As a carpet supply shop, Carpet Corner often come across the same recurring questions about domestic flooring. We want to answer some of our most frequently asked questions on specific types of flooring and any issues which may occur.
Which Flooring for Which Room?
Selecting the right flooring for each room in your home is essential for both functionality and aesthetics. Different rooms have varying requirements based on foot traffic, exposure to moisture, and the desired ambiance.
- Living Room and Dining Room: Hardwood flooring is a popular choice due to its durability and classic appearance. Both solid and engineered floors can handle moderate foot traffic and adds a touch of elegance.
- Kitchen: Kitchens require flooring that is both durable and easy to clean. Vinyl or tile flooring is ideal as they resist spills and stains while offering a range of design options.
- Bathrooms: Vinyl, tile, or stone flooring is recommended, due to high moisture levels. In fact, these materials are water-resistant and easy to maintain.
- Bedrooms: Carpet provides comfort and warmth, thus making it a great choice for bedrooms. Alternatively, hardwood with area rugs can create a cosy atmosphere.
- Hallways and Entryways: These high-traffic areas benefit from durable flooring like tile, vinyl, or laminate. So, these materials withstand wear and tear and are easy to clean.
What is Vinyl Flooring?
Vinyl flooring is a synthetic material made from polyvinyl chloride, known for its thick material and ease of maintenance. It comes in various forms, for instance sheets, tiles, and planks, each offering different installation methods and aesthetic possibilities. Depending on the type, it can be glued down, clicked together, or loose-laid, offering flexibility in installation methods.
Above all, vinyl flooring is water-resistant nature so makes it ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Its durability ensures that it can withstand scratches and stains. Therefore, this makes it a practical choice for homes with pets and children.
Vinyl flooring is also versatile in design, mimicking the look of wood, stone, or tile. In addition to being softer underfoot compared to tile or hardwood, vinyl flooring adds comfort. Its installation is convenient because you can install it over most existing floors.
Solid or Engineered Wood?
When choosing between solid and engineered wood flooring, consider several factors. Made from a single piece of hardwood, solid wood flooring offers a timeless and authentic wood look. It is durable and can be sanded and refinished multiple times, thus extending its lifespan.
However, solid wood is sensitive to environmental changes and can expand or contract with humidity. On the other hand, engineered wood flooring consists of a hardwood veneer atop a multi-layer core of plywood or high-density fibreboard (HDF). This composition makes it more stable in varying humidity levels, suitable for basements and over concrete subfloors.
Is Laminate Any Good as Domestic Flooring?
Laminate flooring is a synthetic product that mimics the appearance of wood, stone, or tile. It features a high-density fibreboard core with a photographic layer and a protective top layer. Laminate is resistant to scratches, dents, and fading, and requires low maintenance, thus makes it practical for busy households.
It is sensitive to water and not suitable for high-moisture areas unless specifically designed as water-resistant. Additionally, laminate can feel less authentic and sound hollow underfoot compared to natural materials. This might affect the overall ambiance of a room.
Despite these cons, laminate remains a popular choice for those seeking a budget-friendly and hardwearing flooring option.
How to Fix Creaky Floors?
Creaky floors are certainly an annoyance but are usually fixable. The creaking sound often comes from wood rubbing against nails, floor joists, or other wood. Once locating the noise, you can tighten the fasteners by using screws to secure loose floorboards to the subfloor.
Applying lubricants like powdered graphite or talcum powder between the boards can help reduce friction and eliminate the creak. Additionally, filling gaps between the subfloor and joists with adhesive can provide extra stability and further noise reduction.
How to Level a Floor?
A level floor is crucial for installing new flooring, especially rigid materials like tile or hardwood. To level a floor, begin by assessing the floor and identifying low and high spots using a level. Ensure the subfloor is clean and free of debris to provide a smooth working surface.
Apply a self-levelling compound to low areas, following the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and application. For high spots, sand them down until they are level with the rest of the floor. This process might require multiple applications of the levelling compound and additional sanding to achieve a perfectly level surface.
Will Acoustics Be Important for Domestic Flooring?
Acoustics are an important consideration, especially in multi-story homes or apartments where noise can travel between floors. Carpet and Rugs are excellent options for sound absorption, so reduces noise transmission and boasts a quieter environment. Adding an acoustic underlayment beneath hard flooring materials like wood or laminate can also help dampen sound.
Domestic Flooring Installations
Carpet Corner are here for all your flooring needs, from new installations to issues, and everything in between. We recommend visiting our local carpet shop in Atherton, for further enquiries on shopping flooring.
