Finding the right flooring selections for your home can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's easy to get overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. However, working with a design expert can make the process of choosing flooring enjoyable and stress-free. In this blog post, we'll explore flooring ideas and how you can enjoy the process.
Step 1: Determine Your Needs and Preferences
Before you start working with an interior designer, it's important to determine your needs and preferences. Think about your lifestyle, the type of foot traffic your floors will receive, and the aesthetic you want to achieve. Do you prefer carpet, hardwood, tile, or another type of flooring? Knowing what you want and need will help your interior designer narrow down the options and find the perfect flooring for your home.
Step 2: Consult with Your Flooring Experts
Once you've determined your needs and preferences, consult with your interior designer or flooring expert. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their expertise and experience. They can also help you narrow down your options based on your lifestyle, design preferences, and investment. With an expert on your project, you can avoid costly mistakes when choosing flooring and tile.
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) is a very popular selection for floors. LVP is a waterproof product that installs with a locking mechanism. It's extremely dent and scratch-resistant. This is a great choice for busy households that include pets and small children. In our projects, we often select LVP for mudrooms or bathrooms, areas that will have lots of daily use and potential for spills.
Engineered hardwood is installed nailed down or stapled down to the subfloor. However, it is not as scratch and dent-resistant resistant as a luxury vinyl plank. Hardwoods are loved for their beauty and warmth but they require more maintenance.
Laminate also installs with a locking mechanism, very similar to LVP. It is more scratch and dent-resistant than any wood product and has made a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
Your flooring team will often measure and assess your space to determine the best route with your floor updates. Sometimes, it is more cost-effective to rip out your existing flooring than it is to prep the floor with the appropriate underlayment and place a new vinyl or laminate floor over top. This is why it is important to consult with your design team to direct you toward the best solution.
Step 3: Explore Flooring Samples
After you've discussed your needs and preferences with your design team, it's time to explore flooring samples. Your designer can provide samples for you to examine in your own home so that you can see how they look in different lighting and against your existing decor. This step is crucial in helping you make an informed decision about which flooring option is right for you. They can find the perfect flooring that meets your needs, enhances your home's aesthetic, and adds value to your space.
Step 4: Make a Decision
Once you've explored flooring samples and considered your options, it's time to make a decision. Your interior designer can help you weigh the pros and cons of each flooring type and guide you toward a final decision that meets your needs and preferences.
Step 5: Let the Magic Happen!
Working with a design expert to find the perfect flooring for your home should be an enjoyable and exciting process. Trust in your designer's expertise, and don't be afraid to ask questions or voice concerns. Your designer is there to make the process as smooth and enjoyable as possible, so you can feel confident in your final decision.
Want more flooring advice? Watch our Behind the Beams interview with Jessica from Flooring America to learn more about selecting the perfect flooring for your home.
