The type of floor you’ve got can have an effect on how warm or cold you’re feeling, 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 houses 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 characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; splendid for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for home owners with allergy symptoms to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Can’t be re-finished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep frequently 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 such as Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key feature: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and filth, superb for house owners with respiratory issues; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, 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 put in, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based products akin to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn out to be trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are ideal 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 allergy symptoms or arthritis. Price 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 select textile primarily based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that may gently adhere to the cork and not go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key function: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. 3/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 among most popular. Elm, while hardy and lengthy-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more inclined to humidity.
Upkeep: Space rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the budget 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 comparable to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key feature: Basic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is great for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and customarily durable, as long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection may 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: Quick time period adhesive carpet film is available for up to forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Great funding, a lot of design options available. Most typical, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a great surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use gentle cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products resembling Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key function: Stylish, well-liked in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor dust mites; best for dwelling owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which may be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every years. Clean with vinegar and water combine 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-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust in your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dust; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent choice in hot climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products similar to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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