The type of floor you may have can have an effect on how warm or cold you feel, your general health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can instantly change the temper in sure rooms of their homes with completely different flooring. Here is a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them throughout development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; excellent 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: Cannot 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 instantly to stop stains. Set up 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 filth, ideally suited for dwelling owners with respiratory problems; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Difficult to install. Must be heat-welded utilizing equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a few times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in 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 such as Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has change into trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are very best since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; nice for residence owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and could broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and select textile primarily based products comparable to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier in your back than tile or stone. three/4″ permits 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 essentially the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and lengthy-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the price range 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 corresponding to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is great for houses and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is simple to clean, and generally durable, so long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection will not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, filth, 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 feature: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Great funding, a lot of design options available. Commonest, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a great surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While costly, professional installation is highly recommended. Use gentle 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 primarily based products similar to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key feature: Fashionable, standard 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; preferrred for house owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional experience, which may be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embrace EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and allow the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key characteristic: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice worth and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embrace matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough in your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs grime; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful choice in hot climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products akin to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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