Hardwood, Carpet Or Laminate Flooring Which Option Is Best For My Home?

 

What could your house be missing as of late? While some of the most common conclusions might be a lack of furniture or old windows, the reality may be right under your nose. Good flooring is one of the most underappreciated yet necessary elements of a functional home, affecting everything from your heating to your day-to-day comfort. Whether or not you choose laminate flooring, hardwood or carpet will depend on what you personally look for in comfort and sustainability.

Did You Know?

Before we look into laminate flooring or vinyl tile, let’s take a look at some lesser-known facts concerning home renovation. According to studies by the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 50% of homes built between the years 2005 and 2009 had two and a half bathrooms — compare this to the 1960’s, where only 10% of homes had the same amount. Some of the most sustainable and beloved flooring options include laminate flooring and hardwood options, both for their luster and long-term viability.

Bathroom

Not sure where to get started? Let’s take a proverbial walk through your home. A bathroom remodel has been found to recoup as much as 60% or more of its cost in general resale value. This can include, but is not limited to, adding new tiles, switching to laminate flooring or touching up certain areas along the walls or sink. North America first saw laminate options first used commercially nearly 25 years ago as surfaces for bowling lanes, specifically, soon expanding to people’s residences as well as small and large business offices.

Carpet

A good carpet can be felt all throughout the week. Carpet has been found to account for over half of the total American flooring market, with the year 2012 seeing the carpet segment of the flooring industry making up 37% of American flooring industry sales. Thick carpet is prime for maintaining proper temperature in both cold and hot seasons, while thin carpet can be better for keeping the house cool — a strong carpet either way can do a lot to trap pollen and allergens, creating a cleaner breathing environment for all family members and pets. Keep in mind that your carpet should be professionally cleaned every year.

Hardwood

Laminate flooring or hardwood are both highly sustainable and environmentally friendly options for your home. The U.S. Forest Service reported back in 2008 that the average annual net growth for hardwoods is greater than its average removals, with the volume of hardwood timberland in Western forests double that of just 50 years ago. The U.S. improvement and repair expenditure is expected to keep growing, hitting an impressive $284 billion back in 2012. Natural hardwood flooring has been found to last up to 100 years if properly taken care of.

Installing A New Floor For Your Home

Whether it’s new carpet or laminate flooring, your home will benefit greatly from a new renovation. All hardwood products need to be properly acclimated to their new environment for at least four to five days after being installed so they can expand and condense — the sanding process is messy and a good chunk of drying time needs to be dedicated to the final result after each sealing application. Despite this complex foundation, hardwood is popular for its easy long-term maintenance. Consider looking into home remodeling next time you want an addition that will breathe new life into your house and last you for years.