WRITTEN BY JOSH DEAKIN
Installing new flooring can be a relatively cheap and easy way to freshen up your living areas and give new life to your home. Depending on your choice, a new floor can be a quick remodel project done with just a few tools. But before you jump right in, you should know a few things about the different materials and some decisions you’ll need to make along the way.
The type of room you are reflooring will have some power over the flooring you choose. For example, you don’t see many bathrooms with carpet. In addition, there are other factors to consider, such as budget and traffic. A few different flooring options include laminate, hardwood, and tile, in addition to carpet.
Laminate
Laminate is often the cheapest option, but when properly installed it can be a great choice and look more high-end than you might expect. A high quality laminate floor can last upwards of 30 years, and range between $1 to $5 per square foot if you install it yourself, according to Vevano.com. If you would like it installed for you, expect an additional $1 to $3 per square foot. While it looks great and is an affordable option, laminate is susceptible to warping from water, and unlike other options will not increase the value of your home. You will want to avoid any overtly harsh cleaning chemicals as these can damage laminate over time. Be sure to pay attention to the AC rating on laminate flooring, as each rating pertains to specific conditions. For example, an AC2 rating is best for general residential homes with light to medium traffic areas, such as a living room.
Hardwood
Hardwood flooring would be the next step up from laminate, but with that comes a steep price increase. A professional may charge up to $20 per square foot for materials and labor. However, hardwood has an incredible return on investment as it can last upwards of 80 years and increase the value of your home. One thing to be aware of is when picking a wood type, softer woods like pine, fir, and cedar are easier to scratch, whereas maple, oak, or birch are perfect for high traffic areas or if you have pets or children.
Tile
One of the most expensive types of flooring is tile; a professionally installed room could cost you up to $30 per square foot for materials and labor. Tile is completely water resistant unlike laminate or hardwood, but could make for a cold interior to walk on. Tile flooring can last up to 50 years with proper installation and a high quality of material. For cheaper options, the duration can still be up to 20 years. When choosing a tile, consider the type of stone or material. Porcelain is a stronger type of tile than regular ceramic, but more expensive as well. The designs and colors are wide and vast with many different options. There are even ceramic tiles that imitate the look of wood grain to give you that rustic look.