Flooring is something that you see every day, whether at home or in your office. But did you know that there are several types of flooring materials out there? What type should you choose for your space?
Flooring is a big investment, especially if you want to change the look of your room. There are various flooring materials, such as vinyl, laminate, ceramic tile, carpet, wood, stone, etc. Each material has pros and cons, so choosing the right one depends on your personal preference and budget.
There are four main types of flooring materials: Vinyl, Laminate, Hardwood and Ceramic Tile. These are the most common floor choices because they are durable, affordable and easy to install. These are good options if you plan to renovate your house or apartment.
Types of Flooring Materials
There is an endless selection of flooring products; here we have broken them down into their main categories. Depending on your needs, there is a diverse range of types for many applications.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood floors are beautiful, durable and easy to maintain. They’re also very popular – they can be found in many different styles, designs and colours.
Why Choose Wood Floors?
- Natural and luxurious look.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Easy to clean.
- Beautiful and timeless.
- Available in various styles, designs and colours
2. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring has been around since the 1950s but it wasn’t until the 1980s when it became popular. The reason why it was so successful was because it was affordable, easy to install, and durable. Today, laminate flooring is still very popular because it offers many benefits including durability, ease of installation, and affordability.
Why Choose Laminate?
- Easy to clean.
- Durable.
- Waterproof.
- Stain resistant.
- Available in many different styles.
- Low maintenance.
- Easy to install.
- Long lasting.
- Beautiful appearance.
3. Vinyl or Linoleum
Vinyl flooring has been used as an alternative to hardwood or carpet since it was first introduced in the early 1900s. Today, vinyl flooring continues to be popular because of its durability, ease of installation, and affordability. What was originally referred to as linoleum is sheet vinyl, but for simplicity, is still often called linoleum.
Why Choose Vinyl Flooring?
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Available in many different styles and colours.
- Can be installed over existing floors.
- Low maintenance costs.
- No harmful chemicals are used during production.
- Will not warp, crack, peel, or rot.
- High resistance to stains, spills, and wear.
- Resistant to most household cleaners.
- Easy to install.
- Long term warranties available.
4. Porcelain or Ceramic Tile Flooring
Ceramic tiles are an excellent option for your kitchen or bathroom floor. They’re easy to clean and maintain, and they come in many different colors and styles. If you want something more durable than standard vinyl, then ceramic tiles are a good choice.
Why Choose Tile Flooring?
- Durable and easy to install.
- Easy to clean and maintain.
- Available in various shapes and sizes.
- Can be installed over existing flooring.
- Comes in many different colors and patterns.
- Long lasting and attractive.
Porcelain tiles are made from clay and then fired at high temperatures. They have a beautiful finish and can be used as an alternative to natural stone or ceramic tiles. Porcelain tiles are available in many different designs and styles. In addition to ceramic tile features, porcelain has some unique properties.
Porcelain Bonuses:
- They are resistant to heat and cold.
- They are highly scratch resistant.
- They do not require grouting.
- They are easy to maintain.
5. Natural Stone Tile Flooring
Natural Stone Flooring is an easy way to add warmth and beauty to your home. The natural stone tiles are available in many different shapes and colors. They can be used as a wall or floor tile. Natural stone flooring has been around since ancient times. It was used in Roman homes and temples. Today it is still popular because it looks beautiful and adds value to any room.
Why Choose Natural Stone?
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Easy to install.
- Available in many styles and colours.
- Can be installed over existing concrete or wood subfloor.
- Low maintenance.
- No sealer is required.
- Waterproof.
- Non-slip surface.
- Stain resistant.
- Resistant to heat, cold, humidity, and water.
- Very low noise level.
- Beautiful appearance.
6. Carpet Flooring
Carpets are an excellent way to add warmth and character to your home or office. They can be used as a decorative feature or practical solution for areas such as hallways, staircases, living rooms and bedrooms. Whether you’re looking for a stylish statement piece or a practical solution, we have a wide range of carpets available.
Why Choose Carpet?
- Softness – Carpets are made using high-quality materials, which means they will provide a luxurious feeling underfoot.
- Durability – Carpets will last for years.
- Style – There are an incredible amount of colours, patterns and styles of carpet for your home or office.
What Type of Flooring Should You Choose?
Depending on the room in your house, what it’s used for and your tastes, there is an amazing amount of options for your flooring.
Read our articles below for help choosing the perfect floors for your rooms;
Best Flooring for Kitchen
Best Flooring for Bathroom
Best Flooring for Bedroom
Best Flooring for Home Office
If you have any questions about flooring, you can always call or come visit us at Bob’s Floors for more information.