subject: Flooring Options in Your Home Remodel [print this page] Flooring Options in Your Home Remodel Flooring Options in Your Home Remodel
When you're doing a home remodeling project, you'll need to select flooring for various rooms. Below are the pros and cons of different kinds of flooring.
Hardwood:
Pros: Hardwood is particularly beautiful and adds value to your house. It can potentially last the life of your house.
Cons: It can scratch, stain, and fade. It requires periodic refinishing and will react to humidity, so it shouldn't go in a below-grade room.
Laminate:
Pros: Made of artificial materials, laminate floors can resemble hardwood. It is extremely scratch, stain, and fade resistant. It resists moisture and can be used below grade.
Cons: Laminate doesn't have quite the same beauty as hardwood. It can be hard to repair if damaged. It cannot be refinished and its life expectancy is less than 20 years.
Stone:
Pros: Durable and beautiful, stone adds value to your house. Moisture resistant, it is good for kitchens or bathrooms.
Cons: Must be professionally installed and periodically sealed. It can feel cold underfoot. It is also one of the pricier options.
Cork and Bamboo:
Pros: Cork and Bamboo are green options. Cork is harvested from tree bark in a way that doesn't kill the tree and can have a soft spongy feeling some homeowners like. Bamboo is a fast growing grass that is easily replaced. It is durable and can look similar to hardwood floors.
Cons: Cork absorbs water, so it's not good for kitchens or bathrooms. Bamboo varies in quality, so make sure you get a good product.
Terrazzo:
Pros: Made of stone and glass chips bonded with resin or cement, its recycled content makes it a green choice. It can come in a variety of colors and is very durable.
Cons: It's one of the more expensive options and cannot be installed by a do-it-yourselfer.
Carpet:
Pros: It is soft and warm underfoot and is a good choice if you spend a lot of time sitting on the floor. It comes in a variety of colors and textures.
Cons: Good carpeting can be expensive and you need to avoid scams and low-quality products. Carpeting may not be a good option for people with serious allergies.
