What are the Different Types of Flooring?

Replacing your flooring with something new can be one of the most rewarding renovations. Beginning your renovation with new floors is the easiest way to introduce elegance to your home. Many of us begin with "builder grade" Berber carpet, decades-old hardwood floors, or even gutted concrete floors. We'll talk about how a floor is laid, and your replacement options.

How is a floor laid?

Depending on which part of the country you live in. In most of the US Midwest, your flooring actually sits on a row of vertical boards called joists. Joists are the supports that run from the edges of your basement wall to the central reinforcements, or girders. When laid, the joists create the framework that will support your walls and subfloor. Your subfloor adds extra support for your flooring, especially if it is comprised of small elements that are prone to flex related failure, like tile and marble. The your choice in subfloor is largely dependant on what type of flooring you are installing, and what room you are installing in.

Carpet is the most flexible flooring, as it takes to both Plywood and Oriented Strand Board (OSB) with very little complaint. If you are installing the carpet in a basement or directly onto a concrete base, consider a moisture resistant subfloor.

Tile flooring requires an inflexible subfloor, so generally nothing less than 3/4" plywood will do. You should also consider a backer-board with your tile install, unless the base of your flooring is concrete slab.

Laminate flooring can use virtually any underlayment, as it does not actually sit on the subfloor itself, but rather floats on a thin layer of clear plastic. This prevents the laminate from bubbling or warping if there is any shrink or swell in the floor.

Wood flooring should always be adhered directly to a wood subfloor. Weather oriented strand board or plywood, it is important to consider the moisture resistance of your subfloor. Using a vapor barrier and secure wood screws will keep your wood floors handsome, pleasant smelling, and silent.

What are the differences between the flooring types?

Wood flooring, a traditional favorite, can be laid in a variety of methods. Tongue-in-Groove or "snap-in" flooring is a modern favorite for do-it-yourselfers, and is comprised of interconnecting boards of wood that are generally adhered directly to the subfloor. Classically, plank flooring, similar to the decking you would find on a fine sailboat, was the norm for wood flooring. The difficulty of install and tendency to dry out and squeak has made it an unusual choice for modern wood flooring. Parquet flooring is another popular choice, but unfortunately, many of these are made of wood veneer instead of genuine hardwood, making them prone to damage and difficult to customize.

Wood laminate, commonly known by the Pergo® trademark, is easy to install over your existing flooring and even easier to maintain. Unlike natural wood floors, wood laminate never needs waxing or sanding. These floors are usually printed in a grain to simulate a natural woodgrain. Wood laminate can still give the warm and intimate feel of genuine wood flooring at a fraction of the cost.

Tile floors, consisting of ceramic, porcelain, marble, and granite, are generally the most expensive flooring option. The floors are hard and easily polished to a high luster. This flooring can be very slippery when polished or wet, so use with caution in high traffic areas. We recommend using tile floors in foyers, bathrooms, and kitchens. This surface has a hard time setting the right tone in living rooms, though it can work in bedrooms depending on your choice of decor.

Carpet is a common flooring choice, as it is simple to clean and conceals dirt and pet hair. Unfortunately, the fibers often trap these items and other allergens, creating a comfort issue for anyone with allergies. Also, there is a heavy variation in quality and weight, making a judicious decision even more important. The use of Sisal is currently in style. Sisal rugs are a natural flooring product that resist moisture without chemical additives. These special fibers match perfectly with traditional and contemporary decor.

Remember to investigate Brick and Concrete floors. If done correctly, both of these options present benefits in durability and maintenance that could be perfect for you if it meets your aesthetic demands. Brick floors are especially popular in kitchens, where the country feel is always appreciated. Concrete floors have a very designer look, but are difficult to pull off correctly. Concrete floors may also not be as kid-friendly as some other solutions.