Choosing
The Right Flooring
by Lee Dobbins
When redecorating or putting in an addition, you are faced with
many decisions, not the least of which is what type of flooring
to buy. Should you buy hardwood or carpet? Vinyl or tile? There’s
many things that you should consider before making your final
flooring decision.
Two
important considerations when purchasing flooring are how durable
the flooring will be and how stain resistant and easy to clean
it is. Your criteria for each depends on the use the flooring
will get.
If
you are buying a floor for the childrens playroom, then you need
a material that can withstand a beating! It needs to be durable
enough to survive the pounding of feet and toys being dragged
acroos it. A hardwood floor might not stand up to such abuse and
you may want something a bit more cushiony as well. A durable
carpet can work, but don’t forget that you’ll need
something that resists stains from those spills and is easy to
clean up.
If,
on the other hand, your flooring purchase is for a formal living
room that is rarely used, you can go with something a bit more
beautiful and, perhaps, less functional. A beautiful wood patterned
floor or even a plush white carpet can lend an elegant look to
any formal room.
For
rooms that get a lot of family use like kitchen and bathrooms,
something in the middle might be good. Make sure that floors for
these rooms are easy to clean and stay away from any textured
vinyl where dirt might accumulate in the crevices and also, tiles
with white grout. I have found that both tend to be very hard
to keep clean over time.
No
matter what room you are picking out flooring for, you should
keep the overall look and décor of the room in mind. A
country design can go great with a simple wood floor or plain
carpet but won’t look so good with a southwestern style
tile. A retro kitchen might be perfect for black and white checked
flooring. A romantic bedroom will be enhanced by a plush carpet.
Always be sure to match your color and style and any flooring
you pick is bound to look great!
© Lee Dobbins
Lee
Dobbins is contributing writer at www.flooring-info-online.com
where you can find out more about how to choose flooring for your
home.