Few things will transform the look and feel of a home interior more dramatically than new flooring. Whether you're building your home from the ground up or remodeling a house you've lived in for decades, new flooring is exciting. Never before have there been so many options to choose from, and the sheer volume of available choices can feel overwhelming.
The following information on how to choose the best flooring materials and why good flooring plays an important role in construction is offered in the hopes of guiding you through the process of selecting the right materials for your new floors.
When it comes to how to choose the best flooring materials for your home, the importance of lifestyle cannot be overstated. Everyone goes through stages in life, even though those periods differ a bit from one family to the next. What works for you at one stage might not be the best fit for another, so factoring in your current and projected lifestyle is essential when selecting flooring materials.
For example, a young couple just starting out in their first home may be working with a limited budget as they select flooring materials. The look and feel of the flooring is important, but durability and value may be even more critical. When kids come into the picture, those floors will be put to the test, and softer woods and more intricate designs may be the wrong way to go.
On the other hand, a couple who is preparing to send their youngest off to college might be ready to make a change in a different direction. After years of flooring that stood the test of spills, scrapes, and damp towels and umbrellas, it may be time to step up to a gorgeous exotic hardwood or intricate tilework floor.
When considering your flooring options, take some time to envision how your floors will be used in the years ahead. Making a wise choice now will pay off in the long run, and when the time eventually comes to choose your next flooring materials, you'll have learned the value of an informed consumer choice.
Regardless of your budget or lifestyle, choosing a flooring material that aligns with your aesthetic preferences is always the right choice. Do you prefer a more streamlined, modern look? Would you love to replicate a farmhouse appeal you admired in a model home? Do you want all of the flooring in your home to be the same material and finish, or would you love to embrace a different look for various zones of the home?
Taking the time to consider the appearance of new flooring will ensure you select a material that is a great match for your personal style. Even value-priced, utilitarian flooring comes in a wide range of materials, colors, and finishes, so there is truly something for everyone.
If you plan on keeping your existing furniture for many more years, think about how it will look on your new floors. There are times when an image in a magazine is so appealing you can lose sight of the fact that nothing you own will look right next to that specific type of flooring. If you're planning to purchase all new furniture, you can always choose the floor you love and work around it, but if you'll be keeping what you already own, be sure to think about how the finished project will look and feel.
Far too many people choose or design a home or office with the intention to create a cohesive interior aesthetic that meets the anticipated use of the space, only to run out of creative steam when the time comes to select flooring materials. It's important to understand that the floor of a new home or commercial space will occupy a significant portion of the visual area within each room. Choosing a great flooring material will make a huge difference in the feel of a room.
A sleek, polished concrete floor gives a very urban, industrial vibe, while the warm tones of Brazilian cherry speak to a tropical or contemporary feel. Tile can range from no-nonsense utilitarian to artistic, and everything in between. Flooring is just as important as the shape and size of a room or the windows that brighten your space, so be sure to choose your materials wisely. As you consider why good flooring plays an important role in construction, know that working with an experienced flooring professional is a great place to begin, and can help ensure you select the flooring that is right for your needs and goals.
