The type of floor you might have can have an effect on how warm or cold you are 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 different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most well-liked residential floor tiles and the very best surface protection products to protect them throughout construction and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; splendid for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Generally 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 dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep regularly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to forestall stains. Set up window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles akin to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and grime, best for residence owners with respiratory issues; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Difficult to install. Must be heat-welded utilizing 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 mostly products corresponding to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has grow to be fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are superb since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; great for dwelling 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: Keep away from floor films and choose textile based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that may gently adright here to the cork and not depart 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 susceptible to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue down floors should be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are really helpful for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors could be protected by leak resistant floor protection such as Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key feature: Basic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is nice for properties 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 normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice may not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dust, and dirt 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 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Great funding, a number of design options available. Most typical, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a perfect surface for home owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional installation is highly recommended. Use gentle cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products reminiscent of Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key function: Stylish, widespread in condos.
Pro: Cheap, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor mud mites; perfect for residence owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which could be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each 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 feature: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice worth and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust in your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent alternative in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products corresponding to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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