The Best Flooring For Your Home
Whether you’re building a new home or remodeling your current space, deciding which flooring to use can be a daunting task. Here are some details about each flooring type to help you choose the best flooring for your home.
Photo courtesy of: Anderson Tuftex
CARPET
Generally less expensive than doing a hard surface floor, carpet is known for being soft underfoot and dampening sound. Because of this it’s great for bedrooms, theatre rooms, or any living spaces you want to feel cozier. Carpet will wear out faster in high traffic areas like hallways and staircases, so be careful to select a more durable carpet in those spaces.
Photo courtesy of: Anderson Tuftex
LVP/LVT
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is a stone or plastic floor made to look like hardwood planks, whereas LVT is made to look like tile. These have surged in popularity in recent years because they are very low maintenance. LVP/LVT is 100% waterproof, and great for families with kids or pets. It is perfect for bathrooms, kitchens, and living areas. Be careful when looking at the MIL wear layer. You want a 12 MIL or higher to make it more scratch resistant.
LAMINATE
Laminate has been around longer than LVP, but the main difference is that it is not 100% waterproof. Many brands are becoming more and more water resistant, just not waterproof. Many people still like laminate because it feels more like hardwood than LVP, without the expense of an actual hardwood. It’s great for kitchens and living areas, but take more precautions if installing in a bathroom.
HARDWOOD
Hardwood is sought after for it’s natural beauty. Afterall, LVP and laminate are trying to mimic hardwood. It is more expensive than it’s waterproof counterparts, but nothing quite compares to the look and feel of real wood. Most engineered hardwood floors will not need to be sanded and refinished, but you will need a humidifier in Utah’s dry climate. And although good quality hardwoods will have a finish layer, they will still scratch. People who prefer hardwood appreciate the added character and personal touch. Hardwood can be installed anywhere in the home with the exception of the bathroom.
Photo courtesy of: Anderson Tuftex
TILE
Although LVP has taken the flooring spotlight in recent years, tile has never gone out of style. Loved for its durability, tile is available in a variety of patterns, colors, and shapes. It also comes in a wide range of prices so it can work with most budgets. Tile is the original waterproof floor, so it’s great in bathrooms, entryways, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.
XOXO,
Holly Mickelsen