With so many flooring options to choose from, deciding what to put down in your home, office or commercial space can be a difficult decision. The perfect floor can complement a look or inspire one altogether, but aesthetics aside – there are several other factors to consider when choosing a floor to suit your needs…

What is your budget?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution, carpet or laminate flooring are the way to go. For a mid-range budget domestic hardwood and engineered wood flooring are an option alongside higher quality laminate and vinyl flooring options. For those that see their floor more as an investment rather than a solution – exotic hardwood floors are known for their durability making them a solid long-term investment.

Where will the flooring be located?
Entryways are prone to more mess and heavy foot traffic, as such they require a durable floor solution that’s easy to clean like hardwood floors. Areas that have fluctuating humidity or are likely to incur spills (bathrooms, laundries, basements) should steer clear of carpet or hardwood floors and opt for a tiled solution as they maintain their structure  regardless of temperature changes and are less likely to harbour mould or mildew.

Do you want something low maintenance when it comes to cleaning?
Each floor type requires a certain amount of maintenance. For those wanting as little maintenance as possible, a resilient surface like vinyl or laminate floors are your best option. If you’re after a solution that will last longer and continue to maintain its appearance, you’re looking at higher maintenance materials like carpet, tile and hardwood. While the above require regular cleaning in the form of vacuuming, mopping and sweeping – each require extra maintenance at some point in time. Carpets need to be steam-cleaned, tiles need to be regrouted and if damaged – hardwood may require sanding and refinishing. Either choose a floor that’s easier to maintain or commit to the upkeep required for particular flooring.

Will you be installing the floor yourself?
While some choose to install their floor themselves to save money, the DIY route is only an option for certain styles of flooring (particularly, if you want it done well). If you’re wanting something that you can install yourself, laminate and vinyl plank flooring tend to be easier to self-install as each board connects with an adjacent board rather than a subfloor. If you have your heart set on hardwood, that’s best installed by a professional. And while carpet may seem fairly straightforward, it can be tricky to lay down perfectly flat.

Consider your family and lifestyle
If you’re furnishing your home, it’s important to consider the people who will be in it. With young children comes wear and tear from spills, running around and playing with toys. Pets can have accidents and scratch floors if their nails are too long. Vinyl and laminate floors are extremely durable and resilient making them a great choice for homes with children and pets. While carpet is comfortable and great to catch off-balance toddlers, it doesn’t fare as well with spills and can house dust and dander which isn’t great for anyone with allergies. Hardwood floors are extremely allergy-friendly as any residual dirt or residue can easily be removed with minimal effort.

Check out our blogs on family-friendly and pet-friendly floors to learn more.

Photo credit: Planete Deco