The type of floor you will have can have an effect on how warm or cold you’re feeling, your total health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the mood in sure rooms of their properties with totally different flooring. This is a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the most effective surface protection products to protect them throughout construction and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key feature: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; perfect for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Usually good for house owners with allergic reactions to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Can’t be re-finished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep frequently with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to prevent stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles resembling Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and grime, excellent for residence owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Has to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a couple of times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor turns into more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products resembling Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn into fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are preferrred since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; great for residence owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will develop in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile based mostly products reminiscent of Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not depart a mark.
4. Wood: Key feature: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier on your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ allows for a number of refinishes. How a tree is reduce determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are amongst most popular. Elm, while hardy and lengthy-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more inclined to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the finances allows. Glue down floors must be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are advisable for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors may be protected by leak resistant floor protection resembling Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key feature: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool selection is nice for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and usually durable, so long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Selection might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, grime, and mud particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Quick term adhesive carpet film is available for up to 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key function: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-visitors areas. Nice investment, numerous design options available. Most common, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for dwelling owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Sometimes feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While costly, professional installation is highly recommended. Use gentle cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products comparable to Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key function: Fashionable, in style in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the necessity for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor dust mites; best for residence owners with allergies or asthma. Long-lasting; by no means needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which can be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a light floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embrace EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and permit the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key characteristic: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Great worth and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Costly installation. Options embrace matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs grime; slate and limestone gather it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it an excellent alternative in scorching climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products equivalent to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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