There are a plethora of types of floors that are available to homeowners today. Carpet, hardwood floors, laminate flooring, cork, bamboo, and ceramic tile are some of the most common that are readily available to consumers today. Many households have many types of flooring as well - leaving even more questions about what type for what room. Just hardwood floors alone come in many varieties and types: distressed & hand scraped, engineered wood floors, and glueless floating wood - those options alone can leave one pondering what to pick.
Let's start with carpet. Carpet normally brings luxury, fashion and comfort to mind. Carpet is often the preferred flooring for bedrooms and living rooms. It's quiet, insulates well from cold and the color options are numerous. There are many materials and styles available; so many that you may need a little help choosing. Carpet can be selected based on fiber, density and texture. So like soft, some like a little firmer. Regardless of your preferences many options are out there.
Although it may initially be confusing when it comes to choosing hardwood floors, they can be very attractive and can really add some appeal, and worth to your home. First, you should decide what type of finished look you want to achieve. If you're going after a modern or contemporary look, you may want to lean towards a type of wood hat has a cleaner look with less texture and grain such as Maple, Birch, or Cherry. If you prefer a more casual or rustic look, then you may want to consider an Oak or Pine.
Laminate flooring was first introduced into the US in 1982. Since then the sector has experienced growth of up to 20%, making laminate the fastest growing floor type in the country. The appeal lies not only in its aesthetic value of its representation of real hardwood, but also due to its incredible durability and ease of maintenance.
Ceramic floor tile is an elegant and stylish flooring material whose true origins remain unknown, even today. Ceramic floor tile can come in virtually any color and is tough and durable that it can actually last as long as your home can stand. Ceramic floor tile is actually the oldest form of flooring material known to man, aside from primitive use of dirt and bear skins. Speaking of dirt, creating ceramic floor tile is simply a combination of different clays that have been mixed with water, designed, shaped and then fired in special kilns. You could basically consider ceramic floor tile nothing more than flame broiled mud. Nevertheless it's a sturdy, stylish and dependable choice for flooring.
Regardless of the room you're redecorating or the flooring you're looking into buying, there are many worthy and fun options to pick from.
Christine Beals is a professional writer who provides tips and information on ceramic tile flooring and flooring in general for A1 Market - the Guide for the Savvy Shopper.
Flooring Options for Everyone
