Today, there are more options for flooring than ever before. Not all flooring materials are well-suited for every room or even for every home. Here are some things to know about various flooring materials before you install new flooring in your new home.
Hardwood and Engineered Wood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is a single layer of wood. Engineered wood has a top layer of hardwood and then layers of plywood beneath. Sometimes other materials are added to engineered wood to aid in structural stability. Both types of flooring come pre-finished or bare so you can apply a custom finish. Hardwood flooring is able to be refinished several times. Quality engineered wood floors can be refinished at least once or perhaps twice depending on the wear layer. It is not recommended to install hardwood, engineered wood, or laminate in a bathroom or laundry room as these areas are more likely to sustain water damage.
Wood-Look Flooring
If you know hardwood or engineered wood floors are not the best flooring option for your home, but you do like the look of wood flooring, consider one of the many wood-look flooring options. The three most popular wood-look flooring options are:
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Laminate – This is one of the least expensive common flooring materials available today. However, it’s not a great choice for a bathroom or laundry room. Quality laminate will last for decades and, when you choose one with the right AC rating, it will look great for a long time too.
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Wood-look tile – Wood-look tile is a great option throughout your home, but especially in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and any other wet area. Wood-look tile has continued to grow in popularity over the years.
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Luxury vinyl plank – This is the newest of the wood-look materials. Also called LVP, it comes in a wide variety of styles and with a wide price range. LVP will last for decades when properly installed. Quality brands are waterproof, and this is a fast-growing segment of new flooring.
Tile & Luxury Vinyl Tile
If you love the look of tile but prefer something with a softer feel, consider luxury vinyl tile (LVT). LVT is the same product as LVP except it’s made to mimic the look of tile and natural stone. It’s a great option when you’re on a budget or if you want to install it yourself.
Tile is one of the most common flooring materials in the greater Tampa Bay area. That’s because it doesn’t scratch easily from contact with sand, and it resists water damage. Tile comes in countless styles and colors so you can create a look entirely your own.
Listing or Buying? Call Jason Duraj
Whether you are listing your home soon and would like to refinish the flooring first or hoping to update the flooring in a home you are planning to purchase, let us know. Jason Duraj and the team at Future Home Realty are happy to put you in contact with professionals we trust in the area. Call us at (813) 992-7771, and let's get started.
