The type of floor you might have can affect how warm or cold you’re feeling, your general health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the temper in sure rooms of their homes with totally different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most well-liked residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them during construction and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; ideally suited for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for home owners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Cannot 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 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 reminiscent of Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and dust, perfect for dwelling owners with respiratory problems; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Needs to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice 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: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products such as Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn into stylish for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are perfect since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; nice for home owners with allergies or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and could expand in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and choose textile based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key feature: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier in your back than tile or stone. three/four” allows for a number of refinishes. How a tree is minimize 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 amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and lengthy-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more vulnerable to humidity.
Upkeep: Space rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue down floors should 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 might be protected by leak resistant floor protection resembling Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Basic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is nice for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and usually durable, as long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice may not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dust, 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 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-traffic areas. Great funding, numerous design options available. Most common, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a perfect surface for dwelling owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While costly, professional set up is highly recommended. Use delicate cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products resembling Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key feature: Fashionable, well-liked in condos.
Pro: Cheap, straightforward maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; preferrred for home owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which might be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a light 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-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a superb alternative in sizzling climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products comparable to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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