The Pros and Cons of Various Residential Floor Coverings
The type of flooring you have can affect how hot or cold you feel, your overall health, and even your ability to think on your feet. Additionally, homeowners can instantly change the mood in certain rooms of their homes with different floors. Here’s a roundup of the most popular residential floor tiles and the best surface protection products to protect them during construction and remodeling.
1. Bamboo: Key Feature: Made from the fastest growing tree in the world.
Advantage: Sustainable; ideal for condominiums. “Green” stuff. It has antimicrobial properties. Generally good for homeowners with allergies to man-made materials. Available in planks, strips and tiles.
Con: Cannot be terminated again. Everything from tiny dust particles to high-heeled shoes can damage the surface.
Maintenance: Sweep regularly with a soft broom. Entrance mats can keep dust at bay. Protective pads on furniture limit teeth. Wipe up spills immediately to avoid stains. Install window shades to limit sun damage.
Surface Protection: Protection made from breathable natural textiles like Surface Pro.
2. Linoleum: Key feature: The most popular is Marmoleum, a marbled pattern.
Pro: Naturally repels dust and dirt, ideal for homeowners with respiratory disorders; durable, long lasting and low maintenance. Laminate products are recommended, not tiles.
Disadvantages: Difficult to install. It has to be heat welded using equipment that is not readily available. More expensive than vinyl.
Maintenance: Wax once or twice for a shallow surface. The linseed oil in linoleum oxidizes when it is installed, making the floor more durable and lustrous. Wash with slightly soapy water.
Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board.
3. Cork: Key feature: Renewable and ecological option.
Pro: This durable flooring has become a trend for residences. Glued cork tiles are ideal as they maximize this flooring’s ability to reduce sound and heat loss and retain softness. Naturally keeps mold and bugs away; ideal for homeowners with allergies or arthritis. Cost comparable to bamboo.
Con: Doesn’t conduct heat well and could expand in radiant heat.
Maintenance: dust mop regularly.
Surface Protection – Avoid floor films and choose textile-based products like Surface Liner Pro that will adhere smoothly to cork and won’t leave marks.
4. Wood: Key feature: Large dance floor.
Pro: easier on the back than tile or stone. 3/4″ allows for multiple finishes. The way a tree is cut determines the appearance of the grain.
Cons: Not good for radiant heating systems. Maple is difficult to stain; white oak is the most versatile. Cherry and walnut are among the most popular. The elm, though tough and durable, is rare. Wider planks, which require fewer nails, are more susceptible to moisture.
Maintenance: Area rugs limit stretch marks and scratches. Buff before reapplying polyurethane coats. Dust regularly.
Surface protection: Choose padded floor protections if the budget allows. Glue-down floors must be breathable, so Surface Liner Vapor or Surface Pro is recommended for cushioned protection or Ram Board for non-cushioned protection. Non-glued hardwood floors can be protected with a leak-resistant floor protection such as Clean & Safe.
5. Rug: Key feature: Classic, comfortable.
Pro: The wool variety is great for homes and feels wonderful underfoot. It’s also sound-absorbing, easy to clean, and generally durable, as long as you buy good-quality rugs and yarns.
Con: Avoid nylon varieties, which usually have a latex backing, which crumbles easily. The choice may not be environmentally friendly. Natural trap for dander, dirt and dust particles. Tends to retain moisture, a breeding ground for mold.
Maintenance: Steam clean annually. Vacuum twice a week.
Surface Protection: Short Term Carpet Adhesive Film is available for up to 45 days.
6. Ceramic Tiles: Key Feature: Long lasting.
Advantages: low maintenance; ceramic holds up well in high traffic areas. Great investment, many design options available. The most common and effective floors for radiant heat systems.
Con: Not an ideal surface for homeowners with arthritis. Difficult to install. It can crack and chip easily. Sometimes it feels cold to the touch.
Maintenance: Although expensive, professional installation is highly recommended. Use a mild cleanser to clean the grout and retain the mold resistant sealant.
Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board.
7. Decorative concrete: Key feature: Modern, popular in condominiums.
Pro: Cheap, easy maintenance. Absorbs heat from the sun in winter, reducing the need for heating, and keeps interiors cool in summer. Does not harbor dust moths; ideal for owners with allergies or asthma. Long lasting; never needs to be replaced.
Con: Hard on the joints. Magnificent sounds. Installation requires professional expertise, which can be expensive.
Maintenance: Reseal every two years. Clean with a vinegar and water mixture or a mild floor cleaner.
Surface Protection: Newer concrete protection products include EZ Cover or Tuf-guard, which provide impact protection and allow the concrete to cure.
8. Natural stone: Key feature: Beautiful.
Pro: Covers granite, marble, travertine, limestone, soapstone, and slate. It lasts centuries. Great value and eco-friendly too. Stain resistant. Expensive installation. Options include matte, gloss, and textured finishes.
Con: Hard on your joints. May need substantial subfloor. Marble absorbs dirt; slate and limestone pick it up. It feels cool underfoot, which can make it a great option in hot weather, but less so in cold weather.
Maintenance: Needs stain resistant sealer. Avoid chlorine in marble.
Surface Protection – Various surface protection products will work, including floor protection films, textiles, and paper-based products like Ram Board. It also protects the grout from stains.
9. Leather: Key feature: Luxurious look.
Pro: A homeowner can install leather tile; They fit like linoleum. Smells wonderful, feels great, patina gains with age and use. Ideal for sound insulation; does not conduct heat or cold.
Disadvantage: do not install it in a place with high foot traffic; they are best in extremely dry rooms, such as bedrooms, studies, libraries, and even recreation rooms with lots of sunlight. Expensive.
Maintenance: Some leather tiles are treated with wax and a waterproof solution. However, any mistake comes at a cost, so a professional may ultimately be cheaper.
Surface protection: Choose a padded textile floor protection, such as Surface Pro or Vapor Surface Liner, to allow the leather to breathe.