- The area should be prepared before installation, such as removing furniture; checking for damage in the subfloor; ensuring proper measurements and spacing; and accounting for trims.
- Hardwood flooring increases property value and adds warmth to any room while being durable and easy to clean.
- Carpet provides insulation against heat loss, reduces sound transmission between rooms, and offers many beautiful colors and designs.
- Laminate flooring is an affordable option that is durable and resistant to staining.
- Tile flooring is perfect for bathrooms and kitchens due to its durability and resistance to water damage.
Adding new flooring to a home is an important decision that should not be taken lightly. Floors, both in terms of aesthetic appeal and practicality, can significantly impact a house’s overall look and feel. They are also an essential part of any home’s resale value. According to a survey conducted by Home Advisor, almost 40% of homeowners consider flooring to be the most critical factor when shopping for homes, second only to price.
The type of flooring chosen can also affect the comfort and safety of the living space. For example, carpet is known for its ability to increase insulation and reduce energy costs and its noise-dampening qualities. Similarly, hardwood floors offer warmth and add natural beauty to any room while being durable and easy to clean.
So what should you do when attempting to change your home’s flooring? Here are a few tips to help you with the process.
Select Appropriate Flooring Options
The importance of selecting the right flooring for any home is undeniable. The wrong type of flooring can detract from a home’s aesthetic appeal, decrease its resale value, create safety or comfort issues, and ultimately be a costly mistake. However, with the proper research and decision-making, homeowners can make informed decisions that will increase their satisfaction with their floors for years to come.
When choosing new flooring, it is essential to consider: the size of the room; the function of the room; budget limitations; environmental impacts; and trends in interior design.
Here are some flooring materials to consider when changing your home’s floors:
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring provides a classic look and adds warmth to any room, but it is also known for being durable and easy to clean. It is also an excellent choice if you want something that increases property value. The downside is that it can be expensive depending on the type of wood selected.
Carpet Flooring
Carpet provides insulation against heat loss, reduces sound transmission between rooms, and offers many beautiful colors and designs. Carpet has become more environmentally friendly over time due to advancements in manufacturing processes. However, it needs regular maintenance, like vacuuming and occasional steam cleaning, to maintain its appearance.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is an affordable option made from layers of overlapping synthetic materials pressed together under high pressure. It offers a wide range of styles and colors while still providing sufficient durability and resistance to staining—making it ideal for high-traffic areas like hallways or living rooms. However, laminate floors cannot be refinished if they become scratched or damaged over time which should be considered when making this investment.
Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is an excellent choice for bathrooms and kitchens due to its durability, water resistance, and comprehensive appearance options. It is more labor-intensive to install than other materials but can be a significant investment in the long run, given that it typically lasts longer than most flooring materials.
Learn Proper Installation
Once you have selected the appropriate flooring option for your space, it is essential to ensure it is correctly installed. Proper installation is crucial in securing your flooring looks great and lasts as long as possible. Installing new flooring can help you avoid costly mistakes, reduce stress, and even save money in the long run by preventing damage due to improper installation.
The first step towards installing new flooring is to prepare the area properly. This includes removing furniture, rugs, or fixtures from the room and ensuring all walls and floors are clean and level. If skipped, this step could lead to uneven surfaces or poor adhesion of the new flooring material. It’s also essential to check for any signs of deterioration or damage in the subfloor before laying down materials; this can help prevent potential problems later on.
When it comes time to start installing your new flooring, it’s crucial to pay attention to details such as proper measurements and spacing between boards or tiles. For example, when laying hardwood planks, they should be spaced an equal distance apart so that gaps don’t form between them over time due to shrinking or expansion with changes in humidity levels in the home. With tiles, slight adjustments may need to be made when cutting pieces for a more secure fit around corners and edges of walls.
The trims of a room should also be kept in mind when installing flooring. Baseboards, door frames, and other decorative trim pieces should align with your new floor’s edges for a finished look. Not accounting for these trims may lead to an unprofessional appearance of the flooring and overall room. Trims with quarter-round dimensions are often the best option for this purpose. They can ensure the most accurate alignment of your new flooring with the room’s trim pieces.
Finally, selecting suitable adhesives and tools for installation is essential. Different flooring materials require other adhesives, so double-check before beginning the process. And make sure you have all the necessary tools on hand, such as a saw or tile cutter and spacers for ensuring even grout lines between tiles.
Inspect for Safety and Quality
Changing your home’s flooring is incomplete until you inspect the newly installed material for safety and quality. This includes checking seams, adhesion, grout lines, and other details to ensure everything was correctly installed. Checking for loose planks or tiles is essential since they can be a tripping hazard. As mentioned before, provide the trim pieces that are perfectly aligned with the edges of the new floor.
Paying attention to how your new floors feel as you walk on them is essential. Ensure no uneven spots could cause discomfort or become a safety hazard over time due to excessive wear and tear in certain areas.
Final Thoughts
Switching flooring is a big decision that requires time, research, and attention to detail. With the right approach, however, you can easily add value to your home while ensuring your family’s comfort and safety. Consider environmental impacts when making this switch, and always go for quality materials and proper installation methods for long-lasting results. Above all else, do your due diligence when selecting new floors to maximize your investment!
