A Flooring Primer: What Kind of Flooring Makes Sense for Your Home?

Flooring is more than pattern, color and design. It is an investment, and choosing the right type of flooring to suit your needs can mean some daunting decisions. Budget is always a factor, but you will also need to consider such factors as maintenance and performance as well as overall appearance.
The flooring experts at Interior Specialists, Inc. provide data on the basics to help you make a more informed choice:
Carpet. Carpeting provides comfort and warmth as well as elegance and fashion to any room. It is a natural insulator that also decreases noise level. Consider it especially if you live in a cold climate and in spaces like children’s or family rooms.

Ceramic tile and stone. These are the most durable flooring choices available, providing long-lasting beauty in a variety of styles and patterns. They are an especially good choice in warm climates because they do remain cool.

Vinyl. Of all hard surface floors, vinyl offers the greatest variety of choices. It provides a combination of durability and beauty. The hottest trend in vinyl flooring today is toward natural looking designs that replicate the visual appearance of ceramic tile or stone.

Hardwood. Nothing brings the outdoors in more than the warmth of natural hardwoods. Surprisingly durable with proper care, they may last a lifetime and become more beautiful with age. Factory finished hardwood can be a more affordable option, but lost of moisture can be a spoiler.

Laminates. Laminate flooring offers the beauty of wood floors with the easy care of vinyl. Durable and resilient, it is a natural choice for kitchens, bathrooms, laundry rooms or any heavy-traffic area. It’s also a good choice for anyone with mite allergies.