Flooring is the foundation (quite literally!) of any space, setting the stage for your entire design vision. But when it comes to a remodel, choosing the perfect floor can feel overwhelming.
Here in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, our clients frequently ask how to balance current styles and timeless design choices. This article will explore popular flooring options and which ones are built to last.
1. Hardwood
Hardwood floors are a popular choice for renovations, not just for their timeless beauty but also for their exceptional durability. Dent-resistant options like hickory and maple can be refinished for a refreshed look so they can last for generations. Easy maintenance and a healthier indoor environment (thanks to minimal allergens) make them ideal for busy households. Just remember to clean spills promptly and trim pet nails to maintain their beauty for years to come.
Beyond the durability of hardwood lies the important decision of stain color. Here's a breakdown to help you pick the perfect tone:
Dark Stains
Dark stains are a favorite for those seeking a classic and sophisticated feel. This choice often complements homes already furnished with darker, elegant pieces. Deep tones like these are particularly striking on red oak planks, which highlight the wood's natural beauty and enhance durability.
Light Stains
A light stain is the way to go if you crave a light and airy atmosphere. It creates a relaxed and contemporary feel, ideal for homes with a casual vibe. Lighter stains showcase the subtle brightness of white oak planks. An additional benefit is that they tend to hide minor scuffs and scratches better than darker tones.
2. Engineered Hardwood
Engineered hardwood offers a beautiful alternative to solid hardwood flooring, especially for those seeking a more cost-effective option. Don't be fooled by its name – it's a distinct product from traditional hardwood and laminate flooring. Engineered planks consist of a plywood core topped with a real wood veneer. This clever construction provides the warmth and look of solid hardwood at a more budget-friendly price point.
Here's a key tip for maximizing your investment: choose a brand with a thicker veneer. Why? Unlike laminate, engineered hardwood has the ability to be refinished. A thicker wear layer allows for multiple sanding and refinishing cycles, extending the lifespan of your floors and keeping them looking their best for years to come. Ideally, aim for a product that allows for at least three refinishes.
3. Luxury Vinyl
Luxury vinyl plank, or LVP, is a flooring option that has gained traction in recent years, and for good reason! The word luxury alongside vinyl may seem contradictory, but in the right application, luxury vinyl planks can be the perfect product.
Here's why LVP is trending:
- Durable and Waterproof: High-quality LVP is tough enough to handle busy households and everyday wear-and-tear. Plus, its waterproof properties make it ideal for moisture-prone areas like basements and bathrooms.
- Realistic Wood Look: Luxury vinyl planks come in a wide array of colors, finishes, and wood-grain patterns that convincingly mimic the beauty of natural hardwood.
- Easy Installation: Compared to traditional tile flooring, LVP boasts a significantly faster installation process, saving you time and money on your renovation project.
Luxury vinyl tile (LVT), LVP's close cousin, offers similar benefits with a tile look. LVT is perfect for mimicking the elegance of porcelain tile in kitchens, bathrooms, or mudrooms. It typically comes in cooler tones and with less variation to achieve a classic, uniform look.
4. Graphic Tiles
Graphic tiles have been popular for years and continue to be a showstopper that people want to incorporate into their homes. Patterned tiles come in a wide variety of designs, colors, and finishes, allowing you to create a unique and stylish look in your home.
Graphic tiles can work in various home styles—traditional, transitional, and modern. The application, grout color, and type of tile design will help define the space's aesthetic. You can choose brighter tiles for a more modern approach or neutral tiles for something that looks a bit more traditional. A grout color similar to the base of the tile will make the pattern seamlessly flow from tile to tile.
While graphic tiles are often seen as a backsplash in kitchens, they can be a great accent to an entry or bathroom. In a bathroom, they can be a statement piece as the main floor of the bathroom. If that space seems too large for the patterned tile, you may want to consider using them on your shower floor.
5. Large Format Tiles
If LVT isn’t for you, large-format tiles are also trending. Large format tiles can help a room feel expansive and spacious. A large format tile is typically considered anything extending beyond 12’’x12’’. Their size makes them easier to install than smaller tiles, which aids in their popularity. These tiles can be laid out in a variety of patterns, but the most common are brick patterns (halves), thirds, or a grid (stacked) pattern. The brick and thirds tend to lean more traditional, while the grid pattern is common in more modern applications.
Large-format tile is also great because it includes fewer grout lines, making it easier to maintain over time. If you like the look of large-format tiles but still want to add more interest, you could choose a Versailles layout that combines large, medium, and smaller-format tiles.
While these choices are very popular, you must determine what is best for you, your lifestyle, budget, and style. Each option is durable and can completely transform a space!
Turn your home renovation dreams into reality. Download our free eBook, "The Ultimate Step-by-Step Home Renovation Transformation Guide," and get expert guidance every step of the way.
