10 Questions to Ask While Choosing Floors

When considering a new floor for your home, it pays to take much more than looks into account. It’s important to consider factors like moisture resistance and durability that can hugely impact the success of your flooring project. Ask yourself these 10 questions to find the perfect flooring for your needs.

1. Is pet-friendly a priority?

If you’ve got a furry friend running around your home, that’s definitely something to factor in as you choose your floors. If you’re looking for superior wear resistance in your floor, then ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate planks, and vinyl plank flooring are excellent options. They’ll stand up to scratches better than site-finished hardwood and are the most likely to endure wear and tear.

2. What is your budget?

Taking on a flooring project can get expensive quickly. To stay within budget, break down each step – from the materials to the tools used for installation and any wood stains or paints needed in unfinished projects. As with any home project, be aware there may always be unexpected costs involved!

3. Are you going to install flooring yourself?

Taking on a flooring installation project can be both rewarding and cost-saving, but not all materials should be attempted by DIYers. While it can result in considerable savings initially – improper installation might cause costly problems further down the line and potentially void any warranties. If you’re confident in your skill level, laminate wood planks or tiles, engineered wood boards, and carpet squares are the most ideal types of flooring for a DIY approach.

4. What level of maintenance are you looking for?

Different floors need different types of cleaning. Lightly sweeping or vacuuming is a great start for most floors. You can get more detail on various cleaning techniques with our quick guide to cleaning floors. If a low maintenance choice is your priority, vinyl flooring is the ideal choice for your home. This includes tiles, sheets or planks which are all choices that ensure a long-lasting finish.

5. What room is it for specifically?

Installing flooring can be a daunting task, but if you know your needs and prioritize them appropriately it becomes much easier. By narrowing down exactly what room you’re focusing on, you can consider the different requirements for each room of your home. For example, something water resistant makes sense for an area like the kitchen or bathroom.

6. What are the current flooring trends?

When searching for the right flooring fit, it’s important to pick something that reflects your style and won’t become out of date in a matter of months. Striking a balance between enduring aesthetics and today’s flooring trends is key.

7. What is the style and decor of the rooms?

When exploring flooring options for your home, putting personal style first is understandable. However, don’t forget other factors that should weigh into your decision such as the existing design of your house. Think about how other homes in your area are styled, what resale values may be influenced by particular designs, and which types of floors hold up best over time – all elements that contribute to a successful flooring update.

8. What is the intended use of the room where the flooring will be installed?

As you plan to spruce up your space, take a moment to carefully consider both the location and activities that will be occurring there. This can help ensure you select the ideal flooring for how you live. Take these factors into consideration as you do your flooring research:

• Will children play in this room?
• Will pets be in this room?
• WIll you cook in this room?
• Will people sit on the floor in this room?
• What is the level of moisture in this room?

9. How much foot traffic does the room usually receive?

When it comes to choosing flooring, assessing your foot traffic is one of the most important factors. Consider your needs for the area as you contemplate your options. For example, families with kids or pets should consider dent and scuff resistant options. If the room is a highly trafficked area such as the kitchen, you’ll want to choose a durable option as well as a low maintenance one.

10. What is the humidity level of the room?

Moisture can certainly be a limiting factor when it comes to choice of flooring. You may need flooring that is able to withstand high or medium moisture environments, such as concrete, ceramic or porcelain tile, or vinyl.