The 4 types of flooring you should be aware of
So you’ve determined it’s time to get new floors. Now that they’re in your future comes the fun part: figuring out which of the floor types is worth your investment.
You’re trying to uncover the best option for your particular situation. Flooring that lasts for years and increases the value of your home.
There are a lot of choices out there. Take into consideration the needs of your home now in addition to what future home buyers might want. Today’s trends might not be so hot tomorrow! Who remembers shag carpets?
Floor Types
Revere Construction and Roofing specialize in the following floor types. This list is not exhaustive, just the four most popular options we provide our customers:
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Hardwood floors
- Hardwood floors fall into two categories: solid and engineered. Solid is simple enough; it’s just one solid piece of wood. Engineered is a thin piece of actual wood on top of layers of other materials.
- Have different material costs depending on the category.
- Solid hardwood allows for future refinishes, meaning it can last for anywhere from 30 to 100 years. It also has a higher material cost, about $5 per sq foot.
- Some engineered hardwood allows for refinishes; it all depends on the thickness of the top layer of wood. This type costs about $1-$2 per square foot, depending on the thickness of the top layer. Engineered hardwood lasts about 20-30 years
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Carpet
- Carpet comes in various qualities and textures affected by the manufacturing process. Fibers can either be woven or bonded to the backing surface, and several different materials are used when making the fibers themselves.
- It requires a layer of padding to be laid on the floor. The carpet is then laid down and attached using tack strips on the edges of the walls
- Falls into three tiers of durability. The lowest, most inexpensive options can last for up to 5 years, mid-grade for 5-15 years, and the highest quality can last for 15-25 years.
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Tile
- Requires the use of grout to install. Large amounts of tile connections can pose cleaning challenges when used on a large scale.
- It is water-resistant, making it the perfect option for bathrooms and kitchens. Water damage restoration isn’t an issue with tile floors.
- Has similar durability to hardwood, lasting for decades and up to 100 years.
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Epoxy Coating
- It is similar to garage floor paint. The difference is that garage floor paint comes in one bucket, and epoxy comes in two buckets that mixed before application.
- It has a glossier finish than garage floor paint.
- It is available in fewer color options than garage floor paint. Often, color flakes are added to epoxy to get the desired color.
- Requires the concrete to be treated extensively before application.
- Can last 3-5 years before touch-ups are needed
Paralysis by analysis
By now, you probably have a good idea about which of the floor types is best for you. Don’t let the number of options stop you from calling your flooring professional and getting a consultation. They can guide your decisions about which of the floor types to choose, layout what works best for your space and your budget, and inform you about the installation costs.
Whichever option you choose increases the value of your home and provide the update to the aesthetics of your space, allowing you to enjoy your living area for years to come. Now that you know what kinds of floor types are available, it’s time to talk to a contractor and continue the process!