Flooring Selection Tips

Choosing the right type of flooring can seem like an overwhelming task. There are several varieties to choose from - wood, laminates, vinyl, ceramic, stone, carpeting and many specialty materials. Within each broad category, there are literally hundreds of options. Fortunately, narrowing them down is a simple matter of focusing on a few basic guidelines.

For most people, especially do-it-yourselfers who are strongly motivated to stretch their dollars, budget is the primary consideration.

Carpeting

Carpeting is often the least expensive choice, but there are many low-cost vinyl floorings that will also allow you to save money. The problem here is that you will often get what you pay for and no more. Cheap carpets don't merely look cheap, it is poor quality. The same for cheap vinyl flooring.

That means that you will likely be missing many desirable qualities like durability and ease of cleaning. If the flooring has to be replaced every couple of years it probably isn't worth the low price. If you need to spend an excessive amount of time cleaning a carpet with low stain-resistance, are you really saving anything? The answer will , of course, depend on your individual circumstances, including application. Some areas with little use, such as basements, may not require more expensive flooring.

Hardwood and Laminate Flooring

Hardwood is relatively expensive, but it has excellent durability, is easy to care for and looks great. But not everyone can afford exotic Brazilian Teak or Chinese Cherry. Another option is a wood laminate. They are often be quite attractive and can last for years. While their wear characteristics aren't quite as good as hardwoods, which can easily last 50 years if well cared for, they do quite well and they're pleasant to walk on.

If you are investigating a laminate, check the AC rating. These ratings are assigned based on careful testing and indicate the durability of the material, resistance to scratching and staining, and other qualities. AC 1 laminates are appropriate for moderate traffic areas, while AC 3 will better withstand heavy use. The higher the rating the better, but AC 5 is generally only needed and installed in public buildings.

Ceramic Tiles

Ceramics range from cheap generic tile to highly expensive works of art. One difference is the durability of the tiles. All ceramics have a very hard surface, but some tiles are more brittle than others. A brittle tile is more likely to crack under normal usage. Replacing tiles is costly and time consuming, so it may be worthwhile to spend a little more up front.

Stone

Stone will be one the more expensive choices, but of course it could very well outlast the house. Many stone floors are removed from old houses being torn down and re-used elsewhere. If you're looking for something very stylish, natural  and ultra-durable, a good sandstone or slate might be just the right choice. With modern treatments stone is usually  stain resistant and can be easy to care for.

Don't Overlook Concrete

One of the least expensive, but today actually very stylish flooring options is concrete. Once considered only for  basements or garages, with modern surface effects concrete can be stained with a variety of colors and designs. These newer concrete floors can imitate marble, stone or even wood. It cleans easily and, of course, will last for decades without cracking. That makes them a great choice for any area.

Consider your budget and wear needs, potential traffic and think about your design tastes. You will then be able to narrow the choices very quickly.