Flooring: Learn the Basics Before You Buy

If you want to upgrade your flooring from the basic product that came with your house originally, you have several options. Some of the most popular ones include carpet, tile, and wood. Any professional you work with should be able to go over the pros and cons of each before you choose, but it is nice to know the basics before you discuss your choices. Consider some reasons that you should think about the most popular types of floors.

Carpet is a traditional option for most homes since it can make the house feel warm and cozy. This means it is recommended if you live in an area where you tend to spend a lot to heat up the residence. Carpet is best for living rooms, bedrooms, and dining rooms, but kitchens, nooks, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are usually better off with other options that do not pose the risk of mildewing when wet. Therefore, you should not choose carpet for your whole house, but you should carefully select a type that will work for certain rooms.

Once you know where you will put this type of flooring, consider the best color, with neutral tones usually being best if you plan to sell the house in the next few years. You also need to choose the material it is made of, keeping in mind that nylon, polypropylene, synthetics, and wool are some of the most common available. The salesperson or contractor you are working with should help you select the best one for your situation.

Tile is another common flooring choice, and is best for kitchens, bathrooms, and other rooms that feature sinks or generally have a good chance of getting wet. Like carpeting, you need to select the color that works best with your house. You should also think about adding a design, such as a pattern that appears repeatedly across the entire house, or even an image that only runs across a few of the tiles. These options can help customize the tile for your home so your upgrade is unique, not just nice looking.

Another choice you have is size, keeping in mind that large tiles can make a small room look bigger, especially when placed diagonally.

The final most popular flooring choice is wood. This is known for looking quite attractive and is appropriate throughout the home. If you want certain rooms to feel cozier, you can simply put down a few area rugs. You need to choose whether you should get real wood or laminate, the latter of which is usually cheaper and looks similar to the real product. You also need to choose the type of wood to get since this will change the color. Consider your preferences for light or dark shades here, and keep in mind that it needs to look good with your home's decor, too.

You should keep these points in mind before you shop for new flooring. Note that most salespeople will help you come to a decision before you buy, and a good installation expert will help ensure it is what you want before installing anything.