When upgrading a home, flooring often takes center stage. The right choice not only elevates a room’s aesthetic appeal but also boosts its functionality and durability. Homeowners have a wide array of flooring options to choose from when remodeling or renovating their home, including these eight popular choices.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Timeless and sophisticated, hardwood floors are a popular choice. Homeowners prefer their easy maintenance and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic, such as from pets or kids. Hardwood floors come in a variety of finishes and colors and increase the resale value of the home.
Given the many advantages of hardwood floors, it comes as no surprise that they are pricey. Installing hardwood floors costs $4,726 on average. High-end woods cost up to $12,000. While the floors can be refinished, the project may require the homeowner to be absent for a period of time.
2. Laminate Flooring
A less costly alternative to hardwood floors is laminate flooring. It mimics the beauty of wood without the high price tag. Consisting of multiple layers, laminate flooring is a breeze to clean. Busy families appreciate their low-maintenance and durability. Plus, laminate floors are easy to install.
Built with synthetic materials, laminate flooring resists scratches, fading, and stains. However, the quality of this product varies by manufacturer. The floors may feel and sound differently than those made of natural materials. They are also susceptible to water damage and cannot be refinished.
3. Vinyl Flooring
Also featuring synthetic materials, vinyl floors are another cost-effective option. The vinyl sheets are made by pressing and heating materials, primarily polyvinyl chloride (PVC), along with plasticizers and other additives. Like laminate floors, the quality of vinyl floors varies by manufacturer.
Due to their high resistance to water damage and stains, vinyl floors are commonly installed in bathrooms and kitchens. While they are comfortable to walk on, vinyl flooring is prone to cuts if heavy items are dragged across it. Plus, they are less luxurious than natural materials.
4. Tile Flooring
Tiles may be either porcelain or ceramic, with the former featuring a more refined blend of clay fired at higher temps than the latter. Porcelain tiles are, therefore, less porous. Skilled installation requires applying mortar, laying the tiles, filling the gaps with grout, and sealing with caulk.
The grout is high-maintenance and the tiles are slippery when wet. Tiles are prone to cracking and can feel uncomfortably cold to walk upon. On the flip side, tiles are water resistant, durable, and long-lasting. Homeowners choose from a wide variety of tile shapes and styles.
5. Stone Flooring
Stone floors offer a unique aesthetic. Imperfection is the hallmark of stone flooring, which may be desirable to certain homeowners. Stone floors installed in hot climates are preferable due to their cooling effects. These floors are low-maintenance and provide extensive longevity.
As with any flooring, stone floors come with drawbacks. They may be uncomfortable to walk or stand upon for prolonged periods. The materials are pricey to buy and install. Because they are prone to chipping, cracking, and scratching, stone floors require periodic maintenance.
6. Concrete Flooring
Industrialist-style homes are enhanced with concrete floors. Contrary to popular opinion, concrete is becoming trendy in residential spaces other than the garage or basement. The floors offer a sleek, seamless look, plus additional benefits, like water-resistance, noise-absorption, and easy maintenance.
Concrete floors last indefinitely, but do come with an initial high cost for materials as well as installation. Cold and hard, they are uncomfortable to walk on for extensive periods without rugs or carpeting serving as cushioning underfoot. Concrete floors are also susceptible to cracking.
7. Carpet Flooring
In contrast to the hardness of concrete is the softness of carpeting. Plush and comfortable, carpeting provides a non-slip surface as well noise reduction. Carpets come in all sorts of colors and textures, making them a versatile flooring option for any home.
The obvious drawbacks include the difficulty of removing stains. Carpets also tend to retain allergens, unlike tile and laminate floors. Spills are hard to clean, since the carpet fibers retain moisture. Due to wear and tear, carpeting comes with a limited lifespan.
8. Engineered Wood Flooring
Homeowners on a budget may opt for engineered wood floors. This type of flooring is built with a thin layer of hardwood bonded over a plywood substrate or high-density fiberboard. While engineered wood floors are less expensive than hardwood, they are more costly than vinyl or laminate.
In comparison to hardwood, engineered wood flooring is easier to install, less prone to scratches, and more moisture resistant. But its lifespan is shorter than solid wood flooring. Plus, if flooding or other types of moisture damage occurs, the engineered wood floors undergo significant ruin.
Flooring Contracting from R3
Given the plethora of flooring types, each with their own pros and cons, homeowners must evaluate their choices before settling on one that meets their practical and aesthetic needs. Once you’ve decided on a flooring type, consult the expert flooring contractors at R3 Contracting.
As an industry leader, we’ve successfully installed a wide range of flooring types, from hardwood to vinyl and porcelain, among many others. Our experienced teams are skilled in professionally installing concrete floors as well as natural stone, bamboo and cork, and linoleum.
If you are considering an upgrade but are still exploring flooring options, our dedicated design specialists are available to offer advice on what works best for certain areas of your home. Once a flooring option is decided upon, we coordinate the installation with our reliable trade contractors.
We also specialize in various other remodeling services, like additions that expand the livable space of your home. No matter what remodeling project you envision, our company is equipped with the design expertise, professional installation services, and open communication lines to make it happen.
As a licensed and insured home remodeling contractor, R3 Contracting is a trusted choice for residential homeowners in Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg, Illinois. Expect impeccable workmanship, the use of premium materials, and a commitment to quality customer service. Call us to discuss your next project.
