The type of floor you have can have an effect on how warm or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the temper in certain rooms of their houses with completely different flooring. Here’s a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the most effective surface protection products to protect them during building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key feature: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; ideally suited for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for home owners with allergic reactions 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 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 comparable to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and dirt, splendid for house owners with respiratory issues; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Must be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within 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 based mostly products corresponding to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key function: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has change into 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 house owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Price comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and could develop in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and choose textile based products corresponding to Surface Liner Pro that can gently adright here to the cork and never depart a mark.
4. Wood: Key function: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ 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 probably 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 vulnerable to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than 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 really helpful for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors could be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key function: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is nice for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is simple to clean, and customarily durable, so long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, filth, and dust particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Brief term adhesive carpet film is available for up to 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key characteristic: Long-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 a super surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use delicate 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 based products corresponding to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key characteristic: Stylish, in style in condos.
Pro: Cheap, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; ideal for house owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional experience, which will be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products include 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 value and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Powerful in your joints. Might have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dust; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful alternative in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products equivalent to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
Leave a Reply