The type of floor you could have can affect how warm or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the mood in sure rooms of their homes with completely different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the very best surface protection products to protect them throughout development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; ideal for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for residence owners with allergy symptoms to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Can’t be re-finished. Everything from tiny mud particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep often with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to stop stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles reminiscent of Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and filth, excellent for house owners with respiratory disorders; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough to install. Has to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products corresponding to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has become fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are splendid since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; nice for dwelling owners with allergy symptoms or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will increase in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile based mostly products similar to Surface Liner Pro that may gently adhere to the cork and never leave a mark.
4. Wood: Key function: Great dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ allows for a number of refinishes. How a tree is lower determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is essentially the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more prone to humidity.
Upkeep: Space rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue down floors must be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are recommended for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors might be protected by leak resistant floor protection such as Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Basic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is great for houses and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and usually durable, as long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, filth, and mud particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Short time period adhesive carpet film is available for up to forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key characteristic: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Nice funding, plenty of design options available. Most common, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an excellent surface for home owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use mild cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products resembling Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key function: Stylish, standard in condos.
Pro: Cheap, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; supreme for house owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional expertise, which may be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embody EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and permit the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key characteristic: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice value and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust in your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs grime; slate and limestone accumulate it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent alternative in scorching climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products akin to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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