When it comes to your remodeling project, choosing the right flooring is a big decision. This choice used to be simple with very few materials or styles to choose from, but now there are so many different man-made and natural materials and hundreds of different colors, stains, and designs on the market. All of these choices can make it hard to narrow down what might be right for you. This blog will detail some of the most popular materials and styles on the market today to help you ultimately choose the perfect new flooring for your home.
Porcelain is made from heated, refined clay. It is a strong alternative to natural stone and ceramic tiles. It’s also a popular option for both indoor and outdoor use. This type of tile flooring is intensely versatile and can be made into a great variety of colors, textures, shapes and sizes that will integrate easily into any decor.
Bamboo flooring is durable, eco-friendly, and great looking. It is one of the most natural flooring choices on the market today and is one of the most sustainable options as well. This is a great choice if you like the clean and minimal look of bamboo, are all about buying eco-friendly options, and want a material that is strong and stable underfoot.
Photo Credit: Via HGTV, Photo: Amadeus Leightner Concrete: Either stained or unstained concrete creates a modern industrial look that is hard to emulate with any other material. This kitchen flooring option is durable, built to last, and affordable. Poured concrete can get cold though so this material is best in warmer climates and for those that don’t mind how hard this surface can be under your feet.
Hardwood: Hardwood is a classic material choice that will never lose its style or appeal. It’s a classic for a reason and can create a richness in your home that other materials just can’t. This option can be more expensive though because it is a natural product, but certain manufacturer offers cheaper options as well. There are many different wood stains to choose from, ranging from light and natural to dark and heavily stained. This option is great if you love the look and feel of wood or if you have hardwood throughout your home already and want to add it to your kitchen as well.
Laminate: Laminate is best known for it’s imitation of wood flooring because of the photographic process used to create the design layer of laminate flooring that is intensely realistic. The image is printed and glued to a core of fiberboard backed by a bottom layer that’s treated to prevent moisture damage. It’s all covered by a top wear layer that resists scratches. A great choice in the Southwest compared to real wood floors as it will not dry out.
Photo Credit: Arizona Tile Jura Gray
Natural Stone: Stone floors are beautiful, classic and stylish. The naturally cool, hard surface is ideal for Southwest climates and does not harbor dust or allergens. If you want to install stone in a high-traffic area you'll want to select a hard, dense stone that is nonporous, such as granite or slate. Softer, more porous stones, such as marble, limestone, and travertine, require some maintenance, such as an application of sealants.