Jesses Floors

Flooring is one of the most visible and important elements in a home. It sets the stage for the room and can make a huge impact on the overall look.

Tile excels in moisture-prone areas like bathrooms, while wood adds timeless elegance to living rooms. Concrete floors are tough, but they can be cold underfoot without an insulating layer like carpet or cork.

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Porcelain tiles are durable, stain-resistant, and have a natural look. They also require very little maintenance. They’re available in a wide range of colors and structures, and you can even have them digitally printed with patterns and designs to match your design style.

Ceramic tile can be used in many areas of your home, though you’ll want to avoid areas prone to moisture. The porosity of ceramic tile, which is a measure of how much it absorbs water, is higher than porcelain, which makes it more susceptible to stains. You’ll also want to use a latex-modified thin-set mortar when installing ceramic tile, and you’ll need to ensure the subfloor is level to reduce lippage or variations in height.

Like ceramic tile, porcelain tiles come in a variety of colors and finishes to complement any interior design style. For example, beige porcelain tile can add a warm and welcoming ambiance to your space and is suitable for Nordic-inspired or contemporary styles. Porcelain tiles can also be glazed in a variety of colors, such as gray and white, to match your desired color scheme.

Porcelain tile is denser and harder than other types of ceramic tile, which can make it more difficult to cut. It requires a wet diamond saw to achieve clean cuts and prevent chipping. The density of porcelain tiles also means they’re heavier and may crack if dropped. As a result, they’re generally more expensive than other types of ceramic tile and require professional installation.

Vinyl and Linoleum

Many prospective homeowners have a hard time distinguishing linoleum from vinyl at a glance. This confusion can lead to a poor purchasing decision that will cost you in the long run, and it could also damage the value of your home when the time comes to sell.

While both linoleum and vinyl are considered affordable flooring options, they differ significantly in durability and appearances. The first thing you should note is that vinyl is much more waterproof than linoleum, and this can make it an excellent choice for high moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. However, linoleum is more naturally durable, and its longevity can exceed that of vinyl flooring if it is properly maintained.

Linoleum is made from a blend of natural materials, including linseed products, wood flour, and cork dust. It has a reputation for being an eco-conscious flooring option, and it is relatively easy to install at home, although you will need to seal it correctly to prevent water damage.

Unlike vinyl, linoleum requires regular cleaning with a mild soap and water solution. It is important to note that abrasive cleaners can permanently damage this type of flooring, and it is prone to staining if spills are not wiped up immediately. Linoleum is also easier to cut than sheet vinyl, and you can even find snap-together tiles or planks for DIY installation.

Hardwood

Hardwood is a classic flooring option that enhances the value of any home. It’s a durable, high-end material that can last 50 or more years with regular care and periodic refinishing. Dense woods like hickory and oak are naturally resistant to dents, scratches, and heavy foot traffic. The type of wood species and its grade also impact how well it holds up to wear and tear.

Hardwood flooring has a natural beauty that complements any design style. It’s available in a variety of color tones and grain patterns to suit your unique aesthetic. Hardwood can also be customized to suit your budget and lifestyle needs. Whether you choose solid or engineered hardwood, look for a wood-safe finish with aluminum oxides to protect against moisture and prevent premature damage.

There are many choices of hardwood flooring, including domestic and exotic species. Oak is a popular choice for its durability and beauty. Maple has a light color and uniform grain pattern that complements any decor. Hickory is known for its shock resistance and strength, making it an ideal choice for heavy traffic areas.

When choosing a wood flooring, consider the amount of traffic in your home and your climate’s humidity levels. Keeping the humidity level between 35-55% can help prevent warping, cupping and cracking of the boards. Regular sweeping, vacuuming and periodic mopping with a wood-safe cleaner will keep your floors in great condition.

Carpet

Few things say “homey comfort” like carpet, which not only provides warmth and cushion underfoot, but also helps absorb noise and offers slip-resistance. Carpets can also be dyed to match any color scheme and provide a variety of textures, styles, and patterns.

Natural fibers like wool are a sustainable choice that is hypoallergenic and resists manufacturing VOCs. Synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene or nylon, are also durable and can be dyed to achieve virtually any color. Carpet can be woven, knotted by hand (as in oriental rugs), made with its pile injected into a backing material known as tufting, or cut and looped in a style called sculptured.

The thickness of a carpet’s fibers affects its appearance and durability. The higher the fibers’ thickness, the more resistant and resilient a carpet is. The height of a carpet’s pile, or the density and height of its tufts, is another factor that impacts its quality.

Carpets are typically tufted into place or “woven” on a large-scale basis as broadlooms that can be up to four or five meters wide. Carpets can also be sold in squares of 48 x 48 or 50 x 50 cm, which are sometimes called modular carpets. The most common backing for tufted carpet is a woven or nonwoven fabric to help stabilize the pile and improve dimensional stability, which is the ability of a carpet to hold its shape after installation.