Flooring is an important part of the construction process and plays a major role in the overall look of a space. It’s also an integral element of a home’s durability, comfort and value.
Hardwood floors add warmth and “give” to living spaces; vinyl offers durability, a water-resistant surface, and can mimic the look of other materials.
1. Longevity
When you invest in superior flooring materials, they tend to last longer than cheap, low-cost types. This can significantly lower maintenance requirements and help you save money over time. In addition, high-quality floors can increase your home’s resale value.
Flooring materials vary in durability, and the type you choose depends on the lifestyle needs and design aesthetic of your space. Hardwood flooring, for example, can last for generations with proper care. The quality of the wood species and finish also plays a role. Look for hardwoods with a high Janka rating and durable finishes that resist scratches, dents, and moisture.
Other high-quality flooring options include laminate and luxury vinyl tile (LVT). Laminate is constructed from dense fiberboard topped with a photographic image and a clear-plastic layer, so it can mimic virtually any material. It’s resistant to stains and scratches and is easy to clean, requiring only regular sweeping and mopping. However, it’s not waterproof and can swell when exposed to moisture. It’s also not as durable as natural wood or vinyl and cannot be sanded or refinished.
2. Durability
High-quality flooring materials withstand heavy foot traffic and resist fading under sunlight. They also stand up to scratches and dents with relative ease. This durability is a major selling point for many homeowners, and it helps add value to your home.
The best flooring for your home depends on various factors, including your lifestyle, the style of your home and the room where you plan to use it. For example, if you entertain guests often or have children and pets, you may want to choose a durable hardwood like hickory or oak.
Laminate is another good choice for high-traffic areas, and it’s also one of the most affordable options. It’s an engineered product that features a protective plastic layer over a dense fiberboard substrate. The image of a wood plank is printed on top, and the best quality laminates have texture that follows the grain pattern for added realism.
Tile is another option that’s extremely durable and offers flexibility in design. Whether you opt for ceramic or porcelain, your tile floors can last decades if properly maintained and kept free from dirt and allergens. Tile is also available in a wide range of styles, from tiny hex tiles for a farmhouse kitchen to 4-foot faux reclaimed ash planks that can fit any contemporary decor.
3. Aesthetics
Aesthetics is one of the most important factors in flooring selection, and the quality of the material you choose can make or break how your space looks. However, a floor’s aesthetic isn’t simply skin deep—it also needs to be durable enough to resist the wear and tear that occurs in your home.
Porcelain tile, for example, can be crafted to look like any number of natural materials, from stone to wood, and it holds up to impacts and scuffs better than most other flooring types. Different resin chemistries react in different ways to daily conditions, but hard-wearing systems like cementitious urethanes have high cross-linked density and are designed to shrug off the kinds of impact that damage other materials.
Hardwood floors are another great choice for high-traffic areas, and species such as oak or hickory are extremely durable. These floors are also easy to maintain and help reduce noise levels in a home, while providing a soft feel underfoot.
Other options that are rising in popularity for their beauty and durability include cork, which comes in a wide range of finishes from brushed to tumbled. Cork is gentle on allergies, absorbs sound and dries quickly. Plus, it’s a great option for those who want to be environmentally responsible.
4. Comfort
The type of flooring you choose can make your home feel a variety of ways. Hardwood flooring gives your house a warm, traditional look while color-patterned vinyl or concrete floors can create a more modern aesthetic. The kind of flooring you install also affects your comfort. For example, floors that provide a soft surface underfoot, like cork or vinyl tile, are more comfortable to stand on for long periods of time than floors that feel rock hard, such as concrete and stone.
Wood flooring is a particularly good choice for comfort because it offers inherent soundproofing. Its density and fibrous structure help absorb vibrations and ambient noise, making it a quieter floor than tiles or laminate. The natural acoustics of wood floors can be enhanced with the use of underlays or by selecting specific types of hardwood known for their superior acoustic qualities.
Another comfort option is linoleum, an all-natural flooring material made from linseed oil and wood products. It feels soft underfoot and resists fading from sunlight. It can be a good alternative to vinyl, which can scuff easily and show scratches from furniture and foot traffic. It is not as durable as hardwood, however, and costs $5 to $14 per square foot, installed.
5. Energy Efficiency
When you choose high-quality flooring, it’s not only long-lasting and durable, but also energy efficient. This is because high-quality flooring materials regulate temperature in the home, making it cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This reduces the reliance on air conditioning and heating systems, saving energy and money.
A lot of attention is placed on the energy efficiency of lighting fixtures, appliances, and windows, but savvy new home buyers would do well to consider their flooring options as well. Flooring can make a big difference in the overall comfort of a living space, as it is the floor that absorbs and radiates the most heat.
While tile and stone floors add a great aesthetic to any living space, they are not very effective in cold climates. They tend to absorb heat and radiate it back out, which can cause the room to feel too cold during the wintertime. A hardwood floor on the other hand, is much more insulative. Additionally, a hardwood floor paired with an insulated underlayment can further improve its insulative properties. Choosing a flooring material that offers an R-Value of at least 3 can make your home more comfortable and energy efficient.
6. Low Maintenance
The best flooring materials are resilient and easy to clean, saving time and effort when it comes to daily cleaning. This means less stress for busy families and professionals.
The right material will also suit a room’s aesthetic and help achieve its intended vibe. Hardwood offers traditional appeal, while vinyl or tile add a modern touch. Cork or rubber floors absorb sound and offer a quieter atmosphere, while concrete flooring offers an industrial feel.
Linoleum lags behind vinyl, but is eco-friendly and durable. Made with linseed oil and other natural materials, it’s better at fending off water damage than its synthetic counterpart.
Sheet vinyl and luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) are both highly resistant to stains, scratches and discoloration from sunlight. They can even resist dents from light objects, like dropped utensils. They are also waterproof and perfect for bathroom and kitchen areas, where moisture is more common.
Epoxy is a high-performance floor coating that’s strong enough for manufacturing facilities and hangars, aesthetically pleasing for retail spaces and sanitary for healthcare rooms. The only downside is it requires resealing on occasion.
7. Value
The value of high-quality flooring materials is something that should not be overlooked. If your home’s floors are dated, worn, or in poor condition, prospective buyers may be less willing to pay top dollar for your property. High-quality flooring can increase your resale value, and save you money in the long run.
Additionally, certain flooring options offer improved energy efficiency and comfort. Carpeting and some types of tile can provide insulation, which can lower heating costs and keep your home comfortable year-round. These benefits can be a big selling point for potential buyers, especially in cold climates.
When considering flooring options, exploring resources like these Ascent Epoxy office locations in your area can provide valuable guidance on selecting high-quality materials that not only enhance your home’s aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its overall value and durability. Their expertise can help you make informed decisions that align with your budget and long-term goals, ensuring that your investment pays off in the form of increased property value and lasting satisfaction.
Many homeowners are hesitant to invest in new flooring due to the upfront cost. However, replacing your old floors can end up saving you money in the long run. High-quality flooring will last longer and require less maintenance, allowing you to avoid expensive repair bills. It can also improve your quality of life by reducing allergens in your home. Cheaper floors can trap dirt and debris, whereas quality flooring is designed for easy cleaning and allergy-free living. This is an important benefit for families with children or pets. Additionally, high-quality flooring can add an elegant touch to any space and make your home feel more luxurious.
