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When it comes to home design and decor, one of the most significant decisions you'll make is choosing the right flooring. The flooring will not only affects the aesthetics of the space but also plays a crucial role in functionality, comfort, and maintenance. With the number of flooring options available today, making the right choice can be overwhelming.

In our guide, we'll walk you through the factors to consider and the different flooring options to help you make an informed decision.

Lifestyle and Usage

It is impossible to look at specific flooring materials without taking a closer look at your lifestyle and the specific requirements of each space. Consider asking yourself the following questions:

Do you have children or pets?
Are you looking for flooring for a wet area, like the bathroom or kitchen?
Do you have any allergies or sensitivities to certain materials?

Answering these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose flooring that can withstand the demands of your daily life.

Durability

Durability is a key factor in selecting the right flooring. Different materials have varying levels of wear & resistance. Here is a brief overview:

Resin Floors: Highly durable and usually guaranteed between 5-10 years.
Hardwood: Solid wood floors are durable and can last for decades with proper care, especially since most can be sanded down and revarnished/stained.
LVT: Highly durable, guaranteed to last 25y or more depending on the brand
Tile: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are known for their durability, especially in high-moisture areas.
Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is durable and resilient, making it suitable for high-traffic areas. (goods only 5-10years)
Carpet: While carpet offers comfort, it may not be the most durable choice, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Consider the lifespan and maintenance requirements of each flooring type to make the best decision for your home.

Aesthetic Appeal

The flooring you choose should complement your overall interior design. Take into account factors such as colour, texture, and style.

Poured/Resin flooring: Seamless look with no grout, unlimited colour choices and the option for a truly unique look - terrazzo/concrete.
Wood/Engineered: Offers timeless elegance and a warm, natural look.
Tile: Provides a wide range of design possibilities with various colours, patterns, and sizes.
Carpet: Comes in various textures and colours to suit different decor styles.
LVT/Laminate: Can mimic the look of hardwood, tile, or stone and is available in various finishes (including unique patterns).

Budget

Flooring costs can vary significantly depending on the material, quality, and installation requirements. While natural wood, poured floors and engineered wood tend be on the higher end of the price spectrum, laminate, vinyl, and carpet can offer a more budget-friendly option. Also the pattern/size of the floor will have an impact on cost. Herringbone/Chevron/Mosaics are labour intensive and will have a higher fitting cost. Keep in mind that investing in higher-quality flooring may save you money in the long run due to increased durability.

Maintenance

Different flooring materials demand varying levels of maintenance. Consider the time and effort you're willing to dedicate to floor upkeep when making your decision

Resin floors: have high levels of elasticity which makes them highly durable and prevents cracking. Sealed and non permeable offer little to no maintenance.
Wood/Engineered Wood: More porous, prone to scratches and dents. It is recommended to oil flooring every 2 years.
Tile: Needs regular cleaning and grout maintenance. Encaustic tiles will naturally be more porous (and require cleaning and resealing). Ceramic/Porcelain tiles offer a more durable choice but can be prone to cracks.
Carpet: Requires frequent vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning. Natural (wool based) carpets stain more easily but there are also more durable & bleachable carpets on offer. Some wool ranges can also be prone to moth infestations but again, moth proof wool carpets are now on offer.
LVT: Relatively easy to clean and maintain. Durable, resistant to most scratches and stains.
Laminate: Similarly to LVT, easy to clean and maintain.

Underfloor Heating (UFH)

Under floor heating is becoming increasingly more popular as it provides a more even heat distribution. As such, it is important to choose a floor which will increase it’s efficiency.

Keep in mind that most floors have a maximum temperature often set at 27°C.

Resin Floors - High. Polished screeds and synthetic resins act as efficient thermal stores, ensuring even heat distribution, prolonged heat retention, making them a great choice for UFH.

Wood - Medium. Timber flooring is capable of effectively holding onto heat and releasing it into a room, plus it heats up quickly. However flooring should be avoided if the underfloor heating system is below the base floor level, because of its thickness.

Tiles - High. The benefit of this floor covering and using it alongside underfloor heating is that the thermal mass of the tiles will absorb and store heat, meaning they’ll release it slowly back into the room over time. This will keep your flooring warm for longer periods of time.

Carpets - Medium. Although an unusual choice, carpets can actually be a great option for underfloor heating systems. They provide natural insulation against the cold and are also very effective at retaining heat. However, you will need to choose a type of carpet that integrates well within your underfloor heating system.

LVT & Laminate - High. The thermal transfer level properties will benefit from the heat and make your feet feel warm all winter long. Vinyl tiles (rather than sheets) are easier to separate from the rest of the flooring to allow access to the system underneath.

Comfort and Insulation

The comfort underfoot and insulation properties of your flooring are vital considerations. For bedrooms and cozy living spaces, carpet provides a soft and warm surface. Hard surfaces like tile and hardwood can be cold, so consider area rugs or radiant heating if you prefer them. Also, consider the acoustics of the room; some flooring materials can help dampen sound.

Eco-Friendly Options

If sustainability is important to you, look for eco-friendly flooring options. Sustainable choices include reclaimed wood/paquet flooring, bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and certain types of tile. Poured floors made from natural biopolymers are environmentally-sustainable.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer eco-friendly versions of traditional flooring materials, such as hardwood and laminate, using sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices.

Conclusion

Choosing the right flooring for your house is a decision that combines practicality, aesthetics, and personal preferences. By considering factors like lifestyle, durability, style, budget, maintenance, comfort, and eco-friendliness, you can make an informed choice that enhances both the beauty and functionality of your home. Take your time, research your options, and consult with flooring professionals to ensure you select the perfect flooring for each room in your house, creating a space that truly feels like home.