The type of floor you have got can affect 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 certain rooms of their properties with totally different flooring. Here is a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them during building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; excellent for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for residence owners with allergies 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 repeatedly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles akin to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key feature: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and filth, splendid for home owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough 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 put in, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products reminiscent of Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key function: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has grow to be fashionable 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 residence owners with allergies or arthritis. Price comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will expand in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile primarily based products reminiscent of Surface Liner Pro that may gently adhere to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Great dance floor.
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. three/four” allows for multiple 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 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 vulnerable to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the funds allows. Glue down floors must 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 will be protected by leak resistant floor protection such as Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key feature: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and usually durable, as long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection will 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: Brief time period adhesive carpet film is available for as much as 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key function: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Great investment, a lot of design options available. Most common, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for house owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally 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: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products corresponding to Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key feature: Stylish, common in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, straightforward maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor mud mites; very best for house owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional expertise, which may be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embody 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. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful on your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone gather it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful selection in hot climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products reminiscent of Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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