The Advantages of Types of Flooring
Every type of flooring has advantages and disadvantages. Consider factors such as installation and material costs, location, durability, water resistance, stain resistance, longevity and safety when comparing types of flooring for your home. Different rooms will require different flooring considerations. For example, wood floors are excellent for foyers, hallways and bedrooms, but are not suitable for bathrooms due to the potential for water damage. Laminate is great for bathrooms and kitchens, but would not be as comfortable in a bedroom or living room.
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Hardwood Flooring
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Hardwood floors come in many colors and variations of pattern and wood type.
texture of wooden floor image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
Hardwood floors are one of the more expensive types of floors you can install. However, the expense can be thought of as a long-term investment, because hardwoods tend to last longer than laminate, bamboo or carpeted floors. They can also increase the value of your home. If the wood ever dulls or gets light scratches, you can sand and refinish without a great deal of effort or cost. Hardwood floors are easy to clean with a broom and mop and offer more warmth and less echo than tile or stone floors.
Laminate Flooring
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You can simulate wood or tile floors with waterproof laminate flooring. These floors are virtually scratch-proof and have a more durable surface than wood, bamboo or carpet. Laminate floors are ideal for homes with pets, both for odor resistance and scuff protection. Laminate won't fade or get dented by normal use and is a cheaper option than wood, tile, stone or carpet. Use laminate as an easy-to-maintain floor for kitchens and other high-traffic areas of your home.
Bamboo Flooring
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Bamboo flooring is made from long strips of bamboo.
bamboo image by cyndi Claessens from Fotolia.com
Bamboo flooring is one among many environmentally conscious flooring options. Most bamboo floors have a wood-floor appearance in various shades and hardness ratings. Bamboo floors are made of fibers harvested from various fast-growing, renewable species in the grass plant family. The materials and installation are generally cheaper than most other flooring options. Bamboo floors are versatile enough for use in almost every room of your home.
Tile Flooring
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Tile flooring is durable, long-lasting and nearly indestructible.
Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
Tile flooring offers strength, durability and water resistance well-suited for bathrooms, kitchens and entryways. Most tiles are indestructible under normal use in a family home. Tile will often increase the resale value of your home, especially when professionally installed. Quality tile floors installed with the proper grout can last for the life of your home. Tile comes in a vast array of styles, shapes, colors and textures for you to choose from. Pets and high amounts of foot traffic will almost never leave a mark on tile floors. It has the added benefit of being stain-proof.
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References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Creatas/Getty Images texture of wooden floor image by Elnur from Fotolia.com bamboo image by cyndi Claessens from Fotolia.com Tiled floor image by Simon Amberly from Fotolia.com
