The type of floor you could have can have an effect on how warm or cold you are feeling, your general health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the mood in certain rooms of their properties with totally different flooring. Here’s a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them throughout development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; very best for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for dwelling 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 instantly to forestall stains. Install 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 dirt, superb for house owners with respiratory disorders; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Must be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a couple of times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when installed, 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 feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has develop into stylish for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are superb since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; great for house owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and could increase in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and choose textile based products such as Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not depart a mark.
4. Wood: Key function: Great dance floor.
Pro: Easier in 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 probably 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 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 finances allows. Glue down floors should 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 could be protected by leak resistant floor protection similar to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is nice for houses and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is simple to clean, and usually durable, so long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative will not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, grime, and mud particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Short term adhesive carpet film is available for as much as 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key function: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-site visitors areas. Great investment, plenty of design options available. Most common, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a great surface for dwelling owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use delicate 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 equivalent to Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key feature: Trendy, well-liked in condos.
Pro: Cheap, straightforward maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Would not harbor mud mites; ultimate for home owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional expertise, which could be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a gentle 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 feature: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Great worth and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough on your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful selection in sizzling climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs 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 based mostly products reminiscent of Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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