He who sleeps on the floor will not fall off the bed – Robert Gronock
We are totally floored whenever we see a clean, sparkling and well maintained floor. But nonetheless, the state of flooring is an often overlooked area of most of our homes.
People often repaint their walls but forget their floors. Even ceilings are considered to be the fifth wall and receive more attention comparatively. Therefore during decorations, the floors should command as much attention and consideration as the other walls.
You need to understand the anatomy of your floor, before you opt for re-flooring, to avoid any squeaks, sags and other annoying problems. Choosing the right flooring can be a real confusing, whether you are remodeling or buying a new home, as you need to consider lots of factors such as flooring types, price, color, pattern and size, room location, trends and flooring care.
This article focuses on significant home re-flooring tips for you to consider:
Contents
Floor Anatomy:
An anatomy of your home floor is very important. You should have extensive knowledge of all the joists, subfloor, underlayment and floor covering which you have chosen.
The joists hold up the higher floors, posing as the skeleton underneath.
The subfloor is placed on top of the joists, preventing damage and providing a stiffer base for the floor covering.
Usually made of foam or cork and placed over the subfloor, underlayment helps to dampen sound and slightly softens the feel when walking on the floor.
Flooring Material:
With numerous options available, it’s better to consult an expert when you are re-flooring your home. Here is the list of some options which you can avail:
Lino:
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms, water resistant and inexpensive with a cost around $30-$55 per sq. meter, Lino is a synthetic material that’s sold according to square meter cut from a large spin. It can be sliced to fit the exact dimensions of the room you are flooring. As it has an artificial look and feel, consider it only if you’re looking for a cheap and cheerful flooring option in your kitchen or bathroom.
Laminate:
Opt for it, if you’re looking for cost effective and easily removable flooring. Usually sold in tile or plank form, it is a synthetic and inexpensive flooring material that is traditionally designed to imitate wood. With a cost around $25 per sq. meter for supply and $55 laid, it is easy to clean, water resistant and inexpensive but not recommended for areas exposed to extreme moisture like bathrooms or laundries.
Bamboo:
With an average cost around $40- $80 per sq. meter, bamboo is a cost effective and environmentally friendly alternative to wood. Ideal for moist and humid environment, it is layered flooring material that is cross-grained to counter act its natural tendencies to expand and contract with changing temperature. Bamboo is a fast growing renewable material great for bathrooms and damp climates.
Solid Timber:
Average costs start at $170 per square meter depending on hardness and go up to $300. Choose it only if it’s in your price range and the regular maintenance is affordable to you. Solid timber retains heat beautifully in cold and will give your home a warm and natural ambience. It is easy to clean natural and renewable material source but not recommended for moist areas or humid climates though.
Construction Wall barrier:
After going through the anatomy of your home floor and choosing the perfect flooring material according to your budget, the next most important thing is to get a temporary construction Wall barrier before you start the re-flooring work. A temporary construction wall barrier creates a dust and debris containment area. It involves installing the poly engineered film from floor to ceiling, creating a frameless wall – a protective envelope separating the workplace from other zone – limiting the infiltration of dust and debris. Apart from this, it also confines contractors to their area, keeping employees safe and prevents spread of unwanted odors.
Do hope that this article will certainly assist you in picking right material for home reroofing projects and will help you in making your floors irresistible.
