Flooring can be a big investment and a decision that lasts long-term, so picking out flooring during a home remodel or new construction project can be challenging. Flooring options are more diverse than ever, making it hard to choose between so many viable options. Whether you’re undergoing a home renovation, or installing new flooring in your new home construction, Center Island Contracting is your local floor remodeler along the north shore of Nassau, servicing Oyster Bay, Manhasset, Plainview, Jericho and more. Below is your complete guide to flooring, so you can compare the different options and make the best decision for your remodel or new home.
Wood
Hardwood is classic and fits with most interior styles, making it one of the most popular flooring options. While hardwood will work in most rooms of the house, it won’t always work in high traffic areas that are prone to getting wet like kitchens or bathrooms. The cons for hardwood can include its high cost and its vulnerability to scratching.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is a good option for homeowners who like the look of wood flooring but don’t want to pay the high price tag for it. Laminate is durable, easy to install and maintain. However, a drawback of having laminate flooring is once it’s damaged, it can’t be fixed and needs to be replaced.
Engineered Wood
Engineered wood is prefinished with a solid plywood type top layer. The pros are it’s the easiest and quickest to install and it’s designed to reduce moisture problems often associated with solid hardwood flooring. The cons are its price and maintenance are comparable to wood floors.
Tile
Tile is the most versatile (and affordable) flooring option when it comes to style, with by far the most colors and finishes to choose from. In fact, you can buy tile that looks like other materials such as stone or wood. Tile is also known for its durability and easy maintenance. However, some cons of tile are its labor-intensive installation, its tendency to get cold in the winter and its heavy weight for second or third stories.
Recycled Pallets
Going the recycled pallet route for your home flooring is eco-friendly and inexpensive, sometimes even free. Pallets are durable, versatile and easy to replace. While many homeowners like the rustic look of pallets, something to consider as a con is their difficulty to keep clean and the possibility of bacteria growth.
Vinyl
Vinyl is a highly durable flooring option, although some homeowners consider it to look dated. If you’re on the opposite side of the fence in that debate, vinyl is a good option for high traffic areas like kitchens or mudrooms. Vinyl comes in many design options, but the price and quality can drastically vary. A con of vinyl flooring is its ability to dent easily.
Carpet
Carpet is another flooring option that some homeowners might believe to be dated, however, it’s a tried and true flooring choice that will likely stick around forever. Carpet is comfy and cozy underneath our feet, which makes it a popular choice in bedrooms or family rooms. It’s easy to install and comes in many colors and styles. However, carpets can stain and hold on to allergens, so a deep clean is recommended at least yearly.
Stone
Stone flooring is the most luxurious and natural looking material on this list, but it can become quite expensive depending on the size of the room. Natural stone flooring options include marble, granite and travertine. Stone can be vulnerable to cracking in cold weather climates but one of its pros is it won’t absorb dust or allergens.
Choosing the right type of flooring for your home can sometimes be a challenging task. The general contractors at Center Island Contracting can offer some insight and knowledge on which types of flooring would be best in every room of the house. We are your local floor remodeler on the north shore of Long Island, in towns like Oyster Bay, Manhasset, Plainview, Jericho, etc. Call us today for more information on how to get the right look for your home at(516) 481-4707.
