Josh Hostetler: Five options when it’s time to refresh your floors

Minor upgrades to your home can make a big difference. The good news is that a home refresh doesn't always require a significant renovation. New flooring can change the look and feel of your home. Aside from style and décor, there are several factors to consider when deciding what flooring material to select when purchasing new floors. Cost, durability, moisture, and maintenance are important factors to consider in your new flooring choice and the area in your home you’ll be refreshing. Here are some popular floor options among homeowners to help you evaluate what works best for your home.

Hardwood – According to a recent home buyer preferences survey by the National Association of Home Builders, an overwhelming share (81%) of home buyers said they want hardwood floors on their main living spaces. This popular flooring type is available in a various wood species, such as oak, cherry, and maple. Wood floors can be beautiful and durable if they are well-maintained.

Laminate – A popular, less expensive alternative to hardwood floors is laminate. This type of flooring option comprises of various wood-based materials layered together, which are ‘laminated’ and finished off with a photographic imprint. Generally, laminate is available in tiles or planks and are relatively easy to install and maintain. However, laminate flooring is a viable option if you still want the look of hardwood floors without having them. Laminate is also more resistant to scuffs and scratches.

Tile – Porcelain and ceramic tiles come in beautiful designs, including diamond, herringbone, chevron, and basket weave, with shapes including circles, squares, rectangles, and triangles. The variety of designs may be one of the reasons why nearly two-thirds (64%) of home buyers prefer tile as a flooring choice in their main living areas. In addition, porcelain tile offers easy maintenance, durability, and stain and slip resistance.

Carpet – Depending on depth and fiber type, carpet can provide warmth and reduce noise. Carpet depth is categorized by low pile, medium pile, and high pile, most of which are available in various textures. Textures are created by the thickness of the yarn and how it is woven together to make the carpet. Regular maintenance or hiring professional carpet cleaners is recommended with this option to keep your floor looking and feeling fresh year-round.

Vinyl – Cost-conscious home owners in search of a resilient flooring option should consider vinyl. Unlike other types of flooring, vinyl is ideal for areas in your home prone to moisture, such as laundry rooms or basements. Vinyl has adhesive and is available in sheets or tiles. Repairing damaged vinyl is as easy as removing and replacing it. However, there are several limitations to this type of floor. Vinyl is likely to scratch, can vary in quality and may not have a contemporary look compared to other flooring options.

A careful mix of flooring materials can make for a long-lasting and beautiful home and provide comfort for the pattering of many feet throughout the years. With the many options available, it's hard to go wrong. For more information about flooring options or other home renovations in the new year, contact the BIA at 330-494-5700 or [email protected] for a list of professional remodelers in our area.

Josh Hostetler is the 2023 president of the Building Industry Association of Stark & East Central Ohio.