Your budget

How it looks

Durability

Is it suitable for the needs of your family, meaning if anyone living with you has specific needs, such as a wheelchair, or is in a delicate condition and needs to tread carefully?

What kind of room is it needed for? Some kinds of material are better for the kitchen or the bathroom, while others would be more suitable for the living room or bedrooms.

Have you recently had plumbing work done? Does it look like you may need to do some at some point in the near future? If so, it should be a material that is easily opened and replaceable, rather than something heavy that will have to be completely broken through and then replaced.

Now that we have looked at the necessary issues to be taken into consideration, let’s examine the various kinds of flooring available on the market:

Linoleum – This is a canvas felt, coated with cork, resins, and linseed oil. You can buy it in various pretty patterns. Linoleum is generally used in kitchens and bathrooms because it does not get damaged by fats, oils, or grease. The only possible disadvantage is that standing water can ruin it.

Carpet – Carpets are soft, look beautiful, and will make any room look luxurious. However, they are better for a living room or a bedroom because they are hard to maintain and get stained easily. One way to get around this is to cover stains with area rugs, but that will only work up to a certain point!

Wood – A wooden floor can also look very classic, especially when laid elegantly with planks in a “chalet” style. A good sealant will keep it looking polished for up to five or six years. It is easily cleaned by sweeping and vacuuming. One problem with wood, however, is that some wooden floors are slippery and can be dangerous, especially when they have just been polished. Water can also cause warping and buckling, which is why it is not a good idea to lay a wooden floor in a kitchen or bathroom, where there is a lot of moisture.

Tiles – There are various kinds of tiles on the market – ceramic, marble, porcelain, and quarry tiles. They can make a room look very elegant, and if you live in a hot climate they can cool down your house. They are easily washed. The disadvantages of tiles are that they can get cracked and they are slippery when washed. This can be dangerous for the elderly if they suffer a fall. They can also make your house a little too cold, especially in the winter.

These are only a few of the materials available, showing that you are definitely spoiled for choice. But if you take all of the necessary factors into account, you will surely make the right decision.

Sacha has a wealth of knowledge about home design and loves all things to do with floors. If you are considering wood floors and can’t afford real hardwood, she suggests that you spend that extra bit and buy the best laminate flooring that you budget will allow to ensure a decent lifespan.