How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your New Home

Understanding Flooring Options in Home Design

One of the most exciting parts about designing your own new home is choosing all the details, like fixtures and flooring. Particularly if you have not designed a home in a while, however, some of the flooring options available to you may surprise you. New developments in technology and design have elevated some flooring types you might have previously avoided, and that means you have more choices and more room to express yourself. As you are considering the different types of flooring, keep in mind that your final decision should be based not just on the look of the floor, but how well it will fit with your lifestyle and stand up to the usage your family will give it.

Different Flooring Types to Consider

Whether you are looking for something durable for a high traffic area, moisture resistant for a bathroom, or stylish for an entertaining space, you are spoiled for options.

• For people who want the look of a wood floor, there are a variety of different flooring options that fit the bill.
  • Solid hardwood is beautiful and can be refinished if it sustains damage. However, it requires a fair amount of maintenance and can get expensive, especially if you opt for exotic hardwoods like mahogany or Brazilian cherry.
  • Engineered hardwood can give the same look as solid hardwoods, but it is less expensive and doesn’t require the same level of maintenance. Engineered wood floors do not shrink and swell with the seasons, as solid wood floors are likely to do, and they can be installed directly over a concrete subfloor. Some engineered wood can be refinished, but only once, whereas solid wood can be refinished several times.
  • There is porcelain tile flooring that looks like wood. While this won’t have the same feel as a true wood floor, it can be a very practical choice for a room with heavy foot traffic, like a hallway, foyer, or mudroom. Tile flooring has many benefits, because it is durable, will not scratch, stain, or wear out, doesn’t fade, and is waterproof.
  • Laminate flooring is made to look like wood. It is an economical option, and is fairly low maintenance, though it cannot stand up to a lot of water, so it must be cleaned with a damp mop or Swiffer.
  • Vinyl flooring can also be made with a wood look. Vinyl plank flooring is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and it is less expensive than wood floors. It can be very durable in high traffic areas, and is waterproof. However, while it is sturdier option than laminate, even the best vinyl plank flooring does not mimic hardwood up close, so while it is a good option for a basement, it might not give you the aesthetics you want in a living room.
• Vinyl flooring has come a long way, and it is a durable, low-maintenance option. In addition to wood, vinyl can now be made to look like stone or other natural materials, but at a fraction of the cost. It can stand up to high moisture environments like bathrooms, and it won’t scratch or chip. Vinyl flooring comes in tiles, sheets, or planks, and is a good option for laundry rooms, basements, porches, and other places where durability is the primary concern.
• Porcelain tiles can take a lot of punishment, and they are versatile enough to give you the look you want. The beauty of today’s flooring is that it can be made to eliminate pattern repetition and incorporate texture. That means that you can get the look of stone, marble, or wood in a much sturdier material. In addition to natural materials, porcelain tiles can be made to look like handmade ceramic tiles. It is an extremely durable and low-maintenance option, though it can crack if something heavy is dropped on it. Still, it is a good option for just about every room of the house, and can even be made with a textured surface to prevent slips.

Design Your Perfect New Home with Landmark Fine Homes

If you are looking for a builder that provides plenty of design options for creating your perfect new home, you have found us! Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the utmost attention to detail, located in active adult communities where you’ll find plenty to do. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!\