The type of floor you have got can affect how warm or cold you feel, 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 different flooring. Here’s a rundown of the most well-liked residential floor tiles and one of the best surface protection products to protect them during development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; ideal 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: Can’t 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 forestall stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles corresponding to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and dirt, very best for home owners with respiratory disorders; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Difficult to install. Needs to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a couple of times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within the linoleum oxidizes when installed, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with 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 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 insects away; nice for dwelling owners with allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will increase in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile based mostly products similar to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier in your back than tile or stone. three/4″ allows for a number of refinishes. How a tree is cut 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 inclined 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 finances 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 can be protected by leak resistant floor protection similar to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key function: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is great for houses and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and usually durable, as long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative may 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: Quick time period adhesive carpet film is available for as much as forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key characteristic: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-traffic areas. Great investment, numerous design options available. Most typical, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an excellent surface for home 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 mild cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products corresponding to Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key characteristic: Trendy, in style in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Would not harbor dust mites; perfect for dwelling owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional experience, which could be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a gentle 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 function: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice worth and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough on your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone collect it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a superb selection in sizzling climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various 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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