We understand that when it comes to choosing new flooring the number of choices can be quite overwhelming. It’s easy to get caught up in the technicalities and aesthetics of all the options available for purchase. Often, shoppers need a place to start, which is the purpose of this blog post. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful in narrowing down your options to decide on a floor that you’ll love for years to come.

Questions to ask yourself:

Be honest with yourself and jot down the answers to the following questions.

• Where are you installing your new flooring? This is an important question because your answer will determine specific characteristics you will need in your future flooring selection. For instance, if you’re replacing the tile in your bathroom, you’ll want to find something that is water or moisture-resistant.
• Will your new flooring be in a high-traffic area? If your flooring will be in areas such as the entryway, kitchen, or frequently used hallway, you may want to factor in durability as a top characteristic.
• Who will be walking on your floor? Consider the ages of those who will be using your floor the most. For example, consider a floor with a non-slip component if you have an older individual who can easily slip and fall.
• How much maintenance am I comfortable with? Many buyers get enthralled by the beauty of new floors and fail to consider the upkeep involved. Ask yourself how much maintenance you’re willing to take on and do the proper research when vetting your options.
• How long do I want my floors to last? Ideally, with flooring being such a significant investment, most people want their floors to last a long time. However, if you have young children and need something to get by until they are older, consider something more budget-friendly and durable.

Now that you have your answers let’s head into what type of lifestyle you lead.

Pet Owners

If you have a furry friend or three, you may want to consider a durable flooring that’s scratch-resistant and water-resistant to protect it from spills – especially from those messy water bowls. Consider the following low-maintenance, durable options.

• Vinyl Flooring: If you want a floor that’s comfortable for your pets and will keep them from slipping and sliding, a vinyl floor would be your best bet. It doesn’t trap dander, and it resists moisture and scratches. It’ll also help you sleep a little sounder with its noise-muffling capabilities. You won’t hear your pet roaming around the house at night.
• Waterproof Laminate: Waterproof laminate is easy to maintain and clean. It also resists liquids to protect it from those muddy paw moments.
• Hardwood: Hardwoods are easy to clean and don’t collect dander. Also, if a section of your floor gets damaged, you can replace only the damaged planks instead of replacing the whole floor, saving you money in costly repairs.
• Tile Flooring: Like the flooring options mentioned above, tile is easy to clean and resists scratches and water. It also doesn’t trap pet dander.

Allergy Aware

Those who are sensitive to allergens need a specific type of flooring to keep them at bay. The following are practical options that contain low volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

• Low-pile carpeting: If you like a cozy setting and the feeling of carpet beneath your feet, low-pile carpet retains less dirt than other traditional options. You’ll want to make sure you vacuum frequently and get it professionally cleaned.
• Laminate: Due to its seamless installation process, laminate doesn’t accumulate contaminants making it ideal for those with allergy sensitivities.
• Luxury vinyl: Easy to clean, and scratch-resistant, luxury vinyl won’t allow dirt and debris to be collected in its cracks.
• Tile: Its smooth surface and easy-to-clean nature doesn’t attract allergens
• Hardwood: Hardwoods don’t trap indoor air pollutants. When shopping for a hardwood floor, make sure you choose a zero-VOC or low-VOC finish for optimal air quality.

Families with Kiddos

As fun as kids can be, they can really push the limits of durability for all types of flooring. Here are some comfortable and durable options that your family will love.

• Luxury vinyl: Comfortable for little ones, luxury vinyl, is scratch and moisture resistant.
• Waterproof laminate: Durable and capable of withstanding messy activities, this type of flooring is very kid-friendly.
• Carpeting: Carpet is a solid option for families due to its comfortable nature and noise-reducing qualities.
• Hardwoods: Most hardwoods are simple to clean up and can withstand all family activities.
• Tile: Tile is sustainable and durable against wear and tear. It’s also easily cleaned.

Entertainers & Hosts

Love to entertain and host parties frequently? Check out these options to fit your party-savvy lifestyle.

• Tile: Spend more time entertaining with this low-maintenance, easy-to-clean option.
• Berber Carpet: If comfort is high on your must-have list, consider Berber carpet. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns to hide stains.
• Hardwood: Consider a hand-scraped or distressed hardwood. These unique patterns can mask the wear and tear of hardwoods.
• Laminate: Laminate can have the look of wood but with more durable characteristics. It can also resist dents and scratches for high-traffic areas.
• Luxury Vinyl: It’s easy to clean, saving you time after your soirees. There are many different styles and colors to choose from.

Environmentally Conscious

If you want to invest in environmentally sound flooring, you’ll want to consider options with low-VOC or zero-VOCs. Here are a few popular options.

• Engineered hardwoods: This type of flooring uses fewer trees to create one panel, unlike traditional hardwoods. It contains no VOCs and is made up of natural materials.
• Wool carpet: Wool carpet is made of natural materials and is a comfortable option for those with large families. It’s also soft and comes in a wide variety of color options.
• Polyester carpet: If you like the idea of recycled materials, a polyester carpet would be the perfect fit. It’s super durable and versatile.
• Hardwood: Reclaimed hardwood is the most eco-friendly flooring option as it doesn’t have high VOCs and contains natural materials.

Now that you know what flooring best fits your lifestyle, please give us a call at 409-932-2843 or contact us through our website. We also have financing available if needed.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, feel free to head on over to the flooring section of our website. And, stay up to date on the latest and greatest news from Flooring Design Center by following us on Facebook and Instagram.