Of all the surfaces in your home, nothing is exposed to wear and tear quite like your floors. Sneakers, high heels, bare feet, pet claws - they all make their marks over time. It's important to choose a durable, attractive flooring material that can stand up to the foot traffic, chair legs, and more.
Choosing the right flooring for your home can improve its value and give your home style. There are many flooring options available for you to consider. If you're seeking a new flooring material for your home, it helps to weigh the pros and cons of each flooring type. In this article, we'll go over the many flooring options that Connecticut homeowners choose for their homes, and talk about how to choose the right contractor for the job.
Cost: $4 to $20 per square foot
By far, hardwood floors are the most popular flooring option in Connecticut homes. This timeless, long-lasting, natural material can withstand years of regular use. When it wears down, refinishing can restore its beauty. Hardwood fits perfectly in modern homes as well as historic properties, and when you're tired of the color, you can re-stain it in another shade to make your floors look brand new.
Hardwood does need some protection from scratches and moisture, but dry mopping can keep your hardwood floors clean. Put plastic protectors on your chair legs and other furniture to prevent your floors from being scratched. Taking these small steps can help ensure your hardwood floors will gleam for years to come. Once installed, hardwood can last a lifetime.
Cost: $3 to $18 per square foot
Luxury vinyl tile is made from a material called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Each plank consists of multiple layers including a nearly impenetrable top coat that protects your flooring from scratches and scuffs. Beneath that protective top layer is a decorative print that gives luxury vinyl tile its look. LVT can be made to resemble hardwood or even stone, and can be engineered to meet various needs. For example, some LVT products have sound-dampening properties while others have extra scratch resistance.
Why choose LVT for your home? LVT can be waterproof and thus is a preferred product in bathrooms and kitchens, where homeowners want the appearance of hardwood and the water resistance of a synthetic product. LVT is also highly durable and easy to maintain in homes with pets and kids.
Cost: starting at $10 per square foot
Timeless, durable stone has long been a favorite in high-end homes. Stone makes a flourish in your home's foyer, or you can install stone in your kitchen and bathroom. Stone tiles come in many colors, and there are many types of stone to choose from. Common options include:
Keep in mind that natural stone flooring - though very durable - needs maintenance. Many types of stone are porous, including travertine, granite, and marble. To prevent your stone from absorbing material like cooking oil and soap that is spilled on the surface, plan to seal your stone regularly. If you want the look of stone without maintenance, consider engineered stone tiles for your floors. Engineered stone looks like natural stone, but never needs to be resealed.
Cost: $3 to $11 per square foot
Decades ago, wall-to-wall carpeting was a normal feature found in many homes. Today, it's less common for homeowners to install wall-to-wall carpeting throughout their home.
However, some homeowners still like to install carpeting in their bedroom, where it dampens footsteps and feels comfortable underfoot. If you do choose to install carpeting somewhere in your home, keep in mind that neutral colors like gray, brown, and cream coordinate easily with other colors and furnishings. Carpeting shows dirt easily, so colors in medium to dark tones tend to look better longer.
Cost: $3 to $16 per square foot
Engineered wood is a hardwood alternative that some homeowners turn to when they're installing flooring in rooms with high moisture. Engineered wood is made of high quality plywood attached to a top layer of natural wood. The resulting product is suitable in high-moisture environments and can be installed in basements, bathrooms, and kitchens.
Engineered wood doesn't last quite as long as hardwood, and it has limited resurfacing options, but it looks as natural as real hardwood because of the natural top layer.
Choosing the right flooring can be a challenge for sure. Your Connecticut residential contractor can point you in the direction of flooring suppliers that offer high-quality products you can trust.
Vet your contractor thoroughly before choosing the one for you. Choose a contractor with good references, extensive experience, and good communication skills.
Litchfield Builders provides a free guide to homeowners choosing a residential contractor in Connecticut. Make your home improvement a success. Download our free guide to learn more about hiring a residential contractor.