The type of floor you have got can affect how warm or cold you’re feeling, your overall health, and even your ability to think in your feet. What’s more, owners can immediately change the mood in sure rooms of their houses with completely different flooring. This is a rundown of the preferred residential floor tiles and the very best surface protection products to protect them throughout building and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key feature: Made from the world’s fastest-growing tree.
Pro: Durable; preferrred for condos. «Green» material. Has antimicrobial properties. Typically good for residence owners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips, and tiles.
Con: Cannot be re-finished. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Upkeep: Sweep usually with soft broom. Entryway rugs can keep mud at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit dents. Clean up spills instantly to prevent stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface protection: Protection made from breathable, natural textiles similar to Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key function: Hottest is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and dust, excellent for dwelling owners with respiratory disorders; durable, long-lasting, and low maintenance. Sheet goods, not tiles, are recommended.
Con: Troublesome to install. Has to be heat-welded using equipment not readily available. Pricier than vinyl.
Upkeep: Wax once or twice for a superficial surface. Linseed oil in the linoleum oxidizes when installed, and the floor becomes more durable and lustrous. Wash with mildly soapy water.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper primarily based products corresponding to Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key function: Renewable, eco-pleasant choice.
Pro: This durable flooring has change into trendy for residences. Glue-down cork tiles are very best since they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; great for dwelling owners with allergic reactions or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Does not conduct heat well, and could broaden in radiant heating.
Upkeep: Dust mop regularly.
Surface protection: Avoid floor films and choose textile based mostly products akin to Surface Liner Pro that may gently adright here to the cork and never go away a mark.
4. Wood: Key characteristic: Nice dance floor.
Pro: Easier in your back than tile or stone. 3/four» permits for multiple refinishes. How a tree is cut determines the look of the grain.
Con: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is hard to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among most popular. Elm, while hardy and long-lasting, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to humidity.
Upkeep: Area rugs limit gouges and scratches. Buff before reapplying coats of polyurethane. Mud mop regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue down floors have to be breathable so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro are really helpful for padded protection or Ram Board for non-padded. Non glue-down wood floors might be protected by leak resistant floor protection akin to Clean & Safe.
5. Carpet: Key characteristic: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: Wool variety is great for properties and feels wonderful underfoot. It also absorbs sounds, is easy to clean, and customarily durable, so long as you purchase quality good carpet and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which normally have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. Alternative might not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, filth, and dirt particles. Tends to retain moisture, breeding ground for mold.
Upkeep: Steam-clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface protection: Quick term adhesive carpet film is available for up to 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key feature: Long-lasting.
Pro: Low-upkeep; ceramic holds up well in high-traffic areas. Great funding, a number of design options available. Commonest, efficient flooring for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not a great surface for residence owners with arthritis. Hard to install. Can crack and chip easily. Typically feels cool to the touch.
Upkeep: While expensive, professional set up is highly recommended. Use mild cleanser to clean grout to retain mold-resistant sealant.
Surface protection: Various surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based products comparable to Ram Board.
7. Ornamental Concrete: Key feature: Fashionable, well-liked in condos.
Pro: Inexpensive, simple maintenance. Absorbs warmth of the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor mud mites; perfect for house owners with allergic reactions or asthma. Lengthy-lasting; by no means must be replaced.
Con: Hard on joints. Magnifies sound. Set up requires professional experience, which will be costly.
Upkeep: Re-seal each two years. Clean with vinegar and water combine or a light floor cleaner.
Surface protection: New concrete protection products embrace EZ Cover or Tuf-guard which provide impact protection and permit the concrete to cure.
8. Natural Stone: Key characteristic: Gorgeous.
Pro: Encompasses granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. Lasts for centuries. Nice value and eco-friendly too. Stain-resistant. Expensive installation. Options embrace matte, shiny, and textured finishes.
Con: Robust on your joints. May have substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dust; slate and limestone acquire it. Feels cool underfoot, which can make it a superb choice in sizzling climates, but less so in cold weather.
Upkeep: Wants stain-resistant sealer. Keep away from chlorine on marble.
Surface protection: Varied surface protection products will work together with floor protection films, textiles and paper based mostly products comparable to Ram Board. Protects grout from stains as well.
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