What is flooring?

Flooring is whatever material is used to cover the cement or plywood sub-flooring in the finished rooms of your home. Flooring has an impact on how your home looks and feels. Flooring selection should be a very personal decision, and your flooring should fit your life style. When considering what floor to buy, you need to take into account the appearance, style, comfort, and cleaning and maintenance of that flooring.

Benefits of flooring

Each type of flooring has benefits and weaknesses. Durability, stain resistance, cleaning and maintenance, resistance to fading, and comfort are just a few of the variables. You can use this guide to compare and contrast each flooring type. Reading the discussion of the various benefits of the types of flooring might help you rank which benefits are important to you, and which are less important. Knowing your own priorities will make it easier for you to select one type of flooring, and enable you to start shopping for the brand and style that best meets your needs.

Should you buy/do you need?

Unless you are building a new home or finishing an unfinished room in your home and have to install a new floor, you may be trying to decide whether or not you need a new floor. Here are some common considerations, and thoughts about each: Want a new look: Some times the floor in one or more of your rooms looks fine, but your are just ready for a change. If that is the case, and your budget affords a change, this is a great time to replace your floor. The range of materials and styles available to you is tremendous. If you are interested in doing the project yourself, there is more information and resources available to do-it-yourselfers than ever before. Also, many flooring products are now being designed specifically to make installation easier, particularly with the do-it-yourself market in mind. If your floors look good but are out of date, the only solution is to cover them. However, realize that many styles eventually come back. So, if you have out of date tile, consider covering but not removing it with carpet or vinyl, and wait for styles to rebound. Want a new function: Improving the sensation of your floor under foot is a great reason to purchase a new floor. But make sure you consider all the alternatives. If you have beautiful hardwood floors but they are cold and noisy, consider using area rugs to give your rooms a comfortable feel, so your floors will retain the hardwood look in the less traveled parts of your room. If your main complaint is that your hardwood floors are squeaky and you are considering carpet, consider bringing in a flooring expert to evaluate and hopefully fix your squeaks. Existing floor is in disrepair: Dis-repaired or damaged flooring has a negative impact on the appearance and comfort of your home. Keeping your flooring in good repair is part of maintaining your home, and is a good reason to buy new flooring. However, make sure you understand the options you may have to repair your floor before you make a decision to replace it. Damaged hardwood floors can be refinished. Severly damaged boards can be replaced, then stained and finished to match your existing floor. Carpet stains may be able to be cleaned, if not, you may have options for patching or replacing a section. If your current flooring is damaged beyond repair, you can purchase your new flooring comforted by the knowledge that you've explored all your options to repair it.

Selecting a type of flooring

If you are unsure of what type of flooring is best for you home or a room in your home, you've come to the right place. Use this guide to compare the benefits and drawbacks of hardwood flooring, vinyl flooring, tile flooring, and carpet. Look at the factors that go into making decisions for each type of flooring. See if there are factors that resonate with you or that might rule out one of the flooring options. You can also explore the specific features of each type of flooring; often it is the special "bells and whistles" that end up inspiring a consumer to make a purchase. If you settle on one of the flooring types, you can use the service provider sections provided here to help you find a professional installer of that type of flooring in your area.