Fortunately, there's no need to pull your hair out over this one. With a few considerations in mind, you are bound to find whatever it is that suits your personal preference. Begin by assessing each room individually – think about traffic, wear and tear, sunlight, etc. With this in mind, here are a few things to consider when picking out the right flooring for your home.
Durability and Maintenance
For areas of high traffic, you will most likely want something that can withstand a bit of wear and tear. In this case, vinyl flooring is a pretty solid bet. Vinyl is resistant to scratches, dents, stains and sunlight, and requires very little maintenance once installed. This might be best suited for kitchens or playrooms. Ceramic tile is another good option for durability, although beware of cracks.
I know, I know...Vinyl flooring just doesn't have the visual appeal of hardwoods. That being said, don't shy away from solid wood options. While not quite as resilient as vinyl, hardwood is still a safe bet for durability and maintenance. Be wary of moisture though – make sure wood floors are installed in dry parts of the home. If they do happen to get scuffed up, you can always get them refinished when the kids are grown!
If wood flooring is indeed the way you want to go, consider bamboo. It is generally more resistant to scratches and dents than hardwood, and is also a considerably more eco-friendly option.
Safety
Let's face it: falls happen. With this in mind, socked feet bolting around on a hardwood floor might seem a bit hazardous! While carpeting may be ideal for avoiding slips and cushioning falls, it doesn't hold up too well in the way of durability and maintenance. Not to mention potential allergies. However, I would indeed suggest carpeting for the bedrooms or playrooms. If this is the case, be sure to pick colors and designs that will ripen with age – what appeals most to a bright-eyed two-year-old may not strike the fancy of a precocious teenager a few years down the road...
Consider soft, foam
tiles for non-carpeted rooms. This spongy, inexpensive padding is easy to
transport, great for toddlers, and will protect the floor underneath. If this
doesn't mesh with your style, woolly carpets make for great play areas as well.Cork is another great option for kid's rooms. This spongy yet durable wood is great for cushioning those falls, and will last a surprisingly long time. It is not as resilient as bamboo or vinyl, but it will certainly stand up to the wrath of a toddler.
Health concerns
If allergies are a concern, steer clear of thick, shaggy carpeting – this can be a breeding ground for dust mites. Thin carpeting, however, is relatively easy to vacuum and keep clean if you are careful. Be aware of potential allergies in your family, and use your best judgment!
If you decide to go with carpeting, try to avoid synthetic options such as polyester and nylon. These materials sometimes contain harmful chemicals that you don't want your little ones breathing in. Instead, go with natural fibers like cotton or wool.
Picking the right flooring for your home is an important decision. After all, there are quite a few factors to take into account with little feet scampering around the house. What works for some might not be the best for everyone – it's really a matter of personal preference and situation.
Consider your options. Be aware of the pros and cons of what is out there, and match these considerations with your own needs.
Chris Long has been a store associate at a Chicago-area Home Depot since 2000. Chris is a frequent contributor on flooring DIY topics for Home Depot's website. He provides advice on hardwood flooring, tiles, laminate flooring, and other flooring options as well for Home Depot website visitors.
Learn even more about choosing the best flooring for your family.
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