The Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Flooring Materials

There is a wide range of flooring materials on the market, from natural to human-made, traditional to modern, hard to soft. Each has its own benefits, qualities and disadvantages, and it is important that all of these are considered when you decide to lay or replace flooring in your home or place of work. If you are searching for specialist or bathroom supplies in Sydney, who can do professional flooring work. The better option is to Google!

Wood

Wood is an incredibly popular choice of flooring material. It is durable, pleasing to the eye and low-maintenance–requiring a re-varnish or sanding every couple of years. There are colors and grains available to suit just about every taste, and every natural wooden floor is different because of the nature of the material.

However, solid wood flooring can be expensive, although you may be able to purchase recovered and reconstituted wooden flooring from demolished buildings at a cheaper price. For this reason, many choose a wood-effect laminate flooring.

 Laminate

Laminate flooring is made up of a layer of chipboard covered by a thin veneer of wood or material printed to look like wood, which is then topped by a transparent layer to help protect it from damage. Lightweight and cheaper than solid wooden flooring, laminate flooring is a very popular choice of floor material.

When installed properly, it is indistinguishable from solid wood to the untrained eye. It does, however, require some skill and experience to install properly, as accurate measurements and cutting of boards is essential for a high quality floor.

Stone

Like wood, stone is a natural flooring material with a great spectrum of colors and styles available. The materials range from marble and granite to more rustic stones such as limestone. This flooring is especially popular in areas with a hot climate, as it remains cool to the touch.

Unfortunately, like solid wood, stone is labor-intensive and therefore expensive to purchase and install; but it will last for decades if looked after properly.

Tile

Tile is another flooring option that is very versatile, available in a huge number of styles and colors. Tiles are available as a natural material–such as clay–or one that is man-made to give the effect of another material such as granite.

Tiles can be arranged in a simple pattern or in a design or feature using a number of different colors and shapes. They are not highly expensive, but some tiling can be labor-intensive if special patterns or designs are required.

Carpets

Carpeting a floor is very popular, as carpet is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, ranging from very expensive options to those that are quite affordable. Carpet is a fairly durable material, but needs regular maintenance and care to look its best at all times. It is, however, very easy to install, even in awkwardly shaped rooms.