Flooring can be an overlooked part of a renovation — but it shouldn’t be. Flooring can completely change up a room by helping to create an open, airy space, or by doing the opposite and grounding it with a deep, rich colour.
However, these days renovators are spoiled for choice – there’s just so much to choose from and it can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! Let’s break it down and examine the different materials, patterns and colours available.
Material: Laminate versus Hardwood
The first thing you’re going to want to think about with flooring is the cost. Laminate flooring is almost always more affordable than wood, costing around $3-$7 per square foot while hardwood can cost upwards of $5-$10 per square foot.
Considering the size of your home, laminate can offer thousands of dollars in savings. So, if budget is your chief concern, then you’ll likely want to go with laminate. On top of that, laminate is also in many ways more durable and easier to clean than hardwood.
Over the long-term, though, hardwood will always outlast laminate. For example, laminate is hard to repair while hardwood can always be sanded down. In addition, laminate can often have a fake appearance, while nothing beats the look of a real wooden grain.
However, there’s always the option of mixing and matching types of flooring throughout your home: choose laminate where you will be getting a lot of foot traffic or if you have pets, and add hardwood in lower-traffic rooms like bedrooms and a dining room. That way you’ll still save in the end, and get the advantages from each option.
Pattern: Chevron versus Herringbone
Again, if budget is your chief concern then you’re going to want to go with traditional straight designs. Otherwise, why not consider a chevron or herringbone pattern? Something about a beautifully patterned floor just adds a layer of elegance to any home and is always a delightful surprise when walking into any foyer.
A chevron pattern instantly adds a European feel and creates visual interest through its diagonal lines. It’s dramatic and trendy, and can make a room look bigger. Herringbone is a step up from chevron in some ways— while it still has the diagonal lines, they are more broken up which adds an additional layer of visual interest. It’s best to only use herringbone if you have a large space. Whichever pattern you choose, either will add a historic feel and warmth to your home.
Colours: Light to Dark
Ultimately the colour of your flooring is a personal preference. Light floors add a “California” feel to any home. They work to instantly brighten up a room and make spaces look bigger. Light floors are relaxing and inviting and go with any furniture and wall colour.
Some floors, however, particularly those made from light coloured hardwood like Douglas fir, birch, and pine, may get scratched easily. In contrast, dark floors can add a richness to a home, and set off light coloured rugs and furniture. They’re less likely to fade from the sun and so may last longer. Unfortunately, they show scratches and may look dirty easily, especially if you have a pet that sheds. Stay away from a dark floor in a small space – often, buyers for condos for sale are seeking an airy, bright aesthetic.
Whatever kind of flooring you choose for your renovation project, know that you have options — almost endless ones. You can even go beyond wood and try stone, vinyl and carpet, which opens up the possibilities even further. Ultimately, you’ll find the right mix between your budget, your taste and your home.
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This post first appeared on https://blog.renovationfind.com