The type of floor you could 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 immediately change the temper in certain rooms of their houses with completely different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most well-liked residential floor tiles and the most effective surface protection products to protect them throughout building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; ultimate for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for home 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 mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills instantly to stop stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles similar to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and grime, preferrred for house owners with respiratory issues; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough 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 within the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products equivalent to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has develop into trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are ideally suited since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; nice for residence owners with allergies or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and could broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile primarily based products such as Surface Liner Pro that may gently adhere to the cork and not leave a mark.
4. Wood: Key function: Great dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. three/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 among most popular. Elm, while hardy and lengthy-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: Choose padded floor protections if the finances allows. Glue down floors have to 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 similar to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and customarily durable, so 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 will not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, grime, and dirt 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 as much as forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key characteristic: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-site visitors areas. Nice investment, a number of design options available. Most common, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an excellent surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically 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: Numerous surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products similar to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key feature: Fashionable, popular in condos.
Pro: Cheap, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor mud mites; supreme for house owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional expertise, which might be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a light floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embody 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. Great value and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embrace matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a superb choice in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various 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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