Which Floor is Best for You?

Installing a new floor is one of the best ways to transform a room. New carpeting, hardwood floors, or tile can make an enormous difference and increase the value of a home. Deciding which type of flooring to install, however, is not so easy. Hardwoods, tile, and carpeting all have their benefits and drawbacks which we will discuss in this article.

Buying New Carpet

The cost of new carpeting is one of the major recommendations of this route. One square foot typically costs between $3 and $4 to carpet. Buying new carpet is an option that leaves room for a lot of personalization. Carpeting comes in all colors, styles, and textures, meaning that you can customize the look of your room. Carpet usually comes in widths of 12 and 15 feet, so it is generally seamless. Other bonuses to buying new carpet are:

• Provides warmth and comfort, retaining warm air longer in colder climates
• More comfortable to sit on>/li>
• Softens slips and falls, benefiting toddlers and the elderly
• Muffles noise between floors
• Easy to clean and maintain

Installing Vinyl or Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is the middle ground between carpeting and hardwoods, in terms of price. Named for the Latin words for flax and oil, it comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, and most come with warranties lasting around 25 years. Many homeowners opt to install their own linoleum, sometimes mixing and matching colors and patterns to create a custom floor. Linoleum floors are also highly water resistant, making them popular choices for kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Like carpeting, linoleum is easy to clean and is virtually maintenance free.

Hardwood Floor Installation

The cost of hardwood flooring is not is greatest recommending factor. Usually, it costs between $7 and $8 per square foot for hardwood floor installations, making it much more expensive than buying new carpet. Still, wooden floors last for hundred years,making them a good economical and environmentally friendly choice. Hardwoods can also be recycled into new materials. There are a number of wood types available, though some of the most popular are the “green” options of reclaimed wood and bamboo, a highly renewable grass that grows much faster than wood. In fact, bamboo grows up to 47 inches in 24 hours. Hardwoods create a clean look in a room and can be warmed up with an area rug. Though they are expensive, hardwood floors are also the most popular type of floor.

There are a variety of options for new flooring. Though buying new carpet is economical in the short term, linoleum and hardwood also have characteristics to recommend them. Consider your options thoroughly before making a final decision. Links like this.