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Flooring is one of those house additions that are worth the investment – especially if you’ve got kids running around. Whether you’re going for carpet or hardwood floors, durability is key. As well as being a large investment, choosing the perfect flooring is also really scary: Once it’s installed, there’s not a lot of room for adjustment, so you should take time to research and consider all your options. It’s also going to potentially determine the whole room’s style and feel, to add to the pressure of getting it right, too. So how do you find the right flooring for your home? What things do you need to consider? Unless you have some guidance, it’s easy to get distracted by pricing, ease, or other factors, rather than thinking about things rationally.
Here are a few things to think about:
Pets
If you’ve already got a pet or are hoping to add a furry friend to your little family, high-quality, wear-resistant options are probably best. It’s lovely to scrunch your toes through a super-soft carpet, but toilet training a puppy might not leave it in great stead. There are pet-friendly carpets that will resist claws and mucky paws, however. Other hard-wearing options like tiles or laminate floor are good ideas that are easy to clean up after a muddy walk in the park.
Installation
Whether you want your flooring installed or think you can do it yourself is also worth considering. The installation will likely cost more, so it needs to be budgeted into your plans. Some places will offer free installation, while others will add a fee. Laminate or vinyl planks are the easiest to install on your own, and there are tons of guides on how to do it yourself online.
High Traffic Areas
Areas of the house that get the most foot traffic – like the kitchen, hallway or living room – will show wear and tear signs quicker than other areas. Therefore, you should spend the most time carefully considering the flooring options here. Hardwood, concrete, and stone will last an absolute lifetime, no matter how many people are running, skidding, or jumping around on them.
Colour or Wood Type
If you decide on hardwood or wood-style vinyl, you’ll also decide what type of wood. With everything from light oak, or darker cherry available, it’s worth getting a few samples and seeing how they look in different lights around your house.
When choosing a colour for carpets, picking a simple, neutral colour is good for longevity. If your little boy or girl’s favourite colour is red, for example, don’t go for a red carpet straight away. Kids change their likes and dislikes daily, and it could get quite expensive having to change the floor every time you re-decorate.
There are so many things to consider when choosing the right flooring – whether you’re going for the same throughout the house or different in each room. It can be overwhelming. But taking it slow and doing as much research as you can will help ensure you make the right choice for your lifestyle.