How to Select the Right Type of Flooring
December 19, 2017
“Design isn’t just what something looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
-Steve Jobs
The late, great Steve Jobs might not have been versed in flooring design, but he was a master of technology design. Although the industry is different, his words are still meaningful as a foundation for any design project.
Let’s talk surface design or “flooring design ideas.” And, not just what it looks like and feels like, but how it works.
Sure, we can probably all agree that the goal is to bring flooring design ideas to the table that will tie an entire space together. However, we have to consider the material in addition to the visual aspect.
Where do we start? Well, first off, let’s identify some of the main concerns when it comes to surface design. In order to choose the right kind of flooring for a project, you’ll need to know what kind of wear and tear it will be enduring, not to mention a slew of other factors.
The team here at Trinity Surfaces has put their heads together and come up with three questions that should help you decide (or at least narrow down) the right type of flooring for your project.
What kind of space is it?
Regardless of the kind of space you’re looking at designing, let’s get one thing straight: floors take a beating.
There’s no way around that fact. But, there is something you can do to help in the hunt. You can identify what kind of beating, and that will help narrow down your search for the perfect flooring.
Types of spaces to identify include:
- Community spaces that are expected to endure more dirt, grit, and debris (living room, kitchen)- these kinds of areas perform best with ceramic or porcelain tile.
- Spaces that will endure pet exposure (living room, porch)- vinyl flooring or laminate flooring always perform well under these conditions.
- Spaces that are expected to endure excess moisture (bathroom, basement)- concrete is a beautiful, neutral, and durable option for spaces like these.
What is your flooring design budget?
There are a few main levels of spending when it comes to cost-per-square-footage. Design budgets for flooring typically fall somewhere in one of these categories:
- Less than $2.00 (sheet flooring, tile flooring, ceramic tile, porcelain tile)
- Between $2.00 and $5.00 (domestic hardwood, engineered wood, luxury vinyl tile)
- More than $5.00 (exotic hardwood, high-quality tile, luxury tile)
One other thing to consider when it comes to your spend is whether or not you’ll be installing the flooring yourself or having someone else do it. It is important to note that most tile takes professional installation for the best results.
How much upkeep is ideal?
In addition to keeping track of your design ideas and budget, don’t leave out the aftermath. Once you select the right flooring design and have it installed, the process isn’t over. The flooring will most definitely need some kind of consistent cleaning. For those of you resident DIY’ers, here are some homemade floor cleaners that may do the trick as well..
Here’s a breakdown of surface design options and how much work they require to stay beautiful:
- Laminate, vinyl, tile- these are the options that require the least care. Using a Swiffer should almost always do the trick.
- Concrete- if you use a good sealant, upkeep is moderate and gentle. The one plus of this option is that you won’t need any sort of chemical cleaners. Concrete requires a good mopping using basic soap and water.
- Solid hardwood- beautiful, yes. Worth the upkeep? That’s totally up to you. Of all the options, solid hardwood takes the most work to sustain. The pros recommend using area rugs to limit the workload.
Get started on your next project!
Categorised in: Architecture & Design, Cork Flooring, Hardwood, Healthcare Design, Interior Design, LVT, Non-Tile, Porcelain Tile, Tile
This post was written by Matt Hepner
