An Overview Of Flooring, Carpeting And Rugs

Flooring, carpets and rugs are used in all kinds of residential spaces, from simple condominium units and apartments to the most luxurious townhouses and villas. Of course, the choice of flooring, carpets and rugs has to be appropriate to the place. In fact, if they complement the chosen interior design properly, they can complete any look for the home. Even without changing a rooms paint or its furnishings, it can still be given a drastic makeover by simply changing the flooring, carpets and rugs. Aside from matching the aesthetic design of a certain space, however, they should also be suitable to the expected function of the area. It therefore follows that using inappropriate flooring or carpets and rugs will not only ruin the look of a space but will also affect its functionality. The homeowner can choose from such a wide range of available types and styles of flooring, carpets and rugs. If the task of choosing is overwhelming, expert advice may be sought.

From the many available choices in flooring, hardwood, tile, vinyl and laminate flooring are the most popular chosen.

In terms of hardwood flooring the choices include solid hardwood flooring and engineered hardwood flooring. Solid hardwood flooring is sold as strips and as planks. These are then sanded and stained. The customer can customize the look of solid hardwood by choosing the preferred shade for staining. Engineered hardwood flooring is made of layers of wood that have been fused and laminated together. Solid hardwood flooring or engineered hardwood flooring both need to be properly installed and sealed. Sealing procedures protect the flooring from spills that cause stains. Hardwood flooring is not difficult to maintain because all it needs is regular mopping and vacuuming.

In terms of tile flooring the choices include natural stone, ceramic mosaic, glass and metal tiles.

Homeowners who choose natural stone tile flooring will have to decide among granite, slate, marble and limestone tiles. The densest and strongest are granite tiles which also resist moisture and the growth of bacteria. They are therefore recommended for use in kitchens and in areas with high human traffic. Also considered strong are slate tiles. These have slip resistance even when they are wet and are therefore recommended for use in bathrooms and at pool sides. Marble tiles can be slippery, though, and should be used more in zones of low human traffic. The softest are limestone tiles, which is why they are usually used only as accents.

In terms of vinyl flooring the choices include no-wax vinyl, urethane vinyl and enhanced urethane vinyl. The latest variant with the most advanced features is enhanced urethane vinyl flooring which is resistant to moisture and to strong household chemicals, making it appropriate for use even in bathrooms. It only needs regular sweeping and mopping for maintenance. Vinyl flooring is available in designs that look like stone and hardwood flooring, as well as many other designs and colors.

In terms of laminate flooring the only decision to be made is with regard to design and color. Laminate flooring can also look like natural stone flooring or hardwood flooring but is much less expensive while having better durability. Laminate flooring is resistant to moisture, warping, staining, scratching and fading.

Carpeting can replace flooring or enhance it. Carpets can have cut pile, loop pile or cut & loop pile. Among the more popular styles are broadloom carpets and wool berbers.

Rugs can also enhance both flooring and carpeting. Oriental rugs are popular and come as runner rugs, area rugs and round rugs.

The finest flooring, carpets and rugs are available at Carpet One Floor & Home.