Flooring, undoubtedly makes one of the biggest first impressions when you step over the threshold and walk into a home. The color, the texture, the pattern, and how it ties in with the rest of the home are all equally important. You want it to be aesthetically pleasing but also have the functionality that is required to stand up to your lifestyle. And with choices of tile, stone, & laminate, the possibilities are endless.
As no one material is perfect for every situation, the first thing to consider is how the area is going to be used and what type of flooring is best suited for that area.
The next thing to look at is your budget. What can you afford to spend on the project.
Next is the cost. Both short-term and long-term costs. As some types of flooring are more costly to install up front, but because they require little to no maintenance, can stand up to abuse and last a very long time, therefore their long term cost is very low.
Where other types of flooring are cheaper to install up front but may not last as long or stand up to abuse as well and may need to be replaced much sooner, increasing their long term cost. Either way, it is important to know both your short term and long term goals in order to make the best decision.
For these reasons, it is always a good idea and cost-effective to contact a flooring specialist to discuss your flooring needs.