The Pros and Cons of Different Types of Flooring
May 26, 2019
hoosing Wood Flooring for Your Home
May 26, 2019
Bedroom flooring is one of the indoor spaces that require a comfortable and relaxing vibe. Nothing sounds more unfortunate than retiring to a worn out or cracked bedroom floor. An ugly floor gives the poorest of impression and drains away the little motivation and energy left after a long day hustle.
When it comes to bedroom flooring, there are a number of alternatives you can choose from to suit your needs. These options include, but not limited to; carpet flooring, Vinyl flooring, Laminate flooring and wood flooring. Choosing any of the above flooring techniques can be subject to budget constraints and a number of personal preferences. While Carpet and Laminate flooring proves to be the most dominant options in the Singaporean market, homeowners have varied tastes and some opt for hardwood and vinyl flooring.
Before we take you through the steps of picking the best flooring for your bedroom, it’s important to understand the difference between the two most popular flooring options.
Laminate flooring has a classy look and nice feel just like the real hardwood. Since it’s a synthetic material, it comes in different designs and patterns with a scratch-resistant and durable surface. Carpet flooring, on the other hand, is the typical placement of a textile covering on the floor. Both options come with merits and demerits which we are going to discuss below.
Laminate flooring
Laminate flooring is made from a bundle of thin layers that have been stacked together and coated with a synthetic resin. A balancing layer is placed at the bottom of the stack which acts to provide a firm and waterproof base. A high-density fibre board is placed as an inner-core layer with some coat of resin to repel any form of moisture. The final layer is for aesthetic purposes and can take any form; from a hardwood look, stone-like surface to patterned design. Laminate flooring has long-lasting colour, unlike hardwood which fades with time due to repeated sunlight exposure.
Pros
. It’s a cheaper option compared to hardwood and the luxury vinyl flooring
. Laminate flooring installation is quick and efficient- it’s a floating floor meaning you don’t need to nail it down as in the case of hardwood. You only need to glue the laminate flooring on top of the sub-floor.
. It’s an eco-friendly option that’s neat and hygienic. It doesn’t trap dust and offers an easy-to-clean surface.
Cons
. It’s not 100% waterproof due to a fibreboard core used in the design.
. It gives a less rich and formal look compared to hardwood flooring.
Carpet flooring
This is one of the cheapest flooring options in the market. It’s a classical home design technique that has stood the test of time to find its relevance in the modern flooring industry. Most homeowners prefer carpet flooring due to its pocket-friendly pricing and softness that adds an element of comfort- absent in hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring.
Carpet flooring can also be an ideal option for families with a young crawling baby or toddler playing around the bedroom. Carpet floors minimize falls & slips and offer cushion in case of a slide. It’s also a versatile flooring option that can be installed on any section of the house; stairs, bedroom, living room, etc.
Pros
. It’s cheap compared to laminate flooring
. It’s warm, comfortable and stylish- it comes in different patterns and colours.
. Has an easy installation
Cons
. Difficult to clean
. It can accumulate dust particles causing allergies
. Requires high-level of maintenance
How to choose a bedroom flooring
Choosing the best flooring for your bedroom can be a daunting experience. There are a number of factors you need to consider so as to come up with a solid decision. Some of the vital considerations include; the subfloor material, option for changes/ future considerations, story height, maintenance requirements and budget.
Subfloor material
. Not all the flooring options will be supported by the existing subfloor material. Damaged concrete slab or carpet, for example, need to be removed before installing a new floor. Certain materials like hardwood and tile can support new flooring directly without incurring further cost. While plywood subfloor supports both carpet and laminate flooring, concrete slabs can only be covered by laminates- since the latter can handle moisture.
Future considerations
. Before shopping the market for a bedroom flooring, give room for some indelible future contingencies. Before investing heavily on laminate flooring, keep in mind that your future toddler will need some safe, soft and comfortable space to play in the bedroom. If you’re not fully decided on the bedroom flooring option; it’s important that you don’t commit to anything expensive yet. You can start with a carpet flooring and see if it meets your expectation before switching preferences.
Story height
. Depending on the floor height of your apartment; certain flooring doesn’t work well on the basement and higher floors- second floor, third floor, etc. Suspended floors tend to bend/flex with time resulting in some sagging forces that can damage brittle flooring-such as tiles. Carpet and hardwood flooring aren’t recommended for basement since they’re not designed for below grade installation.
Maintenance requirements
. Both laminates and carpets need some maintenance practices, however, carpet flooring proves to be more demanding as far as cleanliness and hygiene is concern. Carpets can be more forgiving in case of falls and slides but they can cause allergies if not vacuumed or a regular basis.
. If you have a pet who spend some considerable time in your bedroom, you would consider choosing a cut-pile style carpet. Such carpets don’t have loops which often untangle when the pet scratches with their claws and nails. Carpets are also more efficient in reducing the level of noise from the pets or surrounding as compared to laminates. If you’re not hygiene-orientated or find it more of a punishment to clean your flooring, laminate flooring would be your best bet.
Budget
. It goes without saying, that budget is a key player in the decision-making process. The market is always ready to offer what you can afford.
With proper selection and without compromising your financial health, you can comfortably find the best bedroom flooring from the two options that will fully serve your needs.
