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How do I Choose the Best Flooring?

R.James
R.James

Choosing the best flooring among the many available options can require some thought. Each flooring type presents its own unique qualities and offerings that it can be helpful to understand. Hardwood flooring, which consists of wooden planks, is an easily cleaned flooring but needs to be maintained regularly. Tile, though sometimes less elegant, is also easy to clean but can be slippery as well, making it potentially unsafe for kids or high-traffic areas. On the other hand, rug flooring is generally kid-friendly, but requires specialized cleaning, sometimes from a professional.

Depending on its purpose and the area where it will be placed, flooring should be catered to suit usage needs in order to be most functional. Although the final choice should take personal preference into account, your decision should also consider other important qualities that vary among the different types of flooring products. In order to choose the best flooring, one of the most important factors that should be taken into consideration is functionality.

Resilient flooring might be a good choice for high-traffic areas.
Resilient flooring might be a good choice for high-traffic areas.

To be most functional, the chosen flooring should account for your personal lifestyle and the purpose of the flooring. In an office setting, for example, having flooring that can handle high-traffic use is probably more important than having an elegant variety. In a setting with children or pets, the flooring must be able to handle any stains that might occur. More importantly, the type of flooring you choose will need to be safe.

Hardwood floors usually add value to your home, but need ongoing protective maintenance.
Hardwood floors usually add value to your home, but need ongoing protective maintenance.

The style of the room where flooring is placed must also be considered. Choosing flooring that lacks the proper style can end up taking away from the look and feel of an area rather than complementing it. If your home is elegant or colorful, it is only natural that your flooring should be of a similar style.

After considering functionality and style, another equally important factor is the budget. Without the funds to finance a top-quality product, choosing the best flooring will be harder as your options will be limited. Nevertheless, as long as this is kept in mind during selection, it is entirely possible to choose the best flooring among the options that will still be available.

Laminate floors require little maintenance aside from cleaning.
Laminate floors require little maintenance aside from cleaning.

Even after considering all other factors, it is likely that there will be more than one option that meets your needs. In the end, the overwhelming factor of preference may very well be how you make your final determination. Choosing flooring that completely goes against your preference is probably not a wise decision, but also be sure that preference does not prevent you from choosing the best flooring.

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    • Resilient flooring might be a good choice for high-traffic areas.
      By: Claudio Divizia
      Resilient flooring might be a good choice for high-traffic areas.
    • Hardwood floors usually add value to your home, but need ongoing protective maintenance.
      By: Wollwerth Imagery
      Hardwood floors usually add value to your home, but need ongoing protective maintenance.
    • Laminate floors require little maintenance aside from cleaning.
      By: Mitarart
      Laminate floors require little maintenance aside from cleaning.
    • Shag rugs can add a soft texture to hard flooring.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Shag rugs can add a soft texture to hard flooring.