Replacing old flooring can completely change the atmosphere of a home, giving an old home a more modern feel or creating a more cozy feel. You might not think it, but what’s under your feet can make a big difference in how you and others feel about your home. Old dingy carpets can make a home look dilapidated and worn out, while a fresh new-look can brighten an older home. Replacing flooring is one of the most difficult home improvement tasks you can undertake. From a financial standpoint, the jobs are a tricky investment because it’s very easy to spend too much on the project to see a good return on it later. From a practical vantage point, the actual work involved in replacing it is very difficult and often requires professional skill.
Before embarking on a new project, you should decide what type you need and how much you can afford to spend. For example, while carpet can add warmth and comfort to a home, it may not be the ideal solution for areas of a home with lots of foot traffic or where the kids like to play. A Hardwood floor might be good for living rooms or hallways, but they tend to get chilly in the winter time, and may not be the first thing you’d like to step out of your bed onto on a cold December morning.
Here are a few options and pointers:
Hardwood flooring is a classic favorite and can add a smooth, polished look to floors and can be used in just about every room in the house. It is very high maintenance however, and if you choose to install it, be prepared to do a lot of mopping and upkeep to preserve that polished look. Also older wood floors tend to squeak in some areas. This happens when the wood rubbing against other wood, most usually at or near a joint of the subfloor. Attaching the pieces together firmly with screws or nails will take care of the problem.
Laminate floors is a synthetic type, made to look natural with products such as wood or stone. It is usually much cheaper than wood or stone and lasts longer than either. Compared to hardwood, it is low-maintenance and also more damage resistant. This type is good in high traffic areas such as kitchens and hallways.
Carpets are a very popular solution because it comes in many colors and designs and easily fits into any room design scheme. Carpet is more comfortable because it is soft on your feet, provides insulation, and absorption of sound. Carpet can have a relatively short lifespan however, and quite a bit of upkeep is necessary to keep it looking clean and fresh.
Floating floors – hardwood or laminate which are not attached to the subfloor – are becoming steadily more popular. Floating floors are optimal for going over concrete slabs, particle board and existing flooring. They’re cheaper and easier to install than traditional wood or laminate because no nails or glue are needed.
Because installation is one of the more difficult home improvement projects, you may want to consult with a contractor or a friend with lots of experience rather than attempt the project on your own. Buying materials can be expensive, and the more mistakes you make or redos you need, the higher your improvement bill will be. By avoiding fumbles, you can spare your budget and also ensure that you get a quality job that you’ll be happy with for years to come.
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- The Different Flooring Solutions of Vista Remodeling
- Floating Laminate Wood Floors
- Laminate Flooring – When Does It Make Sense?
