One of the hardest decisions in new construction or custom home building is what kind of flooring material to install. Not only does the flooring of a new home have a dominant visual element, but it also forms the impression of the overall design style of the home’s décor. Let’s review some of the most popular flooring choices offered today and some of the challenges associated with each choice.
HARDWOOD FLOORING
There is a reason so many architects, designers and homeowners prefer our top choice. Hardwood flooring is a timeless classic that provides both style and durability, and is the preferred choice of flooring material when looking at the value of a home or luxury apartment.
Hardwood flooring is available in an endless array of colors and styles. This allows you to create any type of design style you can imagine. From classic traditional herringbone patterns, bright contemporary themes, or even a rustic antique theme are all possible. Harder varieties of hardwood are ideal for heavily traffic areas in the home.
If you have an exact color in mind, you can select an unfinished hardwood and a custom stain can be applied. Hardwood has versatility in the ways it can be patterned, such as thin strips, wide planks, or even parquet style squares. Popular hardwoods include cherry, oak and maple which are prized for their looks, grain patterns and lasting durability.
Another option is engineered hardwood, a hardwood variant that is manufactured in layers in a cross-ply manner. It is more resistant to humidity changes than solid hardwood. Engineered hardwood is also an ideal choice for glue-down applications on concrete surfaces.
HARDWOOD FLOORING CHALLENGES
Hardwood flooring is not a good choice for areas that experience excessive humidity or get a lot of moisture. Hardwood flooring wears over time and can require periodic sanding and refinishing to remove scratches, wear or dings.
LUXURY VINYL PLANK (LVP) FLOORING
Produced in layers, LVP has taken the flooring world by storm. On the top layer of the LVP, a high resolution detailed photo image can mimic a wide range of visual options. Some of these options resemble hardwood flooring, tile or even stone.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring can also be a designers dream as it can resemble a variety of materials, textures and surfaces which allow for endless design possibilities and themes. Unlike hardwood, LVP flooring is resistant to water which makes it better suited for high humidity areas.
Luxury vinyl plank flooring can also be purchased in tiles or planks, as well as offering various visual options for the homeowners including matte or gloss finishes. LVP flooring can be quieter than hardwood flooring and more resistant to dings and dents in case of dropped dishes or glasses.
LVP FLOORING CHALLENGES
Walking on LVP flooring alone can create an unpleasant hollow sound. The use of an extra layer of underlayment is suggested for installation, and will serve as a moisture and sound barrier. If damage occurs, areas or sections of the LVP flooring will need to be removed and replaced as sanding and refinishing the surface is not an option.
TILE FLOORING
Tile has grown up. Not just relegated to kitchens and bathrooms, tile flooring is a popular option for homeowners, developer/builders, and construction contractors.
Tile is durable, elegant and can be cut and shaped into squares, planks and other custom styles. Tile is ideal for high moisture or wet areas of the home. Primarily available in ceramic, porcelain or natural stone, tile also wears well in heavy traffic areas.
Tile is available in smooth and rough textures and all variations in-between. Endless colors and shades are available along with unlimited colors of grout. Grout can add a visually pleasing element and can blend or contrast depending on the desired effect of the designer.
CHALLENGES OF TILE Flooring
Tile can be hard to stand on for long periods of time. Grout lines are prone to staining if not properly maintained by the homeowner. Broken tiles are difficult to remove and replace. Tile does not absorb sound well and the sound has a tendency to travel.
CARPETING
With so many colors, textures and choices, carpet remains popular for many new homeowners. Not only is it one of the most comfortable flooring choices to walk and stand on, but carpet also helps insulate the rooms temperature as carpet fibers retain heat. Carpet can also quiet a room as it absorbs sound better than all the other flooring options.
Carpet can be made from natural and man-made fibers. The most popular is wool which not only has a luxurious feel and look, but also has hypoallergenic qualities. Nylon fibers offer durability, stain protection, and ease of maintenance. Polyester is a good choice for homeowners who are concerned about trapping allergens.
If you install a carpet in high traffic areas, it should be pre-treated with stain resistant products which will allow them to be easily cleaned and maintained. Carpet is also easy to remove and replace after it has fulfilled its life cycle.
CHALLENGES OF CARPET
Not all carpets are created equal when it comes to fibers, longevity and stain resistance. Carpeting is also a challenge to keep clean and maintain.
No matter which flooring type you choose, Direct Flooring can help you through the selection, pricing and installation process. When it comes to resale value, many considerations come into play as far as flooring is concerned. There are many factors you should consider when selecting the right flooring for the right situation. Traffic, design, color, and style; all play an important roll in finding the right flooring for your home or new construction project.
Direct Flooring, located in Flemington, NJ, has been the top choice of construction firms, developers, home builders, architects and designers since 2005. Trusted with custom flooring solutions by construction firms delivering top quality mid-rise and high-rise locations in NYC, Philadelphia, and throughout NJ, Direct Flooring has earned a reputation for providing the finest luxury flooring products in the tri-state area.
