One of the most major decisions when it comes to home remodeling involves what to put on the floor. The whole character of a room can be changed depending on the floor covering. With literally hundreds of possible choices, the task can be quite daunting. Considering the room as a whole helps to narrow it down, to determine what makes the most sense to capture a desired style or enhance a room’s function. The first choice is whether to install carpeting or a hard surfaced flooring.

Carpeting is insulating, so it helps to keep a room’s temperature more constant, which can translate into savings on fuel costs. Because carpet absorbs sound, rather than reflecting it, it eliminates the echo that can sometimes occur in large rooms. On the negative side, it is often expensive and requires professional installation. Carpeting is harder to keep clean and traps dust and pet hair, so may increase suffering from allergies.

Carpeting is highly versatile in terms of the colors and patterns that are seen. Different textures can be chosen to contribute to the overall mood of a room. Because of the expense and time involved in laying carpet, overly trendy cuts or patterns are best avoided. Adhesive-backed carpet tile squares are a recent entry into the floor covering arena. They are easy for homeowners to install themselves, and can be used to create dynamic color block patterns. Over time, the seams may become visible, so they are not ideal for high traffic areas or large rooms.

Area rugs can be used to add some of the benefits of carpeting without the downsides of wall-to-wall. They can be used in an area, such as a bathroom or hallway, where bare feet would appreciate the protection from cold floors. Area rugs can be taken up and cleaned. They can also be changed easily, a quick and inexpensive way to change the look of a room.

Hardwood and laminate flooring are easier to keep clean and longer lasting than carpet. They are available in different colors, including traditional and color wood stains and patterned laminate. Wood is longer lasting than laminate, which has an average lifespan of about twenty years, about the same as for carpeting.

Hardwood is used for flooring because it is more durable than softer wood varieties and will not dent or scratch easily. Wood floors must be sealed and may require resealing over time to prevent damage such as splitting or moisture damage. Routine oiling of wood floors is beneficial in keeping the material from drying out and cracking.

Tile is most appropriate for bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture levels in the air can be high. It is durable and easy to keep clean. Tile is available in both ceramic and vinyl. Ceramic is more durable, while vinyl is less expensive. All types of tiles are available in many colors and with or without texturing and patterns.

The choice of a floor covering can make a big impact on the overall style of a room. It should be carefully considered from all angles, including how the room will be used, what the cleaning requirements are likely to be, and how much one is able to spend. With so many options available, there is truly something for every circumstance.

Are you looking for more information regarding floor covering? Visit http://www.decor-floor.com/ today!

Are you looking for more information regarding floor covering? Visit http://www.decor-floor.com/ today!

Author Bio: Are you looking for more information regarding floor covering? Visit http://www.decor-floor.com/ today!

Category: Home Management
Keywords: floor covering