Choosing the perfect flooring material for your house or commercial building can be daunting. The type of flooring you select can make or break the overall aesthetic of your space. Not only are there are many design factors to consider, you also have to think about practicality, durability, and cost.
Don’t let the decision overwhelm you. We’ve compiled some of the most popular flooring materials for residential and commercial spaces and outlined the pros and cons of each.
Believe it or not, concrete flooring has become more than just a fad. Concrete is often the first choice for both commercial and residential flooring projects.
Gray concrete floors are largely a thing of the past (though some people like this look, too!) Today, thanks to advances in technology, concrete floors are fully customizable. You can choose from a variety of colors and texture effects and can even stencil logos and emblems into the surface.
This type of flooring material is great for:
Why is concrete flooring making its way into the hearts and homes of people throughout Portland, Vancouver, and the entire US? Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros of using concrete flooring.
Concrete flooring is incredibly tough and resilient. Concrete can withstand pressure from almost anything: heavy equipment, furniture legs, high heels, pet claws, you name it. Scratching the surface of concrete is very difficult.
It’s easy to clean and maintain concrete flooring. Depending on the level of traffic in your space, the floor may need to be sealed or waxed on occasion. However, a simple broom and mop will normally keep this flooring material looking great all year long.
There are so many ways to refinish your concrete floors and spice up the aesthetic of your space. For example, using a metallic epoxy finish gives you a brilliant metallic effect with unique flows and colors. A water-based stain, on the other hand, will give you a less vibrant, muted look with slight color variations throughout.
Most people who are worried about using concrete flooring in their house or commercial building may think concrete flooring isn’t as aesthetically pleasing. Of course, we know this just isn’t true. Beyond this misconception, there are two main concerns people have about choosing concrete flooring.
Cracking of concrete can eventually occur– especially in commercial settings where they endure a lot more daily weight. However, the risk of cracking can be diminished by choosing an experienced flooring contractor who uses the right equipment and follows established guidelines.
Concrete doesn’t yield and can become uncomfortable when standing on it for hours on end. The surface of concrete also doesn’t retain heat very well– a welcome relief during warm summer Portland and Vancouver months. During the winter, however, this may not be so appreciated.
An easy way to offset both these concerns is through the use of soft carpets and throw rugs.
Hardwood floors are one of the most sought-after amenities in homes. In commercial buildings, hardwood adds a highly desirable aesthetic. Its natural appearance and warmth make this flooring option beautiful and timeless.
Although hardwood may be your first thought when it comes to flooring material, don’t make it your first choice until thoroughly weighing the pros and cons– there are quite a few on both sides.
There’s a certain familiarity, warmth, and elegance to a house or building with hardwood floors. Here are a few of the reasons people choose hardwood flooring.
The warmth of a hardwood floor goes beyond just the look. Hardwood floors are a great insulator and retain heat well. Hardwood floor is also fairly comfortable to walk on.
Cleaning spills off your hardwood floor is fairly easy– just wipe them clean. On the flip side, you have to be careful with the cleaning products you use on your floor, so as not to damage the surface.
Although hardwood floors do take extra care and precaution overall, they tend to be very resilient. With regular maintenance and proper care, hardwood floors can last centuries.
There are a few glaring concerns when it comes to installing hardwood floors. Some people are able to overlook these issues thanks to the overall beauty of hardwood flooring. However, because this option also comes with a high price tag, you have to consider whether or not these cons outweigh the aesthetic.
The price point of hardwood flooring is one of the most glaringly obvious concerns for homeowners and commercial contractors. Pricing for your flooring will vary depending on the type of wood you choose. However, in general, hardwood is incredibly expensive.
Hardwood flooring is fairly high-maintenance. It’s susceptible to scratching and can be damaged easily from moisture. In heavily trafficked areas, wearing will start to show.
When you walk on hardwood floor, especially if you’re wearing shoes, your steps will be loud. Over time, some hardwood flooring can begin to creak, as well.
Tile FlooringUsing tile in your home or commercial building can be a clean and elegant choice. Tile flooring tends to be fairly durable and easy to maintain. There are also many different types and styles of tile to choose from:
Even with all these options, tile flooring is not without its drawbacks. Here’s what you need to consider when thinking about adding tile flooring to your space.
Tile flooring is very popular in US homes. Not only can it help increase your home’s resale value, it can also last a long time. This type of flooring can also be effective in certain commercial spaces, such as office buildings or restaurants.
Tile is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms because, as long as the tiles are sealed, they are great at withstanding water.
Beyond being waterproof, tile can easily withstand a dog’s or cat’s nails. Tiles are also easy to clean, so wiping up pet accidents is a breeze.
Tile flooring does have a few drawbacks you should be aware of– for instance, tiles are incredibly difficult to install evenly and maintain a level surface. There are a few other cons to be aware of when it comes to tile flooring.
Tile does not have any insulating properties. Tile can make a room sound louder than normal, as it doesn’t help dampen sound or echoes.
If something heavy or large is dropped on a tile floor, it will most likely cause chipping or cracking. Broken tile is not only difficult to repair, it can be hazardous– you don’t want to walk or run over cracked tiles with bare feet.
Wall-to-wall carpeting is a cost-effective, go-to flooring choice for many homeowners. It’s an easy way to make your home a warm and comfortable place to live. And for commercial buildings like offices, industrial carpeting is also a common choice.
However, carpeting your home or commercial building does come with its fair share of drawbacks. Before you decide to go with carpet, take a look at some common pros and cons.
It’s probably obvious why carpet is a go-to choice. With so many options to choose from– whether it be material, color, or design–you can customize your carpet to fit your needs.
This is an obvious one, but carpet is the most comfortable flooring option. It’s soft on your feet, visually warm, and depending on the style and material you use, can give your room a casual or formal look.
Though you can certainly opt for very high quality, expensive carpeting, there are also many decently priced options for you to choose from. It’s also easier and faster to install than other types of flooring.
While carpet can be a stylish option for your space, it can also easily look drab or outdated if you’re not careful.
Carpet is much more difficult to clean than other flooring options. It also captures and retains dust and other allergens that can cause issues for some people.
The life of carpet flooring is fairly short and will begin to show a wear pattern. In high-traffic areas especially, carpeting can become matted and look dirty no matter how many times you clean it.
Whether you’re looking to repair or replace your current flooring or starting from scratch on a commercial or residential flooring project, make sure you choose the most efficient and cost-effective option. Take time to weigh the pros and cons and you’ll end up with flooring material that meets your specific needs.
