Refresh Your Home with New Floors - Part 2

Minor upgrades to your home can make a big difference. The good news is that a home refresh doesn’t always require a significant renovation. New flooring can change the look and feel of your home. Aside from style and décor, there are several factors to consider when deciding what flooring material to select when purchasing new floors. Cost, durability, moisture, and maintenance are important factors to consider in your new flooring choice and the area in your home you’ll be refreshing. Here are some popular floor options among homeowners to help you evaluate what works best for your home:

Laminate
A popular, less expensive alternative to hardwood floors is laminate. This type of flooring option comprises of various wood-based materials layered together, which are ‘laminated’ and finished off with a photographic imprint. Generally, laminate is available in tiles or planks and are relatively easy to install and maintain. However, laminate flooring is a viable option if you still want the look of hardwood floors without actually having them. Laminate is also more resistant to scuffs and scratches.

Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles come in beautiful designs, including diamond, herringbone, chevron, and basketweave, with shapes including circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles. The variety of designs may be one of the reasons why nearly two-thirds (64%) of homebuyers prefer tile as a flooring choice in their main living areas. In addition, porcelain tile offers easy maintenance, durability, and stain and slip resistance.

Carpet
Depending on depth and fiber type, carpet can provide warmth and reduce noise. Carpet depth is categorized by low pile, medium pile, and high pile, most of which are available in various textures. Textures are created by the thickness of the yarn and how it is woven together to make the carpet. Regular maintenance or hiring professional carpet cleaners is recommended with this option to keep your floor looking and feeling fresh year-round. 

A careful mix of flooring materials can make for a long-lasting and beautiful home and provide comfort for the pattering of many feet throughout the years. With the many options available, it’s hard to go wrong. For more information about flooring options or other home renovations, contact the Central Washington Home Builders Association at 509.454.4006 or www.CWHBA.org, or browse the Exchange for professional remodelers in our area.