9 Important Things to Consider When Upgrading Your Flooring

Your home’s flooring plays an incredibly crucial role in your house’s overall aesthetic. Besides affecting a room’s look and feel, your floor choices can significantly impact your space’s safety, comfort, and durability. 

They’re available in different options, where carpet and solid wood are popular choices among homeowners. People usually use solid wood for formal settings like a living room, while carpets are more common in bedrooms. However, there may be times when you want to have both and are uncertain about which is better for your space. 

You must consider this home improvement carefully so you won’t regret anything later. This article will enumerate nine crucial things you must consider when upgrading your flooring. 

1. Alternatives to Solid Wood

Laminate and engineered wood flooring are two cost-effective alternatives to solid wood floors. Manufacturers create laminate from plastic with a photo of wood laminated to the top; you can’t repair or refinish it. On the other hand, engineered wood originates from a real-wood veneer and a wood composite core; this material lets you sand and refinish it once. 

2. Cleaning and Maintenance 

Your flooring’s maintenance routine depends on what you’ll choose for your home. You can protect your wooden floor from scratches and scruffs by placing pads under the legs of furniture, using rugs in areas with high foot traffic, and vacuuming and dusting the floor regularly. On the other hand, you should vacuum your carpeted floors at least once a week and let a professional deep clean them yearly. 

3. Floor Usage

You can choose the right flooring for a room by considering how much use the space gets, what activities will take place, and how you want the room to look. You should also consider the amount of foot traffic and if residents will consume food and drinks in the space. Moreover, consider the room’s design, atmosphere, and functionality. 

4. Noise Factor

Consider the target room’s sound levels and those affected on the lower floors. Wooden floors can amplify sounds like voices, music, and shoes, especially those with stiff soles or heels, and make them travel. You can reduce the noise by adding carpet to the floor. 

5. Impact of Sunlight 

Regardless of your flooring option, the sun’s rays will impact it. Wooden floors can suffer from discoloration when exposed to direct sunlight, which can be unexpected if you move furniture or rugs. On the other hand, carpets made from surface-dyed nylon or wool will also fade. You can invest in solution-dyed nylon flooring if you want superior resistance to fading. 

6. Resale Value

We recommend investing in wood flooring if you want a good return on investment when you sell your property. Research suggests that houses with wooden floors are more likely to sell faster and for a higher price than those without them. 

7. Refinishing vs. Replacing

You should let a certified refinisher examine your floors if you want to replace your damaged wooden flooring with carpets. Even if you’ve already sanded it, you may still sand and refinish it again if there’s still enough wood remaining. 

8. Need for Replacement

While a wood floor can live as long as the house, you may need to refurbish it regularly. On the other hand, you must replace carpeting after a particular time because it can accumulate stains and wear. However, a carpet can stay in good condition for up to ten to 15 years if you select a high-quality one and care for it properly. 

9. Purchase and Installation Costs 

While carpet usually costs less for purchase and installation, it has an ongoing cost for professional cleaning. 

Conclusion

Wood and carpet are two of homeowners' most popular flooring materials. Considering your home’s needs and working with professional contractors can ensure a successful home improvement project. 

Reno Concepts OC is your one-stop shop for all your flooring needs in Southern California. We’re committed to turning your dream space into a reality with professional design and construction expertise. Reach out to us now to get a free estimate!