This is the second article in the series "Selecting A Flooring Material." The discussion below continues to explore more options available to the homeowner when designing the floor. In the first part of this series, hardwood floors, ceramic tiles, and natural stone flooring were discussed.
Vinyl
- Advantages: Simple and inexpensive. Easy to customize. Resilient
- Maintenance: Is easily scratched and stained.
- Installation: Very simple. Vinyl comes in sheets and individual tiles.
- Cost: The least expensive in terms of initial cost but is not as long-lasting as many other options.
- Variety/Availability: An astounding variety of colors and patterns available.
- Disadvantages:
- Slippery when wet
- Needs annual restripping if longevity required.
- Online Resources:
- A good resource for advantages of vinyl floors and some maintenance tips.
- Armstrong is a well-known manufacturer of vinyl tiles and sheets.
- A listing of major manufacturers of vinyl tiles and sheets.
Carpets
- Advantages:
- Warm
- Easy to customize.
- Relatively inexpensive.
- Things do not break when they fall on such a floor.
- Maintenance: Regular cleaning and shampooing is usually required.
- Installation: Easy to install.
- Cost: Will range from inexpensive to very expensive depending on the pile, underpad, and fabric.
- Variety/Availability: A range of colors and fabrics and piles are available.
- Disadvantages:
- Stains easily, especially light colors.
- Some people may be allergic to them.
- Collect dust and micro-organisms, hence more difficult to keep clean.
- Flammable.
- Online Resources
- The basics of carpets - pile and fabric information.
- Very detailed information about carpets, some useful tips for the buyer as well.
- List of manufacturers.
Laminate Floor Tiles
- Advantages:
- Very durable.
- Stain resistant.
- Maintenance: Very little maintenance required.
- Installation: Easy installation. Can be installed on any existing floor.
- Cost: moderate
- Variety/Availability: Many different options are available. Tiles which look like hardwood tiles are also available.
- Disadvantages:
- Cannot be refinished.
- Online Resources
- The basics of Laminates - what they are and how such a floor can be installed.
- List of manufacturers.
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