Choosing the right flooring can oftentimes be one of the most difficult decisions when building a new home. Other than the walls, your floor is one of the largest blank canvases in the home, so what you use for the flooring will have a major influence on the look and feel of your home. However, functionality also has to be considered – ease of cleaning, high foot traffic areas, food preparation areas, and more – all come into the functionality consideration when choosing a flooring. 

So what is the best flooring choice? There is no one answer, every home is different, but here at Daniel Finn Builder we help our clients choose the best flooring for their home. Continue reading for a quick walk-through in the decision making process!

The different types of flooring

There are several flooring options to choose from, including soft flooring like carpet and natural fibres, and hard floorings such as timber, tiles, laminate, and vinyl.

Carpet

Comfortable underfoot, good for sound insulations and very durable – carpeted flooring is great for the elderly, families with young children, and those who want some added warmth in winter. While it is relatively easy to maintain, carpet can fall victim to stubborn stains like red wine and coffee.

Carpet is available in a wide range of colours and textures, and can be used to either complement a neutral space or make a statement.

Timber

Timber floors are not only popular for their earthly, natural aesthetic, but also for their durability to stand the test of time. If well-sealed, timber floors are resistant to spills and stains, and are quick and easy to clean. However, timber floors do require extra maintenance in order to age well. High traffic areas require buffing and resealing approximately every four years, and larger scratches will need to be re-sanded, which can become costly.

There are several types of timber to choose from, ranging in thickness, colour and texture.

Tiles

Easy maintenance, durability, and cold under your feet (a bonus during summer). Ceramic and porcelain tiles are most-commonly used in homes. Porcelain is best suited to high-traffic and outdoor areas, whereas ceramic tiles work great indoors.

Tiles that are a lighter shade can aid a room in looking both bigger and brighter.

Polished Concrete

Polished concrete is a contemporary interior trend that has been building traction over the last decade. Similarly to tiles, polished concrete is easy to look after and durable, however it can be cold underfoot during winter and unforgiving when it comes to dropped glasses or the accidental fall.

Laminate

Versatile in aesthetics and application, laminate is a suitable option for every room in the home. You can easily achieve any desired look with a variety of styles such as stone, ceramic, and timber.

Laminate is easy to install, scratch-resistant, and can withstand spills and stains.

Vinyl

Vinyl is a super-affordable flooring option that’s water-resistant, durable, and low maintenance, although it can be easily scratched.

Similarly to laminate, vinyl is versatile both in application and appearance, with its availability in a wide range of styles, colours, and textures.

Key things to consider when choosing flooring

Style & Appearance

Before choosing the flooring, you firstly need to have a good understanding of the style you want to achieve.

A modern, moody aesthetic can be achieved with darker carpets and a smoky-coloured flooring in either timber, vinyl, or laminate. Or on the other hand, a warm, country aesthetic can be achieved by warm, neutral tones like browns, greys, and whites, with timber floors and plush wool carpet for the bedrooms, for example.

Do some research on your desired style to explore your options and get some visuals.

Location

When asking the question “how do I choose flooring?”, a good idea to first ask would be “what room am I flooring?”

• Kitchen – Kitchen flooring needs to be durable and easy to clean – tiles, polished concrete and timber are popular choices for the kitchen.

• Bathroom – Flooring for the bathroom needs to respond well to water, meaning it needs to be slip-proof and waterproof. For this reason, tiles are generally the best option.

• Bedrooms – Comfort is paramount in the bedroom, that is why carpet is usually the go-to. Soft, warm, insulating – carpet is the perfect fit for the bedroom.

Traffic Use

High traffic areas in the home – such as entry areas, the kitchen and dining area, and some hallways – require durable and resilient flooring. Ceramic tiles and laminate are the best options for these areas, however other options – such as timber – are also suitable, but will require more maintenance.

Climate

If you live in parts of Australia – like Bathurst – that experience cool winters, carpet becomes even more appealing for bedrooms and living areas. Tiles can become very cold underfoot in winter, and it’s a good idea to consider underfloor heating if it fits within your budget. 

If you’re flooring an outdoor area, adequately-sealed timber and tiles are generally better suited to areas that are regularly suited to the elements.

Allergies

If you or anyone that will be living in your new home are sensitive to allergens, hard floorings – such as timber, tiles, vinyl, or laminate – are recommended, as they are easy to keep dust-free.

Budget

Budget is a major determinant for most people, and some flooring is certainly pricier than others. If you have your heart set on a certain type of flooring, but it’s too expensive to cover your entire home, choose wisely and opt for cheaper options in other rooms. Laminate is also a very cost-effective option, and can help to achieve a certain look while avoiding the hefty price tag of other floorings.

In terms of price, genuine hardwood sits at the top of the scale, vinyl and laminate are the most budget-friendly, and carpet and tiles offer a range of luxury and affordable options.

Need more help?

Whilst this information is great, sometimes it helps to have help. Luckily for you, at Daniel Finn Builder we help all of our clients with any decision they need to make, including the best flooring choices. Get in touch with us today and let us help!