Selecting Flooring Material for Your Home

©Shutterstock

Flooring is an essential element in a house because its residents will walk on it daily. As one of the widest surfaces of a building, flooring material selection greatly influences the room’s appearance.

When you are deciding on flooring material, you should consider options that suit your taste, budget, and needs. Also make sure that it matches the overall theme that adheres to the design style you choose for your home. Here are some popular flooring material choices that can be taken into consideration for your home’s floor:

Ceramic Tile

©Shutterstock

Ceramic tile is a strong, durable material available in a wide variety of designs and colours. It is also easy to maintain. When one of the tiles are cracked or broken, it could be easily replaced. Because of its durability, ceramic tiles are very suitable for use in areas frequently used by the occupants and areas that require moisture resistance such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens.

Homogeneous Tile

©Shutterstock

Ceramic tiles are glazed on the surface but consist of mostly burnt clay below those glazing, In contrast to this, the appearance and composition of homogenous tiles are uniform on the surface, sides, and back. Aesthetically, the use of homogenous tiles will add a luxurious impression in a room. Its advantages over ceramics include smoother surface and more precise sizing, allowing the grout to bind these tiles to be almost invisible. With less visible grid lines created by the grout, interiors using this material will look more expansive.

Parquet Laminate

©Shutterstock

Parquet laminate is usually made of soft board and coated with synthetic veneers. This is a more affordable option if you are looking for a timber flooring look for your home. The use of this material provides a warm impression, with natural and elegant appearance. It is also easy to install.

Vinyl

©Shutterstock

Vinyl is a flooring material that comes in sheets. The affordable price and easy installation have made it popular these days. Vinyl designs also vary in appearance that can resemble many other materials such as stone, timber, or metal. However, we should be wary of the synthetic PVC content in vinyl which can be harmful for people who are sensitive to it.

Polished Cement Flooring

©Shutterstock

Cement flooring conveys a raw and industrial impression. As this material usually underlies other flooring materials, using only cement flooring means you don’t need to spend additional cost for, say, tiles or timber flooring. When combined with modern designs elements, polished cement flooring can still give a chic impression. Make sure to use a glossy cement coating to prevent dust from sticking to the surface.

Carpet Flooring

©Shutterstock

If you are looking for warmth and better comfort whenever you step on the floor, carpet will be the most ideal material. Its easy installation often makes it an excellent choice for bedrooms, living rooms, or reading rooms. The drawbacks of this comfortable material are that it’s very water-absorbing, making stains difficult to remove; and that it usually requires regular maintenance to keep it clean and mite-free.

Natural Stone

©Shutterstock

Marble, granite, and limestone are some types of natural stones that are often used for flooring. Each piece of natural stone is unique and obtained directly from mountains, which is the reason why it is expensive. This kind of flooring will appear increasingly beautiful over time, creating a timeless aesthetic. Applying natural stone flooring will create an elegant and exclusive natural ambience in your home, regardless of its architectural style.

Beside the seven materials described above, there are many other flooring materials that could be considered for your home or project. You could always explore Archify to look for selected flooring materials that suit your every need. Check out the inspiration tab for beautiful designed spaces that use a variety of flooring materials.