Choosing the right flooring for your home can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, from hardwood to tile to vinyl, it’s essential to understand the key factors that will influence your decision. This buyer’s guide to home flooring types will walk you through the important considerations to help you make an informed choice.
Where Will the Flooring Be Installed?
The location of your new flooring is a crucial factor in determining the best material. Some flooring types are better suited for certain environments than others. For example, solid wood flooring isn’t recommended for areas with high humidity, such as basements and bathrooms, nor can it be directly installed over concrete. Ceramic or porcelain tile requires a stable and level subfloor to prevent cracking.
How Will the Floor Be Installed?
Installation methods vary greatly depending on the type of flooring you select. Some are DIY-friendly, while others are best left to professionals. Floating floors, typically laminate, utilize interlocking floorboards without adhesives, making them a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts. On the other hand, ceramic or porcelain tile requires thinset to adhere to the subfloor, and grout to fill the gaps between tiles. Solid wood flooring typically needs to be nailed down or glued. For these installations, professional installation is often recommended.
Will the Flooring I Choose Need an Underlayment?
An underlayment is a layer of material installed between the subfloor and the flooring. Common materials for underlayment include foam, cork, rubber, felt, and soundproofing mats. The specific type of underlayment needed depends on the type of flooring and the existing subfloor.
Eco Cork Underlayment
According to Stefan Bucur, founder of Rhythm of the Home, “If you’re installing hardwood flooring over a concrete subfloor, use an underlayment that offers moisture protection. Similarly, if you’re installing laminate or engineered flooring over an uneven subfloor, consider an underlayment that provides additional cushioning and helps to even out the surface.” Some luxury vinyl floors come with a pre-attached thin foam pad, eliminating the need for a separate underlayment. Generally, thicker underlayments will cost more.
How Important Is a Flooring Material’s Thickness?
The thickness of the flooring material can influence its durability and ease of installation. Thinner vinyl flooring, for example, is more susceptible to splitting or breaking during installation. When selecting vinyl flooring, aim for a thickness of 7 mm or greater. For solid wood, thickness affects its ability to be refinished over time; new solid wood planks are typically ¾ inch thick, allowing for multiple refinishes.
Does the Thickness of a Floor’s Wear Layer Matter?
The wear layer is a protective coating applied to the surface of manufactured flooring, and its thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). While it may seem logical that a thicker wear layer provides better protection against foot traffic, tests reveal that this isn’t always the case. Factors beyond wear layer thickness can affect a floor’s durability. Therefore, it’s important to consult reviews and ratings to gain a comprehensive understanding of a floor’s wear resistance.
Wear Layer Thickness
What Should I Know About Surface Textures and Edge Styles?
The edge style and surface texture of your flooring can significantly impact its appearance and maintenance. Prefinished wood and some laminate planks often have beveled edges, which can create a more forgiving installation but also trap dirt and grit. Tile edges can be either pressed (traditional) or rectified – mechanically cut for precise fitting, allowing for thinner grout lines and easier cleaning.
Textured surfaces can also trap dirt over time; however, some texture is advisable in bathrooms and other wet areas to improve traction and prevent slips and falls.
Selecting the right flooring involves careful consideration of several factors, including the installation location, installation method, underlayment needs, material thickness, wear layer, surface texture, and edge style. By understanding these elements, you can confidently choose the perfect flooring to enhance your home’s beauty and functionality.
