New Year, New Floors? You may have been looking to begin your new flooring project but don’t know where to start. If so, you’ve landed in the right place!
Whether you're revamping your living room or renovating your entire home, we'll walk you through every step of the process, from exploring different flooring options to using virtual design tools to help you create a space you’ll love.
Key Summary
- Flooring options include carpet, hardwood, laminate, tile, and vinyl.
- You can expect to pay between $750 and $69,000 depending on the type of flooring you choose.
- Industry standards for hard surface products require adding 10% to the net measurement of the area to allow for cutting and waste.
- Hardwood flooring can last up to 100 years with proper care and maintenance
1. Explore Your Flooring Options
You can choose between carpet, hardwood, laminate, vinyl, and tile flooring designs. Each flooring type’s design elements encompass various materials, colors, and patterns to suit every taste and style.
Carpet
Softness and Comfort
Carpet has been dubbed the king of comfort for many years, and there’s no doubt about it. Whether you're walking barefoot or lounging on the floor, it provides a cozy feel that adds warmth to any room.
Noise Reduction
You don’t have to worry about hearing any noisy ceiling neighbours or kids’ playtime squabbles because the carpet acts as a natural sound insulator, absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This makes it ideal for bedrooms, playrooms, and other areas where noise reduction is desired.
Styling Options
From plush to sleek, carpet comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns to suit any aesthetic preference.
Whether you prefer a neutral carpet that blends seamlessly with your decor or a bold pattern that makes a statement, there's a style for every taste.
Hardwood
Natural Beauty
Hardwood flooring is prized for its timeless beauty and natural look. Each plank flaunts the wood species' unique grain patterns and natural variations, adding character and charm to any space.
Durability and Longevity
Hardwood flooring is as durable as a cherished family heirloom, standing the test of time. The floors can last for 25 to 100 years with proper care and maintenance, retaining their beauty and value over time.
Versatility in Design
Hardwood flooring offers endless design possibilities, allowing you to create a look that's uniquely yours. Whether you prefer the classic elegance of oak or the rustic charm of reclaimed wood, hardwood flooring can be customized to complement any decor style.
Laminate
Affordability
If you can afford to splurge on a fancy dinner once in a while, then you can surely afford laminate flooring. It offers the look of real wood or tile at a fraction of the cost, making it a popular budget-friendly choice.
Easy Maintenance
Laminate flooring is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and fading, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways. It’s also easy to clean and requires minimal maintenance, saving you time and effort in the long run.
Various Installation Methods
Laminate flooring can be installed in different ways, including:
- Click-and-Lock Installation: Simply click laminate planks together for a snug fit. Perfect for DIYers, it's a breeze to install without any mess.
- Glue-less Floating Installation: Lay laminate planks over foam underlayment, clicking them together. No glue means flexibility and ease, which is ideal for areas with changing temperatures.
- Glue-down Installation: For tough conditions, glue laminate planks directly to the subfloor. This method ensures a strong, stable bond, perfect for high-moisture areas.
Tile
Various Patterns
You can create endless design possibilities for your space with tiles. Whether you prefer the classic look of ceramic or the modern appeal of porcelain, there's a tile option that matches your vibe.
Water Resistance
Tile is naturally water-resistant, making it ideal for moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms. Proper sealing and maintenance allow tile flooring to withstand spills, splashes, and humidity without warping or damage.
Ease of Cleaning
It’s easy to clean and maintain, requiring only regular sweeping and occasional mopping to keep it looking its best. This makes tile flooring a practical choice for busy households.
Vinyl
Versatility in Design
You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to vinyl. You can pick from Sheet Vinyl, Luxury Vinyl Plank, and Luxury Vinyl Tile; one of these options will surely tickle your fancy.
Waterproof Properties
Vinyl is perfect for areas prone to spills and moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and basements. It is resistant to water damage, mold, and mildew, providing you with peace of mind.
Comfort and Quietness
No one will hear you at 2 AM when you’re going to grab your “midnight snack”, because vinyl flooring provides a quiet surface underfoot, reducing noise level. This makes it a popular choice for households with busy children or pets.
2. Planning and Preparation
Slow your roll! Before starting your flooring project, you need to plan and prepare accordingly. Here are some things to consider:
Budgeting
You need to have a clear picture of how much you’re willing to spend on your flooring project, the table below gives you a brief overview of the overall price for each option:
| Flooring Option | Average Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Carpet | $1,000 - $22,500 |
| Hardwood | $3,000 - $69,000 |
| Laminate | $2,000 - $28,000 |
| Tile | $1,500 - $45,000 |
| Vinyl | $750 - $11,000 |
Get Multiple Quotes
Be sure to compare pricing to ensure you're getting the best value for your money. A reputable installer will work closely with you to understand your needs and preferences, providing expert guidance and ensuring a seamless installation process from start to finish.
A Low Budget Shouldn’t Be the Reason You Can’t Get New Floors
We offer affordable monthly installment options
GET FINANCING TODAYPreparing Your Space and Subfloor Assessment
This may involve removing furniture, clearing out clutter, and addressing any existing flooring or subfloor issues.
Depending on the type of flooring you've chosen, additional preparation may be required, such as acclimating hardwood planks or leveling the subfloor for tile installation.
Average Cost of Floor Preparation: $2 to $6 per square foot for subfloor repair or leveling.
Carpet can be installed over virtually any type of subfloor, including hardwood, plywood, particleboard, cement, vinyl tile, sheet vinyl, ceramic tile, and in some instances over an existing glued-down carpet.
Solid surface floors such as hardwood and tile require much more in-depth preparation to achieve a quality installation.
One of the biggest issues with hard surface floors not being installed over a properly prepared floor is imperfections in the subfloor telegraphing through.
Proper Floor Measurements
Proper measurements ensure you have enough material ordered to complete the installation and incur no delays related to having to order more.
Industry standards for hard surface products require adding 10% to the net measure of the area to be covered to allow for cutting and waste.
Due to room sizes and seam placement, rolled products such as carpet and sheet vinyl may have up to 15% waste.
Using Virtual Flooring Design Tools to Bring Your Vision to Life
Thanks to technological advancements, virtual flooring design tools have revolutionized how we plan and visualize our spaces.
Tools like our ‘See Your Flooring in Your Space’ in the bottom left of your screen allow you to experiment with different flooring options, patterns, and layouts in a virtual environment, giving you a clear idea of how your chosen flooring will look in your home.
This hands-on approach allows you to make informed decisions about your flooring and design choices, ensuring that the final result aligns with your vision for your home.
3. Design Considerations
When picking out your ideal flooring design, consider factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and how well it complements the overall aesthetic of your home.
The Role of a Flooring Designer
Like 30% of homeowners, you might be considering tackling your flooring project on your own. However, working with a flooring designer can make the process smoother.
They are experts in their field, with the knowledge and experience to guide you through the selection process and offer valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.
Exploring Flooring and Design Trends
| Design Aspect | Carpet | Hardwood | Laminate | Tile (Ceramic and Porcelain) | Vinyl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Styles | Plush Berber Frieze Cut and Loop | Traditional Engineered Handscrape Exotic | Wood-look Tile-look Stone-look | Subway Hexagon Moroccan Mosaic | Wood-look Tile-look Stone-look |
| Trim / Patterns | ❌ | Planks Parquet Chevron Herringbone | Planks Tiles Mixed Widths | Diagonal Straight Versailles | Luxury Vinyl Plank Luxury Vinyl Tile Sheet Vinyl |
| Finishes | ❌ | High gloss Matte Satin Wire-brushed | Embossed Smooth Textured | Matte Glossy Textured Polished | Embossed Smooth Textured |
| Fibers | Nylon Wool Polyester | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Pile Height | Low Medium High | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I incorporate flooring into an open-concept floor plan?
Select a consistent flooring material or use strategic design elements like borders or inlays to ensure a seamless transition between rooms.
What are the latest flooring trends and styles?
Current trends in flooring involve natural materials, bold patterns, and waterproof options.
How do I choose the right underlayment for my new floors?
Select an underlayment that provides the necessary cushioning, insulation, and moisture barrier for your flooring type and subfloor.
Conclusion
With the tips and insights in this guide, you're ready to begin your flooring project confidently. Planning and designing your new flooring is an exciting opportunity to transform your space and create a home that reflects your unique style and personality.
By exploring different flooring options, working with a flooring designer, and using virtual design tools, you can confidently start investing in new floors for your home. View our catalog to see which flooring best fits your style.
