The type of floor you may have can have an effect on how warm or cold you’re feeling, your overall health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the temper in certain rooms of their homes with completely different flooring. This is a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the perfect surface protection products to protect them during development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; splendid for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for house owners with allergic reactions 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 commonly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to stop stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles equivalent to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and filth, ideally suited for dwelling owners with respiratory issues; 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 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 based mostly products equivalent to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn into fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are best since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; nice for dwelling owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will expand 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 may gently adhere to the cork and not depart a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Great dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. 3/four” 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 amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-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. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget 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 may be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key feature: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for houses 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 often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection might 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: Brief term 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-visitors areas. Great funding, lots of design options available. Commonest, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a really perfect surface for residence 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 mild cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products akin to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key characteristic: Trendy, common in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, 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; superb for home owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which might be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every 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. Expensive installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful in your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent choice in sizzling climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products comparable to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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