5 Modern Flooring Ideas to Consider
When homeowners look for flooring options, most tend to seek out features like durability, easy maintenance, and aesthetic quality. Nowadays, there are more options than ever before to satisfy all of these requirements and more. Although each interior has its own unique needs, exploring some of the popular flooring materials below will help you make an informed decision when selecting the right type for your space.
5 Types of Flooring for Homes
Modern Flooring Ideas Interior
1. Laminate
Laminate flooring has come a long way in recent years. With a powerful, protective top coating, this material holds up well to heavy traffic, and is especially well-suited for homes with children and pets. Its resilience makes it less likely to become stained, faded, dented, or scratched. Plus, laminate is available in varieties that closely resemble the appearance of stone and solid hardwood, but at a more accessible price point than these materials. It’s made using a high-definition printer which can closely replicate nearly any style, making it a versatile option to fit any indoor design scheme.
Its pieces fit together seamlessly for easy installation, which is why laminate flooring contractors are able to offer such competitive pricing on this material. In most cases, the flooring features a tongue and groove locking system, which affords the utmost level of simplicity for installation. The flooring also comes with a supportive underlayment to give it a more comfortable feel, and it can be kept clean with regular sweeping and damp mopping. Some varieties are also recyclable, so homeowners looking to reduce their carbon footprint can take comfort in making this environmentally friendly choice.
2. Vinyl
Vinyl is a cousin of linoleum flooring, and offers the same water and stain resistance, along with high quality for its cost. The material is available in many colors, patterns, and designs, and can even be made to look like hardwood or ceramic tile. In fact, with high-quality vinyl, it can be near-impossible to tell that it isn’t a natural material. Because it holds up well in high-moisture environments, vinyl flooring is a popular choice in kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. The material is also well-liked for its comfort, as it won’t get as cold as solid hardwood underfoot during the winter. It can also include a padded underlayer, which further enhances comfort and reduces noise.
Like many of the flooring options on this list, vinyl is easy to maintain, and simply requires regular sweeping and occasional mopping to look its best. Most notably, vinyl is among the least expensive flooring styles, and with a broad range of designs to choose from, homeowners don’t have to feel limited by their budget when choosing this material. With that said, vinyl does require a smooth surface to achieve a uniform surface. For the best results, vinyl should always be installed by an experienced residential flooring contractor.
3. Ceramic
Durable and cost-effective, ceramic is available in a wide range of colors, sizes, and style. While you can choose classic ceramic in earthy colors, you might also opt for ceramic tiles designed to look like hardwood floors.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms make ideal locations for the material, as the tiles resist cracks and are impervious to moisture. Yet, it can also be found in many mudrooms, foyers, and other high-traffic areas. Their glazed surface provides an extra layer of protection against spills and drops, giving homeowners a flooring option that will last. And, should a tile ever break, it can be easily replaced by experienced tile flooring contractors. Because its surface is impenetrable, it will also keep bacteria and mold at bay.
As with any tile, ceramic does require some routine maintenance. In addition to sweeping and mopping, homeowners will need to make sure they reseal the grout in between tile regularly to prevent water damage and stains. With the proper maintenance, however, ceramic floors can last many years.
4. Porcelain
Believe it or not, porcelain tiles are even less porous than ceramic. This quality is largely due to their denser construction, which makes it more difficult for water to penetrate the tile’s surface. In fact, porcelain is even harder than granite. Thus, for especially moist environments, such as basements prone to dampness, porcelain is the best option to consider.
One of the best-liked advantages of porcelain is its luxury appearance. There are many colors and patterns available, and the tiles are resistant to fading – even when exposed to direct sunlight. This is because the color of porcelain isn’t just concentrated on the surface, but it actually runs down through the entire tile. Thus, even in the event that the tiles should wear down over a long period of time, they’ll still continue to look great.
Porcelain is also highly stain-resistant, making it an optimal choice for kitchens where spills may occur. Plus, it’s known for its long lifespan and ease of maintenance. It comes at a higher price point than ceramic, but the right flooring contractor can help you find a style that suits your budget and goals.
5. Stone
Known for its elegance and luxury, natural stone flooring is available in a broad range of styles. Granite, limestone, marble, travertine, and sandstone are among the most popular choices, but each has its own unique properties. For example, sandstone is the most porous type of natural stone, while granite is fairly waterproof. Some natural stone materials are also better-suited for outdoor environments than indoor.
Although natural stone requires regular sealing to maintain its durability, many homeowners are drawn to the superior aesthetic quality of this flooring option. Each piece is entirely one-of-a-kind, and the material gives an earthy appeal to any space.
Choosing Flooring
No matter which flooring option you’re considering, the team from Select Home Solutions can bring your vision to life. Specializing in bathroom and floor remodels, this team only takes on one project at a time to ensure their clients’ complete satisfaction. These residential flooring contractors provide a broad range of materials for homeowners throughout the Denver area. To discuss your goals with one of their experts, call (303) 927-9728, or request a quote online.