A Guide to Flooring Options in the Home

The choice of flooring can dramatically enhance the look and feel of a room so it is important to choose the right material and product. Flooring suppliers are giving home owners more choice than ever when it comes to flooring options and with carpets, laminate floors, ceramic tiles and hardwood flooring all on offer, finding suitable flooring is easy.

Carpets are available in a huge range of colours, patterns and textures to provide the perfect match for your taste. Plain carpets can be used in smaller rooms to create a sense of space whilst patterned carpets are often used in high use rooms to mask general wear and tear. Carpet flooring is popular in living rooms and bedrooms where a touch of comfort is always welcome. You can prolong the life of your carpet by rearranging your room periodically to prevent shuffle lanes appearing.

Laminate flooring has become increasingly popular since it was introduced over 15 years ago. There are hundreds of laminate flooring styles available including wood, stone, brick and tile. Laminate floors are often used by home owners who are looking for a cheap flooring solution whilst maintaining a stunning finish. The quality of laminate flooring is continually improving and many products now offer an incredibly cost effective flooring solution. Laminate flooring is constructed using high density fibre (HDF) board with a high resolution photo of the material on the surface. Manufacturers of laminate flooring use different techniques and systems so always follow the instructions provided by them when laying flooring.

Although laminate and carpet flooring can be used for bathroom floors, many flooring suppliers recommend the use of ceramic tiles or vinyl as they are water proof and easy to keep clean. Ceramic tiles can be used to add a natural look to a room and are popular in kitchens and bathrooms. The tiles are easily cleaned and very hard wearing. Slate flooring, with its cool appearance and clean lines, is one of the most popular choices at flooring suppliers. Other ceramic flooring options include marble, granite and terracotta, which can be used to create a Mediterranean look in kitchens and conservatories.

For the ultimate in chic and style however there is no other flooring cover that rivals the warmth and finish offered by a traditional hardwood floor. Although more expensive than laminate flooring, a hardwood floor will last a lifetime with some wood floors lasting over 100 years. Compare this to the amount of times a carpet will need changing and the price difference becomes less significant.

Wooden flooring is available in traditional woods such as ash and beech and more exotic options such as walnut and bamboo. Oak flooring is the biggest seller in Europe and the USA and is heavily produced on both continents. Different wood species offer varying tones, grain and durability. Hardwood flooring adds value to homes and is recommended for people who suffer from dust allergies.

Whilst wooden flooring is an attractive option is not suitable for every situation. Wood floors have to attach directly to the sub-base so therefore cannot be installed on concrete. Laminate flooring is installed as a floating floor and can therefore be used on a wider range of sub-bases. Laying flooring on a poor sub-base will affect the quality of the flooring and reduce its lifespan.

With cheap flooring options now available, home owners can change their flooring as often as they redecorate. Interior styles are constantly changing and flooring suppliers are constantly updating their products to meet demand.