Flooring is arguably one of the most crucial parts of your home. Whether you are buying or building your house from scratch, flooring will always be a key consideration and an integral part of interior design. Floors take up a considerable percentage of a building – which is why flooring significantly impacts the home’s overall aesthetics.
Every homeowner wants to select the perfect flooring option for their home and family. Unfortunately, that can be a relatively challenging task considering the high number of options available in the market today. Your flooring decision will often come down to budget and personal taste. However, it is essential to consider practicality, especially if you have kids and pets running around the house.
One of the most popular flooring options today is engineered wood flooring. It is perfect for high-moisture environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements. But why choose engineered wood flooring for your family home?
Most homeowners choose engineered wood floors since they provide better stability and resistance to wear, temperature and moisture. Besides its extensive lifespan, they are available in different styles, designed to suit the varying customer’s tastes and purposes.
Tips for Choosing the Best Flooring for Your Home
Aesthetics
As mentioned earlier, the flooring decision often comes down to personal taste. Everyone wants to have a floor that is pleasant to look at. Therefore, aesthetics should be at the top of your mind when choosing a flooring option for your home.
With engineered wood flooring, you won’t have to worry about aesthetics. It comes in different styles and shapes, which ensures something for everyone. If you want a more classic and luxurious look, you can go for herringbone flooring or Versailles panels. Regardless of your choice, engineered wood flooring will always add a warm and opulent feel to your home.
While you choose a flooring style that suits your tastes, it is also essential to ensure it sits well with the surroundings. It is ‘normal’ to get carried away when checking out various designs and styles at the store, and people will often forget the impact of their flooring decision on interior design. However, it is essential to note that choosing an option that doesn’t suit the surroundings can earn you a trip to the furniture shop or interior designer in the near future.
Practicality
Besides aesthetics, it is crucial to choose a flooring option that is practical for the area you want it installed. You need to consider the amount of traffic and the activities that will take place in the particular room. What will go into the room? Is the area moisture prone? Will pets and kids be running around the home?
While we think about the advantages of engineered wood flooring, it is essential to note that we enjoy these benefits only if we consider practicality when installing the floors. For instance, engineered wood floors are relatively water-resistant and perform well in bathrooms and damp areas. However, tile flooring is a much better and long-lasting solution in such high-moisture areas.
On the other hand, engineered wood flooring is the best option for your bedrooms, kitchen and living room since they hold the warmth much better than other flooring options, including porcelain tiles and laminates. So, it is essential to pay attention to practicality before you settle on a particular flooring option for your family home.
Budget
Another vital thing to consider when choosing a flooring option for your family home is the budget. It is essential to create a budget and stick to it if you want to spend within your means. But why is it important to budget for your flooring?
As you shop around the market, you will notice that different flooring options vary in design and cost. Like any other thing, some flooring types will be more expensive than others. For instance, engineered wood floors will cost you more than laminates and porcelain tiles. As such, you need to check the price guide before you settle on a particular material, style or design.
When budgeting, it is essential to include the installation costs. The charges for installing these floors may vary depending on a few factors, including design, style and the subfloor’s condition at the time of installation. For instance, installing chevron flooring might cost you a little more than other wood flooring options since it is relatively sophisticated and requires the help of an expert. So ensure you create a detailed budget before starting floor renovation or installation.
Maintenance
Besides your budget, it is essential to consider the ease of maintenance before you settle on a particular flooring option. Certain floors require more maintenance than others since the manufacturing materials vary. For instance, carpeted floors can be relatively challenging to keep clean compared to tiled floors. So, before settling on a particular flooring option, it is essential to consider the level of maintenance required and whether you can keep up with the demands.
Most homeowners choose engineered wood floors since they are relatively straightforward to clean and maintain. Whether you settle for Versailles panels or long plank wood flooring, your cleaning routine will involve removing dust particles and wiping stains as soon as it touches the floor. Here is a short guide on how to clean engineered wood floors;
- Remove dirt and debris – You can use a soft bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner (with adapters for wood floors) to clear the floor of any dust and debris.
- Apply a cleaning solution – Spray your preferred cleaning solution on the floor and follow it with a slightly damp mop.
- Let the floor dry – It is essential to ensure the floor is completely dry before you allow foot traffic into the room.
Another maintenance practice for engineered wood flooring is refinishing. The process involves sanding and reapplication of wood finishing products. It is an essential step towards maintaining a beautiful and long-lasting floor since it erases dings and scratches that exposes the surface to further damage.
In a Nutshell
With plenty of great options, choosing the perfect flooring for your family home can be relatively challenging. Luckily, Wood Flooring Ireland is here to help you make a decision you won’t regret. Visit our Wood Flooring Ireland showroom in Cork or fill in our contact form to get a free quote!