Sometimes choosing between laying wood flooring or carpet is a practical choice, while at other times it is a question of aesthetics. You must evaluate the pros and cons of both wood and carpet – we’ve compiled a list of facts that will help you to decide whether you want carpet or wood floors.
Tile floors are an extremely durable, long-term investment that should be regularly cared for to preserve both their appearance and value. In fact, a well cared for tile floor can last a lifetime. According to the Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components, which was prepared in 2007 by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the average life expectancy of a ceramic tile floor is 75 to 100 years, while natural stone such as marble and granite can last more than 100 years.
Tile flooring can be installed in a variety of locations. Prior to buying tile for your flooring project take the time to answer a few questions: Is the tile going to be located indoors or outdoors? What is the room going to be used for? Is the tile going to be installed in a wet area? How much foot traffic does the room experience on a daily basis? Identifying answers to these questions will define a floor tile that will have the specific characteristics to meet your needs.
These are lessons learned from installing laminate flooring in my own home, along with my wife and a few friends. Laminate flooring is a relatively new and innovative product, well suited for home owners and do-it-yourself individuals who are looking for a weekend project. Fitting that description, my wife and I started our quest to redo our 12'-0" x 18'-0" family room.
