When it comes to flooring, the two primary options are soft surface flooring, and hard surface flooring. Soft surface flooring refers to flooring that is soft to the touch, in other words carpeting. Hard surface flooring encompasses all other types of flooring, including luxury vinyl, laminate, hardwood and tile.
If you’re interested in selecting a hard surface flooring option for your home, it’s important to understand the differences, and the best place to use the various types of hard surface flooring.
Laminate Flooring
Laminate floors are made of a photographic veneer attached to a synthetic board. These boards are then sealed with a protective clear coat. These floors are easy to clean, durable, affordable, and great for areas that have low to medium traffic, for example a guest room or an office. While these floors are durable, the moisture can get to them, and we do not recommend putting laminate floors in a bathroom or a kitchen.
Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors can be manufactured in two different ways. Traditional hardwood floors are milled from lumber, while engineered floors are comprised of wood or a thin veneer over structural plywood. Both have the beautiful hardwood look and can be refinished or re-stained. Hardwood floors are durable and easy to clean, but they can dent and damage, and are susceptible to water damage. Avoid installing hardwood floors in your entryway, bathroom or kitchen.
Tile and Stone Flooring
Tile and stone floors are typically made from materials found in nature, for example stone, sand, clay and talc. Because of this, these floors are extremely durable, as well as water resistant. These floors can be used in any room in the home, but are typically found in the kitchen, bathroom or entryway because they stand up to humidity and water, and are easy to clean.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring
Luxury vinyl flooring is made from synthetic materials that are combined through heat and pressure. Because of how they are manufactured, they are highly durable. In addition, luxury vinyl floors typically come with a protective layer that keeps it from scuffing, chipping and cracking. This flooring is also waterproof and easy to clean. Luxury vinyl can be used in any room in the home because it is manufactured to look like tile, stone or hardwood. This type of flooring is ideal in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways because it is waterproof and can also be a statement piece for your home.
As you look to install new flooring in your home, we encourage you to keep these insights in mind. And, if you need help selecting the right flooring, visit our showroom. We have design experts ready to show you the available options, while keeping your budget in mind.