If you’re looking to install flooring for your home, there are a lot of different types of flooring available. Each type has its own benefits and limitations.
One of the most versatile flooring options is tile. Tile can mimic a wide variety of materials, from stone to wood to fabric.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring adds warmth and beauty to your home, and it can increase the value of your property. It comes in a wide variety of colors, grains and styles to suit any design and lifestyle.
Compared to synthetic options like laminate and vinyl, hardwood is much more durable and withstands more wear and tear. This is important if you have children or pets, and a high level of traffic in your home.
Durability is determined by the Janka hardness scale, which measures a hardwood’s resistance to dents, scratches and dings. Hickory, Oak and Maple are three of the hardest woods.
When choosing a hardwood, it’s important to consider the species and cut pattern of the wood. Live sawn floors have a more natural look, and different cut patterns are becoming available in engineered wood.
Carpet
Carpet is a type of floor covering that is made up of an upper layer of pile attached to a backing. It can be made from a number of different materials and is available in a variety of styles, colors, and textures.
The fibers used to make a carpet can be either natural (like wool) or synthetic (like nylon and polyester). Some materials are more durable than others, so the best one for you will be based on your specific needs and tastes.
There are two main types of carpet construction: cut pile and loop pile. Each has a unique look, feel, and durability.
Cut pile carpets are typically softer than loop carpets but can be harder to clean. This style of carpet is characterized by relatively high levels of yarn and tufts. The texture helps hide footprints and vacuum cleaner marks.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a grass that grows much faster than trees, which means that it’s often used to make flooring. It’s a great choice for those who like to create calm, Zen-like spaces and can complement a variety of interior styles.
There are several different types of bamboo, all with their own unique looks. One type, horizontally laminated bamboo, is more detailed in appearance, revealing the knuckles and growth rings in the bamboo cane more clearly than vertically layered strips.
Another is solid strand bamboo, which is made by laminating strips of bamboo canes with the skin side facing up, forming planks. This type can be natural or stained and carbonized in many colors.
The most popular and high-quality option is Moso bamboo, which is harvested stalk by stalk in China without clear-cutting. This species regrows in five to six years, making it a very rapidly renewable resource.
Tile
Tile is one of the most popular types of flooring because it offers a classic and sleek look while being easy to clean. The material is also water-resistant and holds up well in areas that are prone to moisture, like bathrooms, kitchens, entryways and basements.
There are a variety of tile types to choose from, depending on your design preferences and needs. You can find ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tiles that will make your home look amazing.
Porcelain is a type of tile that’s made from a refined clay and fired at higher temperatures to create a denser material. It’s more durable and harder than ceramic, and it’s also more stain resistant.
Both types of tile come in a range of sizes, shapes and colors. You can also choose a pattern, such as herringbone or mosaic.