Wood or ceramics? Carpeting or stone? It’s about getting the maximum comfort in your home by making an investment in the correct flooring. Therefore, before choosing a surface, it is necessary to analyse the conditions of the home and its use.
Ask yourself these questions:
What is the base on which the floor will be installed? You have to know if it is a level surface, more or less porous. For example, stone and ceramics can only be installed on ground-based floors, never on top of an existing one. On the contrary, carpeting or synthetic coverings adapt to any floor.
What temperature and humidity will it be exposed to? Extreme temperature changes caused by radiant heating, for example, can contract and dilate unprepared wood that will end up opening and losing adhesion. If there is a lot of humidity, the wood will absorb it, and will bulge and rise.
How much friction will it have to resist? The flooring in the home of a single person will not suffer the same as that in the home of a family with small children, and possibly pets. Ceramic and stone are the most durable materials
Is it difficult to install it? The more work required and the longer it takes, the more expensive the floor will be and, in addition, the more complicated and expensive its renovation will be.
How much light will it receive? Low-lit spaces require clear colours and surfaces that reflect light. In a bathroom, for example, light-coloured flooring with a polished finish would probably best suit your needs, while a living room with large windows could support darker flooring with a matt finish.
Each type of flooring has its own different qualities and characteristics. You have to know what each one offers:
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Ceramics: complex installation, but very resistant to use, both for transit and to withstand humidity and dirt. They are cold floors, so they are appreciated in warm environments. Another of its advantages is the wide variety of designs and textures.
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Wood: the installation is difficult, except when it comes to floating floors (with adjustable sheets). Wood is a quality material that can withstand years of use in perfect condition, although it will depend on the use, the care – using cleaning waxes and renewing the varnish – temperature and humidity. A wood of low quality does not compensate the cost of the installation with the years of duration.
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Stone, marble, granite, slate, sandstone: all types of stone ensure durability and resistance to any condition. Its disadvantage is the price and the difficulty of installation.
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Luxury vinyl: it is very easy to install and clean, resistant to water, adaptable to any surface, insulating from the cold and heat, economical and offers original possibilities such as 3D designs.
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Carpeting: it is the warmest choice and, also, the most used in places of low temperature. It’s easy to install, provides comfort, and resists well the passage of time. Its main drawback is that it accumulates dirt and dust, so it requires continuous maintenance.
