The type of floor you have can have an effect on how warm or cold you’re feeling, your general health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the mood in sure rooms of their properties with completely different flooring. Here is a rundown of the most well-liked residential floor tiles and the best surface protection products to protect them throughout development and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key characteristic: Made from the world’s fastest-rising tree.
Pro: Durable; preferrred for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for home owners with allergies 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 repeatedly with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills immediately to stop stains. Set up 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 dust and dirt, best for home owners with respiratory issues; durable, lengthy-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet items, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Tough to install. Must be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax a couple of times for a superficial surface. Linseed oil within the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products such as Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key characteristic: Renewable, eco-friendly choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has become stylish for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are best 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 allergies or arthritis. Value comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and will expand in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Keep away from floor films and select textile primarily based products equivalent to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and not go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Great dance floor.
Pro: Simpler on your back than tile or stone. 3/4″ permits for a number of refinishes. How a tree is minimize determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is essentially the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to humidity.
Upkeep: Space rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Select padded floor protections if the funds allows. Glue down floors must be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are recommended for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors will be protected by leak resistant floor protection resembling Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is great for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It additionally absorbs sounds, is straightforward to clean, and generally durable, as long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which often have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative will not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dust, and mud particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Brief time period adhesive carpet film is available for as much as forty five days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-traffic areas. Great investment, a number of design options available. Commonest, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a super surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Generally feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up 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 reminiscent of Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key function: Trendy, common in condos.
Pro: Cheap, easy maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Doesn’t harbor mud mites; ultimate for home owners with allergy symptoms or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional expertise, which can be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal every years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a gentle floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embody EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and allow the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key feature: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Great value and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough in your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dust; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful selection in sizzling climates, however less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based products akin to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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