The type of floor you may have can have an effect on how warm or cold you feel, your total health, and even your ability to think on your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the temper in certain rooms of their homes with totally different flooring. Here’s a rundown of the most popular residential floor tiles and the best surface protection products to protect them throughout building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key function: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; supreme for condos. “Green” material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for residence owners with allergic reactions to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Cannot be re-finished. Everything from tiny mud particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep usually with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills instantly to forestall stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles such as Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key characteristic: Most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels mud and filth, best for residence owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Difficult to install. Has to be heat-welded utilizing equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when put in, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based products similar to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key function: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has turn into fashionable for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are excellent since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and insects away; great for house owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Price comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well, and will broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and choose textile based products comparable to Surface Liner Pro that will gently adhere to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Simpler in your back than tile or stone. three/4″ permits for multiple 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 probably 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 vulnerable to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff earlier than reapplying coats of polyurethane. Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the funds allows. Glue down floors have to 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 equivalent to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key function: Traditional, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is great for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and generally durable, as long as you buy quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Keep away from nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Choice might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, grime, and dirt particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Short time period adhesive carpet film is available for as much as 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Lengthy-lasting.
Pro: Low-maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high-site visitors areas. Nice investment, plenty of design options available. Commonest, effective flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for house owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use delicate cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Numerous surface protection products will work including floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products such as Ram Board.
7. Decorative Concrete: Key characteristic: Stylish, fashionable in condos.
Pro: Cheap, straightforward maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Would not harbor dust mites; ideally suited for residence owners with allergies or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; never needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Installation requires professional experience, which could be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water mix or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products include EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and permit the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key function: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice worth and eco-pleasant too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embody matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Tough in your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs filth; slate and limestone accumulate it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a wonderful choice in hot climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Needs stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products equivalent to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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