The type of floor you could have can affect how warm or cold you are feeling, your general health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the mood in sure rooms of their houses with completely different flooring. Here is a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and the most effective surface protection products to protect them throughout development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key feature: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; superb for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for residence owners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Cannot be re-finished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep commonly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to stop stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles such as Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and filth, splendid for residence owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough to install. Needs to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a few times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when installed, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products comparable to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn into fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are preferrred since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; nice for residence owners with allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and will expand in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and select textile based mostly products comparable to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key feature: Great dance floor.
Pro: Easier in your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ permits for multiple 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 inclined to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue down floors must 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 could be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and generally durable, so long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative is probably not 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: Quick time period adhesive carpet film is available for up to forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Great investment, plenty of design options available. Most typical, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an excellent surface for house owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional installation 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 based products akin to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key characteristic: Stylish, widespread in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, straightforward maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; very best for home owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional experience, which can be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every two years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a gentle floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products include 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. Nice value and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful in your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone gather it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent choice in scorching climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products akin to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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