The flooring industry has changed a lot over the years. From new carpet fibers to entirely new types of products, it can be hard to know what flooring is best suited for your flooring project. And flooring isn’t something we think about every day.
To help your decision-making process, we’ve put together a beginner’s guide to flooring choices. We’ve broken it down by product category and have included tips on the installation and durability of each type of product. Of course, if you have any questions, you can reach out to your local Nufloors for help.
Carpet
Traditionally, carpet has been one of the most common types of flooring found in North American homes. That makes it an obvious place to start off our beginner’s guide to flooring choices.
There are a number of benefits associated with carpet. Carpet is actually hypoallergenic, it improves indoor air quality, it reduces noise, and is fairly easy to maintain.
However, carpet can be made from one of four different fibers, which all perform and look slightly different. The four fibers are: Nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and natural fiber (wool). It is important to choose the right fiber for your household and lifestyle.
Installation
Carpet is cushiony and warm which, makes it perfect in family rooms and bedrooms, especially for children or older residents. Carpet can also create a more peaceful environment as it helps reduce noise from dropped objects and footsteps. This flooring type is not suited for wet areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Durability
Each fiber has a different durability so we will break it down by fiber:
- Nylon is very durable thanks to its strength and resilience. Although not naturally stain resistant there are stain-resistant treatments that can be used to protect your carpet.
- Polyester is not as resilient as nylon is, however it is the best for retaining colour and provides a very soft feel. Polyester carpet is not recommended for high traffic areas as it is prone to compaction.
- The strengths of polypropylene are superior stain resistance, resistance to fading, and it is low-cost. Despite its strengths it is not very durable and can lead to crushing.
- Wool is the premier fiber in the world of carpet, it is highly resilient and durable. Wool is a natural fiber and has a natural barrier to protect against moisture, stains, and even static. Less static means less dirt and dust.
For more information on Carpet visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Carpet
Hardwood Flooring
The natural elements and beauty of hardwood floor is timeless and highly sought after.
Hardwood flooring is available in two forms, solid hardwood and engineered hardwood. Knowing the difference is important as the make-up and performance of the two are different.
Solid hardwood is 100% solid hardwood planks where as engineered hardwood has a stable, layered construction with a wood top and backing. Hardwood is also durable, making your investment last.
Installation
Hardwood floor is perfect for most rooms in your home however it is not recommended for bathrooms, laundry rooms or areas that may be exposed to puddles and high humidity. Hardwood is highly susceptible to moisture; planks can either absorb moisture and expand or dry out and shrink.
However, engineered hardwood is designed to be more stable than solid wood and therefore may be a good choice for basement installations, over concrete slab, or radiant heating systems.
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Durability
Wear and tear over time is inevitable, however hardwoods durability and long-lasting performance is what home owners value. Durability can be affected by the hardness of the wood species selected, level of protection of the finishing products and the amount of traffic your floor gets.
For more information on Hardwood visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Hardwood
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring is designed to resist moisture and everyday wear and tear, built to withstand even the busiest of lifestyles. With today’s technology luxury vinyl is able to fool even the biggest critics with its realistic visuals and texture of hardwood and stone.
Installation
Luxury vinyl is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, basements and laundry rooms however due to its durability it is a suitable option for any room in your home. You can also expect a quicker installation compared to a regular ceramic tile installation.
Durability
Luxury vinyl is renowned for its high-durability and scratch resistant features. Some luxury vinyl products are 100% waterproof so it won’t swell, buckle or lose its integrity when exposed to water. It is also very easy to clean and maintain.
For more information on Luxury Vinyl visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Luxury Vinyl
Laminate Flooring
You can get the look and feel of hardwood or high-end stone on a budget with laminate flooring. This is a hardworking floor ready to take on the challenges of a busy family.
Installation
Laminate can be installed virtually anywhere in your home: kitchens, foyers, family rooms and bedrooms.
Durability
Designed for the most active households as laminate is built to withstand everyday wear and tear. It is constructed in layers one of which is a hardened wear layer to protect from scratches, surface spills, stains and fading.
For more information on Laminate visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Laminate
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is harvested from the bark of cork oak trees, which makes them one of the most eco friendly flooring products on the market. The cork is grounded up, compressed, and formed into sheets bonded with resins. Cork offers a very soft and cushiony surface and is hypoallergenic!
Installation
Installing cork flooring is very easy whether it be a peel and stick product or if it requires thin set. You can replace damaged planks and tiles once it has been installed. It is a great option for areas that you will be standing for long periods of time due to the cushion it provides, as well as children’s rooms or places where older residents reside.
Cork is best installed on on-grade or above-grade levels and not recommended for basement application. Basements have a risk of moisture migration from the slab and can cause glue-down tile to lift and cup.
However, speak to your Nufloors flooring specialist as there may be solutions to this application such as using a floating floor over a moisture barrier.
Durability
Because of corks super soft nature, it makes it very susceptible to damage. Dropping sharp objects, furniture legs and high heels can cause harm.
In addition, you will want to ensure your cork floor is properly sealed and finished once installed because water and humidity can cause cork to warp and lift. Be careful of sunlight also as it can cause discolouration.
Cork is similar to solid hardwood in that you can refinish and reseal your flooring multiple times to extend its life span.
For more information on Cork visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Cork
Sheet Vinyl Flooring
Sheet Vinyl flooring comes in a large roll and is cut to size. It is available in a large selection of styles to fit every budget and lifestyle.
Installation
Sheet Vinyl is versatile enough for any room in your home. Also, the single solid surface makes it a great choice for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms where there is typically more moisture.
Durability
Sheet Vinyl can withstand scratches, scuffs and stains. There is a lot of technology that goes into manufacturing this type of product and therefore there a number of different performance levels you can find it in. You can find a vinyl sheet that suits your lifestyle based on durability, comfort, style and on a budget!
For more information on Sheet Vinyl visit Nufloors Flooring Choices – Sheet Vinyl
Reasons to Buy from a Flooring Retailer vs. a Home Improvement Store
Once you’ve decided on the type of flooring that will best suit your space and budget, you’ll need to decide on where to get your product. Here are 4 reasons why you should go with a flooring retailer, like Nufloors.
1. Fantastic Selection
Flooring retailers will have a much larger selection of options for you to browse on their showroom floor. If they don’t have what you’re looking for in-store, they have access to a large online inventory that you can shop. Flooring stores also update their selection more often with the latest, on-trend and popular styles. Looking for something specific? Due to their large inventory, it’s highly likely that a flooring store can accommodate your request.
2. Professional Installation
Flooring retailers work directly with knowledgeable, skilled installers that are licensed or certified professionals. This makes it easy for you! No need to spend time finding your own reliable, reputable installer. Professional installation is key to long lasting floors.
3. Specialized Knowledge
Sales staff at a flooring retailer will be a lot more equipped with knowledge over a home improvement store staff member. A staff member at a home improvement store must be knowledgeable on all things home improvement, from refrigerators, lighting, paint and many more topics. Because they do not specialize in flooring like the sales staff at a flooring retailer, their knowledge will be limited.
A flooring retail staff member will be able to take the information you give them, based on your lifestyle and household traffic, and provide their best recommendation for your needs. They will be able to educate you on the types of flooring to consider based on home décor, attention to climate and where in the home it will be installed. You will receive more one-on-one time with a flooring retail staff member, who will not be in as much of a hurry as a home improvement staff member, who may be responsible for inventory, stocking or cashiering.
4. Warranty
Warranty may be biggest pro of going with a flooring retailer. Some home improvement stores may offer warranties to entice you to buy. However, flooring retailers offer excellent warranties for several years along with repair policies. They will also fully explain the product warranty offered by the manufacturer.
It is a big decision choosing new flooring as it is a large investment and you want it to last for years to come. That being said, it is worth investing more time and money upfront to avoid running into common problems down the road that could end up costing you more in the long run.
