24 November 2021

Finding the flooring for your home

Choosing the right flooring for your home can be tough. Do you prioritise durability or design? Is cost more important than colour? Do you want something subtle, or would you prefer your floor to be a feature of your room?

With almost limitless styles, colours, designs and materials on offer, how do you even begin to narrow it down?

Location

Not every type of flooring is practical for every room, so narrowing your choice by room type can be a good place to start.

Bathroom

Bathrooms tend to have a lot of moisture, so you’ll want to go for water-resistant flooring.

You’ll rarely see carpets in bathrooms these days as they absorb water and can be unhygienic (especially around toilets).

Wood flooring can be used in bathrooms, but it’s not recommended as too much moisture could warp the wood.

The most popular and practical choices for bathrooms are laminate or tiles. Ceramic tiles look great but can get rather slippery when the little ones have been splashing around, so if you have small children, look for something non-slip.

 

Kitchen

As with your bathroom, you’ll probably want to avoid carpet. You want a floor that can be quickly wiped or mopped, and that won’t stain when those spillages and cooking mishaps occur.

Wood flooring can be used in kitchens, but again, it isn’t the best choice. Tiles, LVT, laminate and vinyl, are more practical for the kitchen.

Bedrooms

Many people prefer carpet in the bedroom as it’s warm and cosy underfoot, which is especially beneficial in the winter months. And you can get some seriously luxurious carpets that feel amazing to walk on barefoot.

Another advantage of carpet in upstairs rooms is the noise reduction. If you’ve got children playing in the bedrooms above you, the sound levels of them clomping about on wooden floors could be distracting.

But although carpets are great for the bedroom, other flooring options shouldn’t be discounted. Wood flooring might be a bit noisier, but it is one of the most durable flooring options. And high-quality LVT can be just as warm and quiet underfoot as carpet.

Hallways, stairs and landings

Your hallways, stairs, and landings will probably be high traffic areas, so you’ll want something durable, especially in entryways, where there’s a chance of mud being traipsed in.

Wooden floors, parquet and LVT all look amazing in hallways and offer plenty of durability. Plus, they are easy to clean.

There are also some fantastic carpet options for these areas, especially for your stairs where you want something non-slip.

 

Living rooms and family rooms

Flooring for these spaces is probably the hardest to choose because anything goes. Wood, LVT and carpet all look great, and there are so many design choices for each. This is where your personal preference, budget and décor are going to influence the decision.

Popular flooring options

To help you narrow down your floor choice a little further, here are some of the pros and cons to consider for each type of flooring.

Carpet

Carpet is warm, comfortable and insulating, and there are styles and designs to suit any budget or décor.

Different materials offer different advantages – for example, nylon is durable and stain-resistant. Polyester carpets tend to be at the cheaper end of the scale, whereas wool is often more luxurious and expensive.

Opt for a low pile carpet in high-traffic areas as it will be more durable and easier to clean. If you want something a little more luxurious, a high pile carpet offers that plush, fluffy underfoot feel.

Although there are easy to clean, stain-resistant options available, carpet is higher maintenance than other types of flooring. It isn’t always easy to wipe up spills from a carpet, and dust and debris can get embedded in the fibres. If you’ve got pets, it can be tough keeping on top of the vacuuming.

Laminate or vinyl

Laminate and vinyl flooring have come a long way since the early days. And although there are still some poor quality products on the market, there are also some fantastic products available. To avoid getting caught out, buy from a reputable company or get advice from a flooring specialist.

The biggest advantage of laminate and vinyl is they are easy to clean and moisture resistant. Plus, there are options to suit most budgets and tastes.

LVT

Luxury Vinyl Tile is extremely popular and is a versatile option for any room in the house. There are so many designs on offer, including exceptionally realistic wood or stone effect.

LVT is durable and hardwearing, moisture resistant, and easy to maintain. It’s comfortable to walk on, is less noisy than wood and is warmer underfoot than tiles. Plus, it can be used with underfloor heating for that extra cosy feel.

It’s difficult to find many downsides when it comes to LVT, but it isn’t completely indestructible. And some types of LVT can be difficult to remove if you do want to replace your flooring. So if you are considering LVT, choose a design you’ll be happy with for many years.

Real wood and parquet

Real wood and parquet are luxury flooring choices, and that will be reflected in the cost. But don’t let that put you off. Wood flooring is an investment as it can last decades due to its exceptional durability.

Although parquet flooring is often seen as old fashioned, there are actually some beautiful contemporary designs that are ideal for a more modern home.

You can choose long or short plank, narrow or wide, natural or stained wood, light or dark. You can combine shades, add curves or even include sun and star features to make your parquet floor a focal point of the room.

But if you do opt for real wood or parquet, be sure to use an experienced flooring specialist to make sure it is fitted and finished to a high standard.

What else?

So you know where your flooring is going and have weighed up the pros and cons of different flooring types, but what’s next?

Colour and design

This will really come down to your personal preference and the décor of your room. You’ll want a colour and design that works with your walls, furniture and curtains.

Durability

If you have a young family, then durability might be a priority. You don’t want to spend a fortune on something that’s going to need replacing within months.

Longevity

If you plan on staying in your current home for many years to come, then you’ll probably want to invest in quality flooring. If you’re simply looking to get your home ready for sale, then a lower cost option might work better.

Budget

Your budget will play a part in choosing your floor, especially if you are fitting out an entire house. The good news is there are so many choices available, you’re bound to find something you love within your price range.

Need a little inspiration?

There are hundreds of flooring manufacturers, suppliers and installers, so it can be hard to know where to turn.

At Beyond Flooring, our mission is to enhance your environment with expertly fitted flooring. We only use quality products, and we offer a two year warranty on all domestic projects.

If you need a little inspiration, check out our customer gallery, or visit our showroom. Our friendly team are always happy to help you select the perfect flooring for your home.