Selecting the Perfect Flooring For Your Home (Part 1)

From time to time, I’m asked about how to choose a flooring material for a renovation.  There are quite a few things to consider. In this blog series, I’ll share some of my thoughts with you about materials, how and where to use them, installation, maintenance and more.

For now, let’s start with some types of materials that are commonly used for flooring in a home.

Porcelain Tile

A popular choice for today’s busy families. Porcelain is one of the most durable and least expensive materials available.  It’s a type of ceramic, but porcelain is made using a mix of better-grade clays and fired at higher temperatures than ceramic. This makes porcelain harder and denser than ceramic. Also, it is less porous which makes it a good choice if you have kids and pets in your household.

You’ll find lots of options of porcelain tile that mimic the look of stone or wood.  This is accomplished by sandwiching multiple layers containing porcelain clay, a photograph of natural materials such as wood or stone and a finish topcoat.

Be mindful of the number of different “photographs” within the offering.  If you can easily detect another piece with the exact same pattern, the outcome may be disappointing.  A box with only 9 photos vs. about 30 is not going to be the best choice, especially if your room is fairly large.

Large Format Porcelain Tile

In recent years, larger format tiles have come on the market, opening up new possibilities for application.  Entire walls and floors can be clad with these tiles which means less seams and less interruption to their patterns and textures. Be mindful of the size of your room when considering a large format tile.  The trick is avoiding too many smaller cuts around the edges of your space.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile, also made from clay, is generally not as durable as porcelain. But often you’ll find selections which look as though each piece is made by hand and individual to the others. Some ceramic tiles actually are made by hand where some are made to look this way.  Ceramic tile can be a bit pricier than porcelain. 

Slate Tile

Slate is a popular natural stone and has beauty in its richness of color and texture.  It can be sealed or left in its natural state. Be aware that when sealed, it will darken and possibly take on an unnatural look if the sealant is too shiny. So, test your sealant before you commit to it. There are also many color variations to choose from.

Marble or Other Natural Stone

Someone once said to me that “Americans tend to want to keep everything pristine.  Whereas in Europe, marble and other natural stones have been used for centuries, and people there see it differently”. 

 A Carrera marble threshold for instance, will wear and dull over time.  Some would say that time only enhances the beauty of the stone.  So, think carefully about how you feel about these materials as they age.  If you want to keep them looking brand new, they may not be the best choice for your home.  Natural stone is porous and can stain and scratch, requiring more maintenance than other materials.  They may or may not live up to your long-term expectations. 

Terrazzo Tile

 Terrazzo is a combination of marble chips, quartz, glass, granite, or other materials which are held together with a binding material such as resin or epoxy.  For me, it’s a throwback to the 1960’s and works well in a mid-century home.

Linoleum, Both Sheet and Tile

It’s not your mother’s 1950’s floor any longer! Linoleum’s main ingredient is linseed oil, a natural ingredient which is mixed with other natural ingredients such as cork dust, wood flour, pine resin, ground limestone, and pigments. It is then pressed onto a woven backing made from jute.  Because it’s made of 100% natural materials, it is biodegradable.

In the past, linoleum had to be resealed with wax. I remember my mom doing this? These days however, linoleum has a durable finish, which requires no wax and a lot less maintenance.

You’ll find linoleum offered in both tiles and in sheets.  Tiles are a fun way to mix it up and create a pattern unique to only you.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

 A very popular choice these past few years.  Luxury Vinyl Plank or LVP uses a tongue and groove installation similar to wood planks.  LVP planks are much thinner and are flexible and can be esily cut. They can sometimes be floated over an underlayment. It will depend on the brand you choose and the instructions that come with it. 

This type of product is made using a similar sandwiching method that includes a photograph of real materials such as wood.

Some brands are also waterproof and will cost a bit more. 

Engineered wood vs. Solid wood

Engineered wood flooring is a type of hardwood flooring, but the boards consist of under layers.  The under layers are plywood which makes it very strong.  It looks and feels just like a solid wood board because the top layer is real solid hardwood.  

 A solid hardwood board will be one solid layer.

Cork

Cork will provide a comfortable cushion underfoot because it’s soft and will give when walked on.  It’s a natural and renewable material. Cork will also make your home more efficient and less costly in terms of heating and cooling. Because it is soft,  and if you want a floor that stays perfect looking for years, you may be disappointed because it can scratch.

The Janka Scale (Wood Species Hardness Scale)

The Janka scale, shows the density of wood by testing its resistance to denting. The test measures the force required to embed a steel ball halfway into a piece of wood. That force is recorded in pounds-force (lbf) in the U.S.

Wood Floor Finish and Sheen

While a Walnut or Brazilian Cherry flooring may be tempting, consider how you use your home.  Do you have kids or pets?  The darker the floor, the more it’s going to show dirt, dust and pet hair.

Also, the shinier the finish, the more you are going to see dirt, dust, hair…and scratches!

For wood floors that have a textured surface such a scraped or rough-hewn, it may not be possible to refinish your floors. This is important to think about especially if your floors will take more abuse with kids and pets, or even a walker or wheelchair.  A smooth finish may be a better choice if this is the case.

Be sure to check the specifications for the thickness of your top layer if you want to be able to refinish it down the road.  And ask your floor installer to weigh in on this important consideration before you buy.

Some wood species will age more quickly than others.  So, for instance, if you plan to add more of the same wood flooring later on, you may need to refinish the entire existing floor too.  This is because it will have aged, and the new flooring may not ever catch up to its new color and this will leave you with two different-looking wood floors.

Be sure to inquire about the UV protection of the topcoat of the products you are considering.  If you’re going with a solid wood floor that is unfinished, ask about the lacquer or urethane your installer is planning to use. These will also affect the rate of aging and color change your wood floor may undergo.

Cement Tile

Cement tiles tend to require more maintenance than porcelain or ceramic and they can be prone to stains or chips.  And, because the material tends to be thicker than others, they can present a challenge for getting them to sit flush.

On the other hand, cement tiles offer a more unique approach to your flooring needs. There are endless options in terms of design and color, more than their porcelain or ceramic counterparts.  As a result, this material will make a unique statement in your home.

You’ll also find them to be slightly higher in price but some will say worth it. So, consider the square footage/ area of your room before you write this beautiful option off. A powder bath where you see less traffic would be a good example for both budget and maintenace. You might find you can splurge a little and still fit your bottom line.

Concrete

Concrete floors are not just for garages any longer.  They can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen, bathrooms or other living spaces.  Concrete is easy to maintain, is durable and scratch-resistant, making it a practical choice with kids and pets.  It can also be stained and finished in a number of ways.

 Sealing with wax or other sealant will not only keep it looking new for a longer, but will also help reduce the danger of slipping when wet.

Concrete can crack over time, but some people consider this an enhancement to its beauty

Comfort

Wood and vinyl flooring will be warmer under foot than stone or tile.  Also, if you are on a raised foundation, a wood floor can be easier on your back when standing for long periods of time.  If your foundation is a concrete slab, no matter what you install, it will be a much harder surface on which to stand or walk.

Tune in again soon and we’ll continue this discussion. Next, I’ll share my thoughts and tips on choosing a pattern and what to consider when planning your layout.

Head on over to the DIY Outlet where you’ll find many more resources for your design and decorating needs.