I once hear someone say that wood flooring is the key to a woman's heart but a thorn in the side of a man. Perhaps you've never heard this saying, but it can be true that a woman simply looks at the beauty – and the man realizes the upkeep. This article will look at a couple of things you might consider before choosing wood flooring for your next home project.

The Good and the Bad

There certainly are pros and cons to any type of flooring surface that you may choose whether or not you're building a home or remodeling. I happened to be very good friends with someone who installs and repairs wood flooring and he has often told me that it can be a very stressful job.

Laminate Flooring May Be the Way to Go

One thing that you might consider is some sort of a laminate surface because this can be a little bit less costly, yet still have the durability and beauty that you are after. The other real benefit to possibly choosing laminate is that this is something that you can put together yourself with some good plans.

If you do install laminate wood flooring in your home on your own – you will want to follow the instructions very carefully. Most manufacturers have detailed instructions on how to install and care for their flooring surfaces. Then you can just replace a small section. Although real wood flooring can be repaired by small sections – It can get much more expensive.

Before starting a flooring project, it is usually helpful to learn about the different types and their benefits. There are a number of options to consider, including carpets, ceramic hardwood, and vinyl. Each option comes with its unique costs, so it’s up to the homeowner to choose the ideal type that fits into their budget and meets their interests. Some people may also consider having different floors for each room in their house.

1. Carpets

Carpeting is warm and soft and helps in soundproofing a room. It is an ideal option for bedrooms and other places with little foot traffic. The advantage of carpets is that they are easy to install and can adapt to uneven areas and old subfloors. They are also easier to match to the existing layout and theme of a home. The only problem is that they tend to build up dirt and dust, but they still make an ideal option for people who prefer a touch of comfort within their spaces.

2. Vinyl

Vinyl is another popular choice, and it is much more affordable than other options. With proper maintenance, it can last up to 10 to 20 years. Some people prefer vinyl because of its noise-cancelling property, and it can be installed in the laundry room or bathroom to add warmth. This flooring option also comes in a variety of styles, offering homeowners unlimited options for designing a personalized space that reflects their style.

3. Ceramic

This floor type is both inexpensive and waterproof, and this is why it makes a practical choice for bathrooms and kitchens. It is also an ideal fit for dining rooms as it can withstand accidents and spills. Ceramic tiles come in different textures, colors, styles, and shapes to allow for limitless interior designing. Some options, such as mosaic tiles, come in plastic mesh sheets to allow for an easy installation. It is advisable to choose the right texture for different rooms, as some options are very slippery for rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom.

4. Hardwood

Hardwood flooring never goes out of style, and it is a popular choice because of its durability and low maintenance. A homeowner has the option to install engineered planks or real wood strips depending on their budget. Engineered planks are usually moisture-resistant and boast exceptional stain and finish. These planks are ideal for the kitchen because they have a layer of plywood underneath real wood to withstand temperature changes and humidity. Hardwood is perfect for any room and comes in different sizes, finishes, and stains to meet different decor needs.

These are the top popular flooring options, but there are also other available choices such as laminate, concrete, linoleum, and other subtypes. A homeowner’s choice depends on their budget and the style they envision. Some people may opt for a choice that will attract potential homebuyers should they consider a home sale in the future. Whatever a person’s choice, it is wise to work with a professional contractor to ensure the whole project is executed professionally.

When it comes to flooring, there are a lot of options to choose from. Which flooring you pick will depend on where the flooring will go and what your personal tastes are. You can choose wood flooring, bamboo flooring, carpet, ceramic tile, linoleum, and even cement. And within those categories are a lot of variations in terms of material used and color.

So, how do you choose the flooring that is right for you? Here is some basic information concerning some of your options.

Linoleum Flooring

Linoleum is a mixture of ingredients made to form a durable flooring option. Linoleum mixtures sometimes include ingredients such as cork and other natural materials. They can also include synthetic ingredients. There is such diversity in linoleum flooring patterns and designs that this is a great option for the creative decorator.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood makes a beautiful and natural option when it comes to flooring. You can purchase solid hardwood floors or engineered hardwood flooring, which consist of multiple layers of wood that are bonded together. Woods that are used include maple, oak, ash, and cherry. Hardwood flooring requires special care. However, the enhanced beauty makes the extra work worth it.

Carpeting

Carpeting is one of the more popular types of flooring for rooms other than the kitchen and bathrooms. Carpets can be thick and plush or short haired and durable. They can not only be beautiful, but you can choose them in colors and styles that match your décor. The only downside is that cleaning stains and spills can be a little tricky.

Other Types of Flooring

There are other types of flooring between these. Laminate flooring is an alternative to hardwood floors. So is bamboo flooring. Bamboo has the added benefit of being more environmentally friendly. Bamboo does not die when you cut it back. By arming yourself with the right information, you are sure to choose the flooring that is right for you.

Not just food for pandas or the stuff of cheap picnic mats, bamboo is now being processed with modern techniques into beautiful "hardwood" flooring that beats standard wood floors in durability, hardness, and dimensional stability.

An added bonus to these beautiful floors is the knowledge that bamboo, unlike wood, grows quickly and abundantly, reaching maturity in five years or less. Red oak and maple, by comparison, can take decades to mature and then have to be replanted. Clear-cutting of forests also has a negative environmental impact and threats to the planet's biodiversity.

After harvesting, cutting, processing, and finishing, bamboo flooring installation is not much different from standard hardwood floor installation. The important steps in installation occurs before placing in the bamboo floor. First, make sure you buy from a reputable manufacturer who is willing to back up their product with a warranty.

The next step in bamboo flooring installation is making sure the subfloor is dry, clean, and level. Dirty subfloors will not bond well with the adhesive, and subfloors that are not dry will eventually cause rot. If not level, the bamboo flooring will squeak when walked on. If you are competent in home repair and good with your hands, you may be able to complete the bamboo flooring installation on your own. In some cases, with certain types of bamboo flooring, a professional will be needed.

Bamboo flooring may be glued down using a moisture barrier flooring adhesive. After applying the adhesive to the subfloor with a trowel, the bamboo flooring planks should be immediately placed. You may also install bamboo flooring using a nail gun over plywood or particleboard. Once starter rows are secure, subsequent planks should be nailed directly above the tongue at a 45-degree angle to face.

After installing the bamboo flooring, you will care for it in a similar way to hardwood floors; frequent dusting / sweeping, occasional mopping, and use of wood cleaners. With regular care, bamboo flooring will add a stylish, beautiful component to your home for many years to come.