You may be wondering what the differences are between different floor coverings. There are many types and characteristics to consider, including cost, durability, environmental impact, and versatility. Read on to discover the pros and cons of each type. Listed below are some of the most common types of floor coverings. To help you decide which is best for your home, consider the following factors:
Cost
The cost of different floor coverings varies greatly depending on the type you choose, square footage, and labor rates. You will also need to consider the needs of the room, whether it will have pets or children, and whether it will be close to exterior doors. A variety of flooring options will suit different budgets and tastes. Listed below are the average costs of various floor coverings. You can also compare the prices of these different types of floor coverings.
Laminate flooring can be less expensive than stone or wood, and can be installed for $3 to $10 per square foot. While laminate flooring is relatively low-priced, it can be slippery in certain conditions, which can make it risky. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is resilient and feels softer underfoot than rigid wood. Vinyl is made from PVC plastic over a layer of felt. Cushioned vinyl is topped with a thin layer of foam and can also have a textured surface.
Durability
When you are choosing new flooring, you should consider the durability of different floor coverings. Those that are more resistant to wear and tear are better for active homes since they are more likely to withstand foot traffic. Moreover, you should look into the overall style of your flooring as well. If you are having trouble choosing the perfect flooring, consult an epoxy flooring installer. Listed below are some tips for choosing the best flooring material for your home.
Hardness: The harder a material is, the greater its resistance to dents and dings. For solid wood, it is important to consider the Janka Scale. This test measures the force required to push a steel ball halfway into the wood. It applies to both domestic and imported species. But it does not apply to engineered wood flooring, so the overall durability of the material is not determined by the Janka scale alone. Besides the density of the material, other factors such as kiln-drying time and moisture resistance also affect its sturdiness.
Hardwoods: If you want the floor to be strong, you should consider a hardwood floor instead of a carpet. Hardwood is harder and better for wear, but it may become damaged by heavy objects. Fortunately, you can repair minor dents and scratches on hardwood floors if you care for them. If you do decide to install laminate flooring, make sure to check the warranty of your product to make sure it meets your requirements.
Tile: When it comes to durability, there are a few different types of tiles. Porcelain tile requires less upkeep than glazed ceramic tile. However, tile can be slippery without a special finish. If you want high-quality flooring, choose porcelain tile. Consumer Reports recommends this type of tile for wet rooms and high-traffic areas. Tile is also great for enclosed porches and is easy to clean.
Environmental Impact
Different floor coverings have a varying impact on the environment. Some are toxic, such as PVC and other adhesives and finishes. These materials contain high amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that harm the air in a building or manufacturing facility. Greener floor materials have low VOC levels. For more information, check out the Environmental Product Declarations of common floor coverings. To learn more about the environmental impact of different floor coverings, check out our guide.
Inorganic flooring systems are considered the most environmentally friendly. They use renewable resources such as bamboo. Then, they use low-emission manufacturing processes. Their energy bills are also the lowest of all flooring options. Marmoleum, on the other hand, requires little maintenance and can last more than 40 years, compared to the ten to twenty years that laminate and vinyl are supposed to last. The best environmental impact and carbon footprint are associated with these two flooring options.
Ceramic tile is known for its low acidification potential. This means that it contributes less to the depletion of fossil fuels than other flooring materials. The TCNA’s Tile: The Natural Choice, which is available free of charge, also compares the environmental impact of ceramic tile with that of other types of flooring materials. Wood flooring, on the other hand, is a good choice for those who care about the environment.
While wood is a renewable resource, vinyl and carpet are not. As a result, their environmental impact is significant. For example, a single square foot of vinyl flooring contains the equivalent of 570,000,000 plastic straws, 70,000 plastic bags, or 27,000 plastic bottles. Wood, on the other hand, is biodegradable and can be recycled for other uses. Further, wood is a natural resource, which can be recycled.
Versatility
Several different floor coverings offer their own unique qualities. While some types are easier to maintain and clean, others offer greater design versatility. Carpet, for example, can be professionally cleaned, but it is often susceptible to stains and pet hair. Linoleum and vinyl are two examples of “resilient” flooring that offer excellent durability and moisture resistance. These options are ideal for areas of the home that see a lot of traffic.