Choosing the Right Flooring
Choosing your flooring is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during a renovation, and with so many materials available, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. The right flooring should complement your home's style, fit your lifestyle, and stand the test of time. To help narrow down your options, we have created a guide for you to help make this decision a bit easier! Start by considering a few key questions:
Where will the flooring be installed?
What is your budget?
What overall style or aesthetic are you hoping to achieve?
A favorite flooring options is Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) because it offers a great balance of durability, style, and value. Not only is it a more budget-friendly option than many hardwood products, but installation costs are lower as well! LVP is water resistant, making it an excellent choice for busy households, kitchens, bathrooms, and homes with children or pets.
When selecting LVP, we recommend paying close attention to the wear layer. While many products are available at different price points, a 20 mil wear layer offers greater durability than a 12 mil option. If it fits within your budget, it's well worth the investment. Because the 20 mil option is commercial-grade, it means that product is much more resistant to scratches and everyday wear, helping your floors look beautiful for years to come.
Again, is important to keep in mind that with increased quality comes increased prices so these Luxury Vinyl Planks may not be as cost efficient as the “over the counter” options. But you definitely get for what you pay for when it comes to these floors!
Another option is Tile. Tile is a great option for many home styles including modern, transitional, mediterranean and more! It is extremely durable, east to maintain, easy to clean, difficult to stain, and a beautiful accent to some spaces! Whether you prefer the clean look of large format porcelain or the warmth of wood-look tile, there are endless options to fit your home's aesthetic. We could go on and on about the durability and abundance of great tile options, but the main takeaway should be that it is great for an active household!
If you’re worried about the ground feeling cold or the space feeling less cozy, we recommend accessorizing with a cozy area rug to create literal and figurative warmth!
The only “negative” is that the cost of install is significantly more expensive than other flooring options, but if you’re looking for a long term investment you certainly can’t go wrong with a beautifully tiled floor
The last option we will talk about is either an Engineered or Solid wood floor. Engineered hardwood is an excellent option for homeowners looking to achieve the look of solid wood at a more cost effective price point. It also performs well in spaces where humidity levels may fluctuate. Solid hardwood, while a larger investment, has the benefit that it can be refinished multiple times throughout its lifespan, making it a true long-term investment.
To keep your wood floors looking their best, it's important to clean up spills promptly and avoid prolonged moisture exposure, especially in kitchens and entryways. Another benefit of real wood is that it more easily hides knicks, dings and scratches compared to other options,
The style of wood you choose can also influence the overall aesthetic of your home. For a modern or transitional look, opt for cleaner grain patterns with minimal knots and subtle color variation. If you're drawn to a more traditional or rustic feel, woods with richer character and natural variation create warmth and timeless appeal.
Still unsure which flooring material is right for your home?
Our team is here to help. Contact MP James Design, and we'll help you select a flooring solution that complements your lifestyle, budget, and design vision!