How to Choose & Install the Right Floors

Posted on September 30th, 2024.

Whether you’re renovating your entire home or just giving one room a facelift, the kind of floor you choose sets the stage for everything else. Think of it as the foundation of your interior design—it needs to be versatile, durable, and of course, aesthetically pleasing.

The array of options available today can make this decision both exciting and a tad overwhelming. From wood and vinyl to tile and carpet, the choices are abundant, each offering unique advantages and suitable for different spaces within your home.

Different Flooring Types

When considering how to choose the right flooring type, one of the most popular options that come to mind is wood flooring. There are several types including solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, and even bamboo. Choosing wood flooring can offer you a classic and timeless look.

Solid hardwood, often made from oak, maple, or cherry, is known for its durability and longevity. If properly maintained, it can last for decades. However, it can be susceptible to moisture and is generally more expensive compared to other options. Engineered hardwood consists of a veneer of real wood over a layer of plywood or high-density fiberboard. This makes it more stable and suitable for areas where moisture levels fluctuate, like basements.

Bamboo, a sustainable and eco-friendly option, is highly durable and comparable in look to traditional hardwood. Nonetheless, it can be susceptible to scratching, so it might not be the best choice for a household with pets. Overall, wood flooring works best in living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where its elegance can be showcased.

On the other side of the spectrum, choosing vinyl flooring might be the perfect solution for those prioritizing affordability and versatility. Modern vinyl flooring comes in two main types: luxury vinyl planks (LVP) and vinyl sheets. Luxury vinyl planks are incredibly popular due to their ability to mimic the appearance of wood, stone, or ceramic tiles while being easier to install and maintain. They are also waterproof, making them an excellent choice for bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.

Vinyl sheets, often available in large rolls, are another cost-effective option, though they can be more challenging to install and sometimes lack the realistic texture of LVP. The major advantage of vinyl flooring is its durability and resistance to stains, scratches, and dents. However, its synthetic nature means it may not add as much value to your home as natural materials like hardwood or tile. So, depending on your budget and the room you are renovating, vinyl can be a practical and visually appealing option.

Tile flooring is another robust and versatile choice when you're thinking about how to select the best flooring for high-traffic areas or rooms prone to moisture. Ceramic and porcelain tiles, in particular, offer a durable and water-resistant surface that is ideal for bathrooms, kitchens, and even outdoor spaces. Ceramic tiles are generally more affordable and come in a wide range of designs and colors, while porcelain tiles are denser, more durable, and often pricier.

Both types are relatively easy to clean; however, they can be cold and hard underfoot, so you might want to invest in some cozy rugs if you're tiling a space like a bathroom or kitchen. Natural stone tiles, such as marble, slate, or travertine, can add a luxurious feel but tend to be more expensive and require regular sealing to maintain their appearance.

Carpet is a warm and comfortable option best suited for bedrooms or living areas where you want a softer, more inviting feel. Carpets can provide excellent insulation, reducing heating costs, but they do require regular vacuuming and professional cleaning to keep them looking their best. 

Flooring for Different Rooms

The best flooring for your kitchen requires special consideration due to the unique demands of this busy space. When thinking about practicality and durability, several options stand out. Tile and vinyl flooring, both previously mentioned, are excellent choices for kitchens because they are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture.

However, another great option is linoleum. Linoleum, made from natural materials like linseed oil, wood flour, and cork dust, is eco-friendly and offers significant resilience. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is simple to clean, making it an ideal option for kitchens. Additionally, it's available in a variety of colors and patterns, allowing you to infuse some personality into your kitchen design.

Ensuring your kitchen floor is durable and easy to maintain will save you time and effort in the long run. Luxury vinyl tile (LVT) is also becoming increasingly popular for kitchens because of its impressive ability to mimic high-end materials like stone or wood at a fraction of the cost. The waterproof nature of LVT ensures that any spills can be cleaned up without long-term damage, making it both practical and stylish.

When choosing the best flooring for your bathroom, you need to prioritize moisture resistance above all else. The constant exposure to water and steam in a bathroom makes it fundamental to select a flooring material that won't warp or get damaged. Popular choices include ceramic and porcelain tile, as previously mentioned, because they are non-porous and highly durable. Furthermore, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to match any design theme.

Another great option for bathrooms is natural stone tile, such as granite or slate, which can add a luxurious touch to your space. These materials need sealing to maintain their integrity, but their natural beauty can make the extra maintenance worthwhile. For those looking for an alternative to traditional tile, vinyl or LVT are superb options for bathrooms.

They provide the necessary water resistance while being softer and warmer underfoot than stone or ceramic tiles. In addition, they often come with a texture that prevents slipping, which is an important safety feature in a bathroom environment. For a unique and modern touch, consider using concrete flooring, which can be sealed to make it waterproof and customized with different textures, colors, and finishes.

The best flooring for your living room should combine aesthetics, comfort, and durability. This high-traffic area demands a balance between beauty and practicality, as it often serves as the focal point of your home's interior design. Hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for living rooms because of its timeless appeal and ability to increase your home's value. It's available in various finishes, stains, and wood types to match your decor.

Engineered hardwood is also a good option for living rooms if you're concerned about fluctuations in humidity and temperature. For homeowners seeking a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing style, laminate flooring can be a suitable alternative. It mimics the appearance of hardwood and is available in various shades and patterns, while also being quite durable and easy to maintain.

If comfort is a top priority, carpet can be an excellent choice for the living room. It provides warmth and a cushioned feel underfoot, making the space cozier and more inviting. Carpet is available in countless colors and textures, allowing you to personalize your living room to your taste. Choose a high-quality carpet with a solid warranty to guarantee longevity in this frequently used space.

Installation Tips

Once you have chosen the right flooring for your house, the installation process is the next critical phase to guarantee a successful home improvement project:

• Start with meticulous preparation: remove old flooring, clean the subfloor thoroughly, and address any leveling issues.
• If you’re installing a floating floor like laminate or LVT, make sure you leave a small gap around the perimeter for expansion.
• For nail-down or glue-down installations, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines precisely to avoid common pitfalls.
• Use the right underlayment for additional insulation and moisture protection, depending on the flooring type and location.
• Properly acclimating the material by storing it in the room where it will be installed for a few days before installation can prevent warping or gaps.
• Measuring and cutting carefully, ensuring a good fit around edges and corners is vital.
• Use spacers and transition strips where needed, and finish with baseboards or molding to cover expansion gaps, giving your new floor a professional look.

By carefully planning and executing each step, you can achieve a beautiful, long-lasting floor that enhances your home’s overall appeal and functionality.

Related: What are the top trends in home renovation for 2024?

Final Words

Choosing and installing the right flooring for your home may seem daunting, but with thoughtful consideration of your needs and preferences, you can achieve an impressive result that enhances your living space. Each type of flooring offers distinct advantages and fits different environments within your home. By carefully evaluating the specifics of each room—whether it’s the durability needed for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, or the warmth and coziness for bedrooms and living rooms—you’re well on your way to selecting a floor that's both practical and aesthetically pleasing. 

Our expertise in floor renovation ensures that the next steps you take are in the right direction. At Murillo Construction, we start with an in-depth consultation, understanding your style, preferences, and budget. We guide you through every phase of your flooring project, from choosing the perfect material to the final touches that make your floors look impeccable. We pride ourselves on our meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that your floor not only meets but surpasses expectations in terms of both functionality and design.

Get in touch today to discover how we can elevate your home’s flooring and schedule your project. Don’t wait to give your home the elegant and functional flooring it deserves. Contact us at +1 (510) 660 9596 or email us at [email protected] for personalized advice and to schedule your project.