Selecting the Correct Type of Floor Surfacing
By Hannes Dreyer
Make no mistake, when it comes to the condition and appearance of the floor surface in a home it is a substantial matter.
By having a clean and neat finish to your homes flooring you are able to add substantial value to the home.
Making the correct decision when it comes to various types of flooring and where each one is best applied, may at times be very tricky.
One should always take into account your budget, practicality and desired end result when considering re-flooring.
Before making a decision as to what type of flooring to install, one should always be sure to evaluate the usage of each particular room and the amount of traffic which the floor will be subjected to.
Those rooms which are subjected to a constant flow of traffic such as those inhabited by pets and children would be better suited to tiles or heavy duty carpeting. Also try to go for slightly darker shades as they tend not to show the dirt so easily.
Other rooms which do not carry such a heavy stream of traffic might be better suite to lighter and more ambient colors.
One should also always take into consideration the conditions of the room and how it may affect various types of flooring.
Sunlight, humidity and various other such things should be carefully considered before the job of re-flooring a room is embarked on. You don't want the new surface to lift, crack or fade in a short period of time as flooring can be reasonably expensive.
Also be aware of the ambiance or mood which you are creating by using the various types of flooring and be sure that the one you select is best fitted for the area you are attending to.
Be sure as to make one area of the houses flooring flow into the following rooms design, this should be preplanned and well coordinated.
There are also a variety of ways to assist in this regard should you have special flooring requirements for special rooms such as edgings and the sort. Just be sure that there is not too much of a clash in styles between adjoining rooms.
Here are examples of various types of flooring available on the market today:
Carpets
Should you make the choice to go with carpets, it is generally very cost effective and easy to install. Carpets are available in a huge variety of styles, colors, qualities and designs. To keep them in a good condition is as easy as having a good vacuum cleaner and doing periodic carpet shampooing. Always keep in mind the volume of traffic a specific area will have before deciding on the quality and color of the carpet.
Ceramic Tiles
Due to the vast range of ceramic tiles on the market and their durability this form of flooring has grown greatly in popularity. They are available in ranges to fit almost any budget or taste. Generally very easy to clean as all you need is a mop and the tile cleaning agent of your choice. If you are afraid that the floor may be cold at times, you may consider putting under floor heating in, should your budget permit this. This type of flooring is very practical and durable and as mentioned earlier adaptable to most budget constraints.
Hardwood
This form of flooring simply has an ambiance all of its own but comes at a higher cost as well. Hardwood flooring is reasonably strong and long lasting but does require periodic maintenance. It is also not suited to an environment where it will be subjected to extreme wet or dry conditions. They are also susceptible to scratching and scuffing in high traffic areas. Keeping them clean is as easy as sweeping or vacuuming but will need periodic treatments and attention.
Laminates
This form of flooring is designed to replicate the look of wooden flooring but comes at a far lower cost. Their maintenance is very simple as it will simply be a case of going over it with a mop or a broom, much like a vinyl floor. Due to its cost effectiveness and durability, many contractors opt for this form of flooring.
Vinyl
Vinyl flooring is very affordable and damage resistant. They are available in a large range of colors, styles and qualities. Maintenance of this type of flooring is as simple as a simple once over with a mop or a broom.
When it comes to flooring, the options are endless but always be sure to budget correctly and select the correct type to assist you in achieving your desired effect.
Always remember that decent flooring is a sure way to improve the value of your home.
About The Author:
Dr Hannes Dreyer is a Wealth Creator Mentor and inventor of the Property Pro Investment System.
For more information and great tips on property investments, home improvements and home renovations and to get your FREE Property Investments Video showing you how to achieve a growth rate of more than 87% per year on your property investments - even in a recession visit http://www.PropertySchool.co.za
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannes_Dreyer
http://EzineArticles.com/?Selecting-the-Correct-Type-of-Floor-Surfacing&id=3181305