The type of floor you could have can affect how warm or cold you’re feeling, your general health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the mood in certain rooms of their properties with totally different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them throughout building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; supreme for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for home owners with allergy symptoms to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Can’t be re-finished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep frequently with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills instantly to forestall stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles similar to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and grime, supreme for home owners with respiratory problems; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough to install. Must be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a few times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products resembling Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key function: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has grow to be trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are ideal since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; great for residence owners with allergies or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and will broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and choose textile primarily based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that can gently adright here to the cork and never leave a mark.
4. Wood: Key feature: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. three/4″ allows for multiple refinishes. How a tree is cut determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more inclined to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the finances allows. Glue down floors should be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are beneficial for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors might be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Basic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is nice for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and generally durable, so long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative is probably not environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dust, and dust particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Quick time period adhesive carpet film is available for as much as forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key characteristic: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-site visitors areas. Great funding, a number of design options available. Commonest, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for home owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use gentle 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 akin to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key function: Trendy, in style in condos.
Pro: Cheap, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor mud mites; perfect for residence owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Long-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional expertise, which might be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a light floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embrace EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and allow the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key function: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Great value and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust on your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dust; slate and limestone gather it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent alternative in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products resembling Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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