8 Popular Flooring Options for Your New Home
Not only are floors perhaps the most-used part of the home, they are also highly visible and extend the full length and width of your home, and so selecting flooring materials that are both high quality and visually appealing is essential.
Inspired and informed by the experts at Pivot Homes, here are the top flooring types to consider for your new home at Panorama Portarlington.
1. Polished Concrete
Polished concrete was once reserved for industrial spaces, public buildings and offices. But in recent years it’s become a popular option for homes. If you’re looking for durability, polished concrete is likely the most durable flooring type available. This is because of the advanced polishing technology that grinds the concrete to its glossy finish. Keep in mind that a quality polished concrete floor should never need to be coated or waxed.
Important note: concrete is cold and difficult to heat, which could have an effect on your heating bills, especially in winter.
2. Hardwood Timber
A total classic, hardwood timber flooring has been used since the 17th century and has never lost its popularity. It is as durable as it is beautiful. Hardwood floor solutions are made from solid pieces of wood that are laid directly over concrete, joists, or battens.
While it’s famous for its natural warm timber tones, there’s a range of colour-washed or reclaimed-looking styles if you’re after something a little different.
Important note: hardwood floor coverings can be quite expensive and also require professional maintenance over the years. They can also experience damage in rooms that experience high humidity or water spillage.
3. Engineered Timber
When it comes to functionality and quality, engineered timber flooring is similar to natural hardwood. It is made by fusing together 4 or 5 layers of timber that are then prefinished. This type of flooring takes a lot less time to install compared to tongue and groove flooring, and comes in a variety of hardness ratings that corresponds with its durability.
Important note: engineered timber tends to scratch and dent.
4. Parquetry Timber
Parquetry is one of the most expensive floor coverings on the market due to the craftsmanship involved in producing the patterns and the complicated installation process.
This type of flooring is installed using smaller pieces of timber that are arranged to create distinct patterns. You can opt for a bespoke pattern or choose from pre-fabricated designs.
5. Laminate Timber
Laminate timber is not natural wood. Instead, it’s a picture of timber over a vinyl board. Although not timber, it can still have the same level of detail, and sometimes even the same texture as the real thing. It’s usually easy to install and even easier to maintain. Laminate timber flooring offers the same durability and beauty as natural hardwood but is much more cost effective. Plus, compared to hardwood, it’s less prone to damage by high humidity or water spillage.
6. Bamboo Timber
Bamboo is quick and easy to grow, so this type of flooring is considered one of the most environmentally friendly options. Bamboo timber is also resistant to dust and mould, which creates a good environment for families with children, or those who suffer from asthma or allergies. Bamboo flooring also offers a variety of natural colours and is relatively easy to install.
Important note: bamboo flooring is more delicate compared to hardwood, and so it’s more prone to scratches and dents.
7. Tile Flooring
If you’re looking for low-maintenance flooring, tiles are probably the best option. Whether porcelain or ceramic, a tiled floor does not require any special cleaning products because it’s stain-resistant. Both porcelain and ceramic tiles are waterproof when installed correctly, making them a perfect solution for wet or high-humidity spaces. Another benefit is that tiled floors are generally easy to replace in case you break one or two.
Important note: Most batches of tiles have differences in colour, even if they’re of the same pattern. When you purchase tiles for your home, it’s advisable to order extra, just in case you need to replace any in the future.
Porcelain vs Ceramic
There are differences between the different types of tiles. The main difference is their water absorption rate: porcelain is considered to be more impervious to water by absorbing only 0.5%. It’s also believed that compared to ceramic, porcelain has fewer imperfections. As a result, porcelain tiles are on the higher end when it comes to pricing. They require a skilled professional to cut and install.
Ceramic tiles are a more affordable option, being easier to cut and install. They also absorb more water.
While porcelain makes for a good outdoor flooring, ceramic tiles should not be installed outdoors because under freezing temperatures the water they have absorbed is likely to crack them.
8. Carpet
Whether you prefer a full coverage carpet or a smaller sized rug over your timber floor, carpets have many advantages. One of the features that distinguishes them from almost all other floor coverings is that they absorb sound, which makes them ideal for quiet rooms, such as a bedroom or study. Carpets are also slip-resistant, perfect for families with younger children. For a more luxurious look, opt for carpets that are made of natural wool, or a carpet with velvet piles for a soft and suede-like appearance.
Read more design tips to inspire your new build in the blogs below:
