A guide to re-flooring your home
Thursday, 5 January 2012 2:10 PM
From floor tiles to hardwood, the list of materials you can use as flooring in your home is seemingly endless. If you are considering updating your interior by laying a new floor, it is important you thoroughly research the process. Read on for our guide.
The first thing to consider is what type of floor you would like. The basic options are hardwood, soft wood, laminate, vinyl, carpet and tiled and the one you choose will be based on a number of factors.
For instance, in the busiest rooms of your property, such as the kitchen and living room, it is wise to select something hardwearing like wood, as this will stand up to wear and tear and is unlikely to get worn down within a short period of time due to the foot traffic it receives. Meanwhile, wet rooms such as the bathroom or the kitchen may benefit more from vinyl or laminate flooring, as they are both exceptionally durable and also largely water-resistant.
Meanwhile, in the bedroom you might prefer to have carpet, as it can create a cosier atmosphere. From a practical perspective, carpet might be the best choice for stairways and landings, as they provide more grip, therefore reducing the risk of people tripping. This could make it a good choice for children's bedrooms.
All of these are practical considerations, but cost is another factor to think about. Luxury carpet and hardwood tend to be the most expensive options but they can also last longer if they are well looked after, so you may decide they are worth the investment. If you live in an older property you might find that hidden beneath the existing flooring materials are hardwood boards, which you could sand and polish to perfection.
Should you have your heart set on wood, you may be pleased to hear that there are less expensive options than luxurious solid oak. You could select bamboo, which is becoming increasingly popular among environmentally-conscious homeowners as the plant is fast-growing and so considered sustainable. If you like the look of floors made from natural materials but you have young children running around and are concerned about injuries when they slip and land on hardwood, you might consider a soft version like cork. Both bamboo and cork are also more affordable than their hardwood counterparts.
After you have considered all of this, it is time to think about whether you will fit your investment yourself, or contact a flooring specialist.
In deciding this, you should carefully consider your own abilities, as attempting to tackle the task yourself and making a mistake could prove costly if it results in your new flooring or even your walls being damaged. In addition, some floor styles require delicate craftsmanship and years of experience to install correctly, so it may be worth leaving this to the professionals. Indeed, only a brave amateur would attempt to lay parquet flooring themselves!
Similarly, if you have your heart set on completely tiling your bathroom from floor to ceiling, giving it a classic art deco look, it is also worth contacting a professional. Tiling may appear straightforward, but ensuring you end up with the uniform lines you want and clear, even grouting between them can be a job best left to an expert. Another case in point is brickwork, which you may want fitted around the base of your fireplace in a parquet effect or even on your path or driveway. Keep in mind that if the pattern you are after is intricate, it might be advisable to call a tradesman.
Luckily, there are some materials that can be more straightforward to install so you could have a go yourself. Laminate flooring often comes with manufacturers' instructions, so follow these carefully and you should find it easy to lay your new floor. Indeed, you may wish to choose something like this for the lesser-used rooms in your property and use the money you save to pay for a tradesman to fit something of a higher quality in the main rooms.
Before you begin laying your new floor, you should take the time to sketch a detailed room and floor plan. These measurements must be as accurate as possible as you may need to use them to cut your new material to the correct size. After you have done this, you can strip your existing floors, typically until you reach the concrete surface below.
Floor insulation is a wise option as it can help prevent cold air from seeping in through the gaps. Ultimately, simply laying down some high-quality insulation before you fit your new floor could save you money on your energy bills and keep your home cosy.
There is a lot to consider when it comes to flooring so it is worth taking your time before you make any major decisions. By doing this, you could end up with floors you will love for many years to come.
