The type of floor you have can affect how warm or cold you feel, your total health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the mood in sure rooms of their properties with completely different flooring. Here’s a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and the best surface protection products to protect them during development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; excellent for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for dwelling owners with allergies 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 usually with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to forestall stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles such as Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and dirt, excellent for dwelling owners with respiratory problems; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough to install. Needs to be heat-welded utilizing equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a few times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within the linoleum oxidizes when installed, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products comparable to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn out to be trendy 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; great for dwelling owners with allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and will develop in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and choose textile based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that can gently adright here to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Great dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ allows for a number of refinishes. How a tree is reduce 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: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust 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 really helpful for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors will be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is great for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and usually durable, as long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, grime, and dust 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 feature: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Nice investment, a number of design options available. Commonest, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a really perfect surface for home owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional installation 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 based products similar to Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key feature: Stylish, well-liked in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor dust mites; ultimate for house owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional expertise, which could be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embrace 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. Great worth and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful in your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs grime; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful alternative in sizzling climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products reminiscent of Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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