Different Flooring Ideas For Your Home

Flooring is a crucial part of interior design that can make or mar the home's aesthetic value. It is often the first thing you notice and feel as soon as you step inside the house. The floor is also the surface that gets the maximum contact as people start living and keep moving around the place. The success of the entire design exercise rests on the standard of the flooring you choose.

The right type of flooring can completely transform the way your home looks. Despite the constant contact, the flooring should be able to maintain the quality for a long time period. It should also be appropriate to the region, climate, and people who regularly use the space. There are a few things that should be considered before you decide on your home's flooring.

Factors to Decide the Flooring

Some of the key factors that you should know before you select your home's flooring are discussed below:

1) Usage:

Certain places within your home will be used more frequently than others. For e.g., the living room, kitchen, or bedrooms will be used more than the guest/spare room. So, the flooring for these rooms should be of better quality to endure higher usage and facilitate easy cleaning.

2) Durability:

The shelf-life of the flooring is an important aspect that merits attention. Tiles & granite flooring are more durable than wood. All the spaces that witness higher movement & contact should get a tougher surface. The flooring in the bathrooms & kitchen should be water-resistant. Kids' rooms should be extra-resilient as they are more prone to grime & damage.

3) Size of the Room:

Larger rooms are usually loaded with more objects and require better upkeep. It is recommended to have flooring with lower maintenance in such rooms. For smaller rooms, you can choose lighter colors to make them feel more airy & spacious. You can spruce up the living room with high-quality flooring to amplify the home's beauty.

4) Flexibility:

The situation at your home may be quite different 5-10 years down the line. Your kids grow up, and your parents may get very old. The spare room may have to be turned into a study/work space. You may also feel the need to renovate the house to keep up with the time and your changing tastes. The flooring should be flexible enough to accommodate all the changes in your life.

5) Repairs & Maintenance:

A hardwood flooring might look exotic & luxurious. But it would entail higher maintenance for its upkeep. Certain floorings require regular scrubbing, polishing, and refinishing. If you are short on time & money, it is better to choose good-quality flooring with lower maintenance requirements.

Best Flooring Ideas for Your Home

Flooring is that element that can completely change the way your home looks & feels. But it is quite challenging to choose the right type of flooring from the myriad options available in the market. Keeping the above five factors in mind, you can choose any of the flooring types from the list below.

1) Granite Flooring:

This is one of the most popular flooring options for Indian homes. Granite is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors. Though expensive, granite flooring is preferred for its durability and long-lasting capabilities. It retains its look & luster for a long time and is highly resistant to scratches and damage. It is very easy to clean & maintain a granite floor. The floor is highly resistant to chemicals and can easily last 80-100 years.

2) Marble Flooring:

Another choice that scores high on the durability aspect is the marble flooring. Some of the most iconic monuments in the world that have stood strong for centuries have been made of natural marble stone. The flooring made of marble can easily withstand high traffic, and it is the best choice for your living room & bedrooms. As a symbol of luxury, it magnifies the home's aesthetic beauty. As marble is a good insulator, the home stays cool during the summer and warm during the winter. The flooring has a smooth finish and is highly resistant to heat & scratches.

3) Ceramic Tiles:

From kitchens to bedrooms, from floors to walls, tiles are everywhere. Among tiles, the ceramic variety is immensely popular due to the ease & diversity of its use. The ceramic tiles are very affordable and provide the best value for money. They can easily last for 15-20 years. It is easy to clean & maintain a ceramic tile floor. As the material is stain & water-resistant, it is ideal for kitchens & bathrooms. It is available in a wide variety of sizes, colors, textures, and patterns. Today, digital printing technology makes it easy to get any design printed on ceramic tiles.

4) Vitrified Tiles:

Another popular option that is quite similar to ceramic tiles is vitrified tiles which are manufactured using clay & silica. The vitrification process makes these tiles hard and gives them low porosity. Due to this, the tiles are highly water & stain-resistant. The color of the tiles does not fade even when they are exposed to harsh sunlight for a long time. The thickness of vitrified tiles (10-12mm) makes them ideal for tolerating high traffic. The ease of installation is one of the primary benefits of vitrified tiles.

5) Hardwood Flooring:

Wooden flooring lends that classy, elegant, & opulent look to your dream home. There are a number of options in the market, like pine, maple, and walnut. As the wood grows dark with age, it renders a rich, rustic charm that you would love. As wood can deteriorate with moisture, it should not be used in kitchens and bathrooms. It is ideal for living rooms in places of moderate temperature as wood can shrink or expand due to extreme heat & cold. Though hardwood flooring is expensive, it can enhance your home's rental prospects & resale value.

Conclusion

The factors that ultimately decide the flooring for your home are the budget and your lifestyle. Given the importance of flooring in a residential space, it should not be taken lightly and has to be accorded high priority. With a wide array of options available now, you don't have to compromise on the quality of the flooring, even if you cannot loosen the purse strings.