities and are usually the first surfaces to reflect wear and tear. As such it’s important to invest in floors which will keep pace with your daily life and add value while simultaneously infusing your home with a touch of class.
There are hundreds of flooring options to choose from though which can be overwhelming. Moreover, it’s important to choose the right flooring from the outset as the wrong floors can actually detract from a house and cost you money to replace should the need arise. Floors Direct Marketing Manager Helen Marshall says there are a few factors which need to be considered when choosing floors for a home.
Functionality: “The function of a room influences the flooring required,” says Marshall. “For example, wooden flooring works beautifully in the living room, but is certainly not an option for the bathroom as it will warp due to the high moisture content.
“Consider whether the room will have a high or low traffic flow and how much wear and tear the new flooring will be exposed to. For a high traffic area, make sure you choose a durable option which is easy to maintain. Rooms that experience high footfall, such as the entrance area, passage and kitchen require flooring that is resistant to water, stains, scratches and scuff-marks”, she says.
Installation: Marshall explains that you need to decide whether you are going to install the floor yourself or whether a supplier will install it, as this will have an impact on the cost. She also advocates requesting a few samples to take home and view in the area where the flooring will be installed. “This allows you to view the sample in the correct lighting and to determine whether or not it matches the rest of the décor.”
Style: Select colours that complement the mood that you would like to create and match your décor style. “For a calming ambience, select lighter more neutral colours. If you would like to create a warm and cosy look, try a dark wood option. Solid wood flooring creates a premium, authentic look that will provide your home with a warm ambiance and years of good service. No matter what type of wooden flooring you choose, you’re guaranteed a beautiful and elegant floor. ”
For those who would like wooden floors but who are on a budget, Marshall says there are a variety of affordable laminate flooring options available in a wide range of colours which replicate the look of real wooden floors.
Going green: “Those seeking to go the green route should consider bamboo floors,” says Marshall. Bamboo is one of the most environmentally friendly flooring options you can choose for your home. It’s also exceptionally durable and visually appealing.”
Maintenance: Everyone wants to keep their floors looking like new, therefore analysing the cost of care and maintenance is essential. “In a house where residents lead an active lifestyle or where family and friends are often entertained, avoid flooring that requires a lot of care and maintenance”, says Marshall.
Laminate floors are extremely easy to maintain and dirt can simply be mopped away with a microfiber mop or damp cloth. When opting for solid wood floors, make sure that they require no sanding or sealing once installed, but that they are ready to be installed and walked upon immediately.
Future needs: “If you would like to change your decor scheme in the near future or if you know your needs are going to change, opt for laminate flooring, which is easier to replace,” advises Marshall. The reasoning behind this is because laminate flooring is a ‘floating’ floor system and is therefore not nailed to the subfloor. Solid wood flooring is a long-term investment and is a permanent fixture.