Flooring is more than just something to walk on, it can set a mood and pull together decorative elements in a room. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
The biggest home centers offer a wide range of materials and offer financing and installation services. Some stores sell wood floors directly from local mills.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
While ceramic tiles are typically the tile of choice for bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes, and other wet areas, porcelain is a newer variety that can be just as lovely but also offer more durability. The main difference between the two is that porcelain tiles are denser and are fired at a higher temperature than ceramic. Some types of porcelain are even suitable for outdoor use in mild climates (look for packaging that says ‘Porcelain’).
Both kinds of tile are forgiving of spills and scratches, but they do require regular maintenance to keep their appearance and strength. This mainly means sweeping or vacuuming, and damp-mopping with a gentle water-soap solution at least twice per week.
Porcelain tiles are known to last longer than standard ceramic tile, and their resistance to damage makes them a top choice for business owners and those with rental properties. They can easily withstand heavy traffic and furniture, while still looking great. You can find them in a variety of colors and finishes, with some mimicking the look of natural stone and others incorporating popular trends and design aesthetics.
Bamboo
Bamboo floors are a hot design trend that can add a modern look to any space. They come in many designs and styles and are highly durable. Bamboo is made from a renewable resource and can be harvested without damaging the plant, unlike hardwoods, so it is a great sustainable flooring option.
Solid bamboo flooring is nailed or glued down and can be carbonized to darken them, or stained in light to dark colors that mimic various wood species. There are also textured finishes that give the floor a distressed or hand-scraped appearance. Many bamboo products are formaldehyde free, but those with adhesives may release some VOCs during the manufacturing process.
Solid bamboo is a hard flooring product and can last for decades, but it can be prone to moisture damage if not properly installed. It can also be susceptible to scratching, especially from pet nails and heavy furniture, but a good quality finish should resist this. The easiest way to care for a bamboo floor is to sweep or vacuum regularly and mop with a clean, non-alkaline cleaning solution.
Vinyl
Vinyl is one of the most durable flooring materials available. It isn’t delicate or easily damaged, and it can take whatever the average family can throw at it. It’s also water-resistant, so it won’t swell when it gets wet.
Vinyl planks and tiles are constructed of multiple layers, including a padded bottom layer, an image layer that mimics wood or ceramic tile, and a wear layer that protects against scratches and other damage. It’s a popular choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, and it comes in an incredible variety of designs to suit your style.
Like all plastics, vinyl is derived from hydrocarbon-based raw materials that undergo a series of chemical processes to create unique synthetic products called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC/vinyl is used in a wide range of applications, including flooring, windows and doors, wallcovering, and electrical conduit. New stabilization technologies have reduced the need for stabilizers containing cadmium and lead. In addition, the use of chlorine, which is a naturally occurring element, makes PVC/vinyl less dependent on world oil markets than are completely oil-based polymers.
Linoleum
Invented in 1860, linoleum has seen a revival recently as more homeowners seek an eco-friendly flooring option. Made from a blend of natural, largely renewable materials including powdered cork, wood or cord powder, jute, and ground stone, linoleum is free of environmental toxins during creation, and it’s even biodegradable at the end of its life cycle.
Linoleum comes in a variety of styles, from traditional, marbleized patterns to vibrant solid colors and innovative new designs. Linoleum is also durable and easy to clean, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas. It’s especially good for damp rooms like bathrooms since it won’t warp from moisture exposure.
Linoleum’s durability and wide selection of colors, patterns, and textures make it an excellent choice for healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and retail spaces. It’s also popular in homes and apartment buildings as it offers noise-reduction properties for improved comfort and productivity. Choose a color that complements your existing decor and furniture and take into account the amount of light in each room, as certain shades may fade over time due to sunlight exposure.
Carpet
Carpets are a great option for cushioning footsteps and reducing the risk of falls (especially among young children or the elderly) in buildings with hard floors. They also provide thermal resistance and acoustical insulation, which helps to create a quieter atmosphere in rooms and offices.
Carpet can also offer a range of design options. Its varied textures and colors can match any type of furniture or decor. It is also much less expensive than hardwood flooring and can be installed in a quicker and easier process.
Despite its advantages, carpet needs to be considered as part of an integrated building system and the risks/benefits must be considered in conjunction with other floor covering types and the impacts of humidity management, cleaning practices, and other aspects of the building envelope. Transparent and complete information about textile floor coverings such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) will be crucial for informed decision making about the use of this product.