The type of floor you could have can have an effect on how warm or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the mood in certain rooms of their houses with different flooring. This is a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and the perfect surface protection products to protect them during construction and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; superb for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for house 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 recurrently with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles resembling Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and dirt, ultimate for dwelling owners with respiratory problems; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Has to 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 including floor protection films, textiles and paper based products resembling Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has grow to be trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are supreme 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 allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and will broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile based products reminiscent of Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not leave a mark.
4. Wood: Key feature: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. three/four” permits 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 amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more vulnerable to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before 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 beneficial for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors may be protected by leak resistant floor protection resembling Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for houses and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and usually durable, so long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative 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: Short 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-traffic areas. Nice funding, lots of design options available. Commonest, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a perfect surface for house owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally 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 reminiscent of Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key feature: Trendy, common in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; excellent for residence owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which will be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a light floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products include 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 value and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a superb selection in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products comparable to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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