There are more types of flooring than you might think. With all the other decisions that come with building and creating your dream home, there’s no need to complicate yet another choice. In the next few blogs, we will guide you through the pros and cons of various flooring options in hopes of making this decision a bit less stressful for you.

Vinyl

Vinyl is similar to linoleum and very affordable. It is usually used in bathrooms and kitchens with patterns that can resemble woods or be manufactured in bright colours and patterns. 

Pros: Vinyl is water-resistant, easy to clean or remove stains with a broom or mop and is easy to install. With a matte finish vinyl is durable making it difficult to damage and even if there are scrapes and chips, they are less noticeable since the colour goes completely through the material. Sheet vinyl is 100% synthetic, meaning it stays warm in the winter and has multiple price ranges and designs. Luxury vinyl is a versatile long-lasting material suitable for damp or moist environments. It also offers realistic tile and plank appearances. 

Cons: The chemicals used to manufacture vinyl releases volatile organic compounds which means that the material is not particularly eco-friendly. The material is susceptible to peeling and tearing, can be torn if something heavy is dragged across it, and is very difficult to repair once damaged. It is unlikely to increase the home resale value. Sheet vinyl is not recommended with radiant heating, and luxury vinyl can be cold to touch if installed over concrete. 

Hardwood

Wood can be 100% solid wood or engineered, meaning the wood is assembled over an artificial core. The most common woods used are oak, maple, cherry, walnut, and pine. 

Pros: Wood is a great investment since it’s installation can result in adding to the resale value. With various types of woods and finishes, the look can be customised to suit your dream home designs. It also provides good insulation. Solid wood is easy to maintain since it can be bought finished or unfinished and can be sanded and refinished as needed. Solid wood can be laid on existing floorboards, works best in low moisture rooms such as bedrooms and living rooms, and is eco-friendly. Engineered wood is even easier to install than solid wood and is even more eco-friendly than solid wood. It has a real wood look and feel but is more moisture-resistant than solid wood and is more compatible with radiant heating. Engineered wood can be attached directly to a subfloor or snapped-in over any surface. 

Cons: Solid wood is easy to damage or scratch and can be stained by water or liquids. Therefore any liquid spills should be cleaned up immediately. Installation can be more difficult and more expensive and wooden floors are not recommended for bathrooms or kitchens. For this reason, it is also not recommended with radiant heating. Engineered wood can only be slightly sanded when refurbished. It should only be done with a buffer and never using wax or soap to clean or refurbish. 

Here at Arc Design Services, our experts know how overwhelming so many options can be. So our experts are here to help by recommending the best flooring for your dream home that offers the look you want! Check back for more pros and cons of flooring or to arrange a consultation to design your perfect property, visit us at www.arcdesignservices.net or call 0161 928 4433.