Flooring and carpet tips for your home

There are, of course, many elements to consider when it comes to flooring. Ideally, the option you choose should enhance your home’s décor, be long-lasting and easy to maintain, and fit into your budget.

But with so many flooring options available, how do you know which is the right decision for your home? LookSee takes a look at the various options and their pros and cons.

Carpets 

Wall-to-wall carpeting has long been a favoured choice for home flooring and still has much to offer the homeowner.

• Pros: Carpets are relatively inexpensive; wide range of colours and textures; faster installation; comfortable and slip resistant; insulation against cold and reduces noise.
• Cons: Needs regular cleaning; stubborn stains and burns; quick to show wear and tear; conducive environment for insects and pests; retains moisture; can trigger allergies and mould-related health issues.
• Verdict: Comfort and warmth make wall-to-wall carpets a perfect choice for bedrooms, while rugs can add style to the living room. Carpets should be avoided for bathrooms, kitchens and high-traffic areas like hallways.

 Tiles 

Another popular choice, tiles offer a variety of advantages for homeowners to consider.

• Pros: Wide range of materials, colours, textures and finishes; versatile, easy to clean and hygienic; durable; cool during the summer months; water and chemical resistant.
• Cons: More expensive especially natural stone options; longer installation; slippery; difficult to replace broken tiles; needs regular grouting and sealing maintenance; very hard surface; cold during winter.
• Verdict: With the wide range available, tiling offers a stylish option for hard-wearing and moist areas such as hallways, kitchens and bathrooms. Homeowners may find tiles too hard or cold for bedrooms and lounges unless coupled with rugs.

Wood 

A shiny wooden floor is a statement that draws attention and adds to the ambience of a home.

• Pros: Eye-catching and stylish; easy to clean, non-toxic and hygienic; versatile and wide variety of wood; improves acoustics; impact absorption, long-lasting.
• Cons: Very expensive; requires regular maintenance and sealing; retains water; stains, dents and scratches fairly easily.
• Verdict: Nothing beats the classic style of a well-maintained wooden floor so go for it if you can afford it. Avoid high-moisture areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.

Laminate 

If you really want wooden flooring but can’t afford the price tag, then laminate flooring could be your answer.

• Pros: More affordable than hardwood; wide variety available; easy to install, clean and maintain; durable; does not dent and scratch as easily as hardwood.
• Cons: Is not a close enough copy of hardwood to fool buyers; retains moisture and is prone to water damage; warps over time; noisy; cannot be refinished down the line; shorter lifespan.
• Verdict: If you have your heart set on a wooden look and feel, then laminate can offer you a budget-friendly option. Avoid using it in kitchens and bathrooms, even if your supplier says the finish is waterproof. Speak to your installer about warranties and lifespan.  

 Vinyl

This flooring option has come a long way and deserves consideration, particularly in moist and high-traffic areas.

• Pros: Wide range of designs, colours, textures and finishes; quick and easy installation; versatile, easy to clean and hygienic; water resistant; durable; comfortable and non-slip; affordable.
• Cons: Cannot be refinished; does not add to the home’s resale value; prone to damage by sharp objects; will fade and discolour over time, particularly when in an area that gets a lot of direct sunshine; can be difficult to remove; not environmentally friendly.
• Verdict: If you have a tight budget, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the designs available in vinyl flooring. Vinyl is great for areas that get a lot of moisture such as bathrooms and entryways.  

Polished concrete 

A newer trend in flooring for homeowners, polished concrete is offering a new dimension for interior design.

• Pros: Relatively inexpensive; wide variety of colours, finishes and designs; versatile; long-lasting and durable; easy to clean; water and mould resistant if properly sealed.  
• Cons: Hard; cold; slippery; requires maintenance; prone to cracking and crumbling if not properly mixed; prone to water damage if not properly sealed.
• Verdict: This new trend can help you make a statement with your home but be sure to enlist an experienced contractor to avoid problems down the line.