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The floors in your home are there for practical purposes. But because they cover such a large surface area, they also have a huge impact on the look and style of your rooms. A new flooring installation service is the perfect opportunity to add your own personality and taste into your home in a big way.
If you've just begun the planning process, you may be unsure of where to start and what you should know. We've created this handy guide to let you know a few key considerations that will lead you towards the ideal choice for your home.
When you're ready to get your new surface installed, trust the experienced experts at Mr. Handyman of Ann Arbor, Saline, and Chelsea to get the job done efficiently so you can enjoy flawless floors.
5 Considerations When Choosing Flooring Material
If you've started looking around at possible materials, you've probably noticed that there are hundreds of flooring options available in every color, shape, size, texture, and style imaginable. It can feel overwhelming at first, but once you really think about how you need it to look and function so it can best suit your needs, you can easily narrow down the list. As you consider your options, ask yourself these questions:
What is the main purpose of the floor? (No, not “to stand on”—are appearance and style most important? Protecting against water damage? Repelling dirt and stains?)
How much maintenance am I willing to do? (Be honest!)
How important is it that the new surface matches or complements materials in other rooms?
Types of Flooring
One of the first things you need to think about is what type of flooring will be best suited to your home and lifestyle. Popular options include:
Tile: ceramic, porcelain, quarry, mosaic, etc.
Carpet
Vinyl
Stone: slate, granite, marble, travertine, etc.
Hardwood: oak, cherry, maple, walnut, or hickory
Engineered wood
Laminate
Linoleum
Solid Wood Vs. Engineered Wood
If you're leaning towards installing a wood floor, it pays to know the difference between solid wood and engineered wood. Both are types of hardwood flooring, and they can look almost indistinguishable from each other. But the manufacturing and installation methods are quite different, which affects cost and longevity.
Solid wood floors are made from planks edged with tongues and grooves. They can interlock together when installed, creating a smooth, even surface with classic beauty. It is nailed to the subfloor, which makes plank flooring applications more difficult, and can be sanded down and re-stained many times. Humid conditions can cause warping, but with diligent maintenance, a solid wood surface can last for 30 to 100 years. That certainly cuts down on replacement costs, but the upfront cost to install is more expensive than engineered wood.
Speaking of engineered wood, it's constructed from a thin veneer of hardwood bonded to a plywood base. Installation is easier, it's resistant to warping, and upfront costs are considerably lower. However, you can only get away with sanding it once or maybe twice. With care, it can last around 20 to 40 years.
Required Maintenance
Some flooring types require a lot more maintenance than others. Generally, the trade off is that higher maintenance materials are beautiful, unique-looking, and exude luxury or natural charm. Meanwhile, low-maintenance options tend to be less impressive in the appearance category.
For example, slate is strikingly beautiful and can serve as the conversation piece for an entire room, but it needs to be resealed regularly so it keeps looking great. Vinyl, on the other hand, is a virtually maintenance-free, durable option, (yes, you still have to sweep and mop!) but isn't as remarkable when it comes to looks. This is why you need to be honest with yourself about how much maintenance you are willing to do, and whether you can accept some extra work in exchange for a more unique and dramatic style.
In-Floor Heating
Do you cringe when you put your feet on a chilly surface? If so, or if you're looking for alternative ways of keeping your home cozy and warm, in-floor heating could be a great option for increasing your comfort. If you do want to have an in-floor heating system installed, tile or engineered hardwood are your best options to go over top of it.
Matching the New Material With the Old
Finally, you want to think carefully about how your new surfaces are going to look next to your old ones. Even if they're in separate rooms, there's probably a place at a doorway where both will be visible. It can look “off” if they don't match or complement each other. Taking a sample of the old material with you to a supplier showroom when you're looking for the new one can help a lot, as you can hold it up next to different options.
Prepare for the Installation
When you've got everything all planned out and your floor installer is scheduled, there are a few steps to get ready for the installation process. Here's a brief checklist to take care of before the installer arrives:
Remove breakable items such as framed photos, paintings, and glass-fronted cabinet doors
Remove low-hanging drapes that may get in the way
Clear out closets and storage areas
Make sure the new surface height will allow doors to swing open and closed freely
Set your thermostat to the recommended temperature for installing your chosen material
Clean floors or subfloors
My Handyman is Your Professional Floor Installer in Ann Arbor!
The professional installation team at Mr. Handyman of Ann Arbor, Saline, and Chelsea has the skill and know-how—backed by years of hands-on experience—to get your perfect flooring installation service completed quickly and efficiently.
Give us a call today at 734-666-3021 or request appointments online to set up a consultation and find out what we can do to enhance your home!
