HOW TO AVOID OVERLOAD WHEN IT COMES TO SELECTING FLOORING, AND 4 QUESTIONS TO ASK
As we all know, flooring options are endless. Our list of questions below will help you assess your home’s flooring needs to narrow your choices quickly………
4 Common Client Questions when Selecting Flooring:
1. First we ask: “Where is the floor going and what kind of traffic do you have there?” Form follows function, as the design adage goes, and having my client identify how they’d like their floors to function with their lifestyle and within various rooms should guide flooring material selection first and foremost.
2. Next we ask about my client’s daily routines and the role of each room. How will they need their floors to perform? I learn about their distinct needs based on their current lifestyle. If the home is a hive of family activity with frequent hustle and bustle, LVP (luxury vinyl planks) or laminate flooring that features waterproof, strong, rigid planks, and can stand up to everyday life is my go-to. This flooring provides an appearance and feel similar to hardwood or stone. It’s durable and transcends every room. With a top layer that protects against wear and tear, sweeping and mopping will easily deal with dirt, scuffs and spills. An attached pad underneath muffles footfalls and makes a frequently tread space nicer to walk on. If vinyl floors sound like a good match for you, you can then choose the wood look or stone look. My preference is the wood look and that is most popular, but there certainly are some applications where the stone look is more appropriate and preferred.
3. After I narrow down the material that’s right for the room from a practical/performance perspective, I then focus on choosing the style within that category that will suit my clients’ aesthetic. I believe that application should drive the type of flooring selected, and style is all about personal preference. Of course I am there to guide my clients and answer any questions they may have along the way.
4. Finally we need to talk about the budget which often drives the end decision. How much of the budget homeowners spend on their floor all depends on what they want their new floors to accomplish. I ask: “Do you want your floors to make a statement in your home, do you want the floors to add value to your home, or would you like them to work hard for your busy family?” Answering these questions should help you arrive at the best flooring decision for you and your family.
More options and factors to consider are:
Many homeowners dream of installing solid hardwood flooring for many reasons such as the long-lasting natural beauty, and just because they only want the real thing. I would not suggest installing real wood near the coast because the expansion and contraction can create many issues.
Engineered wood is another wood flooring option and so similar to solid hardwood that it’s difficult to tell the difference on sight. Engineered hardwood may be a homeowner’s best bet for areas where they want real hardwood. The sturdy cross-grained construction is less likely to cup or warp due to humidity or changing temperatures and water-resistant options can lock out spills. Plus, with engineered wood, homeowners can choose from the same variety of wood species, colors and textures as natural wood.
Finally, tile is also a great flooring option and nowadays tiles are available in super large formats such as 24 X 48 or 48 X 48. This means less grout and a really cool look. Tile works well with all aesthetics and styles, and should never be ruled out.
If you have read this and you have questions please feel free to contact us here and we would love to assist!
