It’s finally time to replace your old and worn out floors with something fresh and new. New flooring can completely change the vibe of a room, but you want to make sure you change it in a positive way. How do you know that you’re choosing flooring that suits your household and lifestyle?
There are more factors that can go into this decision than you may think. Don’t worry, we’ll help you out. Read on to learn how to choose the right flooring for your lifestyle.
Consider Your Household Makeup
When you’re trying to choose the right flooring for your lifestyle, it’s helpful to consider who’s going to be using the floors. In other words, what does your household makeup look like?
If the home is made up exclusively of tidy adults with no children or pets, you’ll have more viable options than a household full of pets and toddlers. The latter would want to pay more attention to flooring options that are soft, safe, and easy to clean.
Similarly, if the flooring is somewhere that gets dirty often (like the kitchen in a home full of amateur chefs or the mud room in a home full of outdoors enthusiasts), you want to factor that in as well.
On that note, all adult residents of the house should have a say in the new flooring, so be sure to keep everyone in the loop about your plans.
Think About Floor Traffic
How much use will your new flooring get? This is a key factor when you’re considering which flooring options make the most sense for you.
If the new floor is going into a seldom-used guest bedroom, you’ll have less to consider than if it’s going into a child’s bedroom, a living room, or a hallway. Places with more foot traffic have different flooring needs.
Set Your Budget
How much are you willing and able to spend on your new floors? There are flooring options for every budget, and a flooring professional can help you match your budget to a floor that aligns with your needs.
Consider not only the initial cost of the flooring but also the cost of maintenance. Some floors require very little maintenance while others require waxing, frequent deep-cleans, and even repairs if they’re not durable.
In other words, don’t just consider the amount you’re willing to pay upfront. Make sure you’re able to handle any future maintenance costs associated with the flooring option of your choice.
Envision Your Personal Home Aesthetic
When you’re choosing what to do with your new floors, don’t forget that you want them to fit relatively seamlessly into the rest of the home. Unless you want a kitschy and eclectic vibe to your home, make your floors match.
Consider the color and texture of the flooring and how it will fit into the rest of your home. Use color swatches to see what will mesh best with your walls, furniture, and fixtures (unless, of course, you’re doing a full renovation that leaves you with more flexibility).
Consider how the flooring you choose will fit with the flooring in other parts of your home if you prefer a cohesive house. If you want each room to have its own energy, you can disregard this advice.
Keep Maintenance in Mind
Consider how much time you have to clean and maintain your floors and choose your new flooring accordingly.
Some types of flooring are far less maintenance-intensive than others. For example, thick and plush carpets may be soft and comfortable, but they trap dust, hair, and fur and require frequent vacuuming, especially if you have pets. If there’s a spill, the carpet may require a deep-clean, and it could get stained.
Maintenance doesn’t have to be your key priority, but it’s something you should factor in before committing.
Prioritize Durability
Speaking of maintenance, don’t forget to consider how well your flooring can stand up to stains, scratches, and other damage. A durable floor is a game-changer for many households. In some rooms, it’s essential.
You wouldn’t want floors that are easily scratched in a child’s playroom or mudroom, right? It would make far more sense to have sturdy floors that can withstand the tests of time. Flooring is an investment, and if you know you’re putting it somewhere that will leave it prone to damage, durability is something you need to consider.
Plan for the Future
When you’re considering changing something about your home, do you think about the future or remain firmly in the present? Remember that this is a long-term decision. You want to be sure that you’re making the right choice for the future so you don’t end up needing to replace your floors again anytime soon.
Consider how your flooring needs may change in the future, for example, if you plan on expanding your family or adopting a pet. Choose flooring that will be able to accommodate those changes.
You may also want to consider how your choice of flooring will affect the resale value of your home if you don’t plan on it being your “forever home.” Your own needs are paramount here, but if you plan on selling within the next few years, it’s good to choose something more marketable.
Ask a Professional
If you’re still not sure what type of flooring is going to work best for your lifestyle after making all of these considerations, don’t worry. It’s okay to reach out to a flooring professional who can take your needs and budget into account and help you find the right flooring option for your home and lifestyle.
When in doubt, it’s always better to ask a professional who’s informed about all of your potential options.
Which Flooring Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
Are you ready to replace your boring old floors with something new that truly fits your lifestyle? If so, it’s time to start your search! Jot down all of the lifestyle factors and needs that play into this important renovation decision so you can find the perfect floor for you.
At LA Carpet, we handle more than just carpets. We have flooring options to suit any lifestyle and budget, and we’d love to help you pick flooring that works for you. Reach out for more information and get a free estimate today.
