While you may not realize it, the floors throughout your home take a beating pretty frequently. Although mopping, sweeping and vacuuming can definitely help prolong the life of your floors, there are certain environmental elements in a room that may take a toll on their condition.
As Kenneth Lombardi of KBL Contractors explains, while the look and price tag of a new floor is always important, the functionality of a particular floor should also be taken into consideration. As a leading flooring expert in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Lombardi says that it’s essential to keep in mind how a particular room is used before installing a new floor. For instance, while hardwood floors are often a top choice, they are not always advantageous in rooms that are exposed to a lot of water or dirt. When natural wood repeatedly gets wet-as it would in a bathroom or mud room-the wood may start to warp, and repairs may be needed sooner than you’d probably like. Furthermore, mud and dirt could cause stains and scratches that affect the look and condition of the wood.
Though hardwood flooring continues to be a popular option for living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms, Lombardi explains that tile flooring is increasing in popularity for other areas of the home. Tile floors will not damage easily from mud or dirt. Additionally, they can handle repeated exposure to water, which makes tile a smart choice for bathrooms and basements.
When first meeting with a KBL Contractors client who has shown interest tile flooring, Lombardi prefers to discuss the room and the homeowner’s preferences before getting into too much detail about design options. Because there are simply so many choices, it is often best to narrow down the selection beforehand based on what a homeowner is specifically looking for instead of overwhelming each client with options. Though ceramic, glazed, and porcelain tiles tend to be the most popular choices, Lombardi explains that natural stone, mosaic tile and marble are all possibilities as well. Beyond the material that the tile itself is made of, you’ll be able to choose the size, color and design that will work best in your home.
To get started on installing new tile floors in your own home, Lombardi suggests setting up a consultation with KBL Contractors or an experienced contractor in your city.