Flooring Fairfield NJ affects the way you experience your home. It can improve acoustics in the family room or provide soft comfort underfoot in a bedroom.
Kids’ rooms require durable materials that are easy to clean up and soft underfoot. Carpet tiles, LVT or tile work well. Add area rugs for added traction and style.
Hardwood floors are a beautiful choice for any home. They work well with almost any design style and can last for generations if properly maintained. Solid hardwood can be more expensive than other flooring options, but it adds to the value of your home.
There are several species of wood that can be used as flooring, including oak, maple and hickory. Each of these wood types has its own unique color and grain pattern. Oak is one of the most popular choices because it can handle high traffic areas and hides scratches well. It also works well with most paint colors and can be sanded down to be re-stained if needed. Maple is a good choice for those who like the look of oak but want a more durable wood. Maple is harder than oak and can resist dents better than many other types of wood.
Hickory is a very durable wood with an interesting color and grain pattern. It is a bit more costly than other hardwood options, but it is also water-resistant and can be resanded down and re-stained if necessary. Other species of wood that can be used as flooring include walnut and ash. These woods are not as dense as oak and hickory, so they may be more susceptible to dents and scratches.
Another disadvantage of solid hardwood is that it can be sensitive to moisture. It can expand and contract depending on the temperature and humidity, so it is important to maintain a steady climate in your home if you are going to have hardwood. It is also not recommended for below grade installation, as it can allow water to seep through the floor and cause damage.
Another disadvantage of hardwood is that it can be prone to photosensitivity, meaning that it can change color when exposed to sunlight. It is best to choose a light colored hardwood if you are worried about this problem, or consider another type of flooring that is resistant to sun exposure, such as tile with a wood look.
Laminate
Laminate is a durable and cost-effective flooring option. It’s also easy to maintain, as sweeping or vacuuming is typically all you need to keep it looking fresh. With a scratch-resistant wear layer, laminate is ideal for homes with children and pets.
The core of a laminate plank is made from high density fiberboard that’s treated for moisture resistance. It’s then covered with a layer of decorative paper. This layer is printed with a design—typically a realistic reproduction of wood, stone or marble but it can include non-traditional patterns such as leaves or grass, artwork or even paint splatters.
A clear protective layer is then fused to the top of the plank, preventing water damage and adding durability to the flooring. Laminate is available in a variety of color options to suit the interior design of any room. The printed decor layer can also be manipulated to create the look of wood grain, knotting or other details.
There are some disadvantages to consider when choosing laminate, however. Laminate doesn’t feel as natural as real wood and is not as suited to areas that may experience a lot of moisture. Chemical sensitivity is also an issue, as many abrasive cleaners can damage the laminate surface over time. Laminate is also vulnerable to high temperatures, which can cause the planks to pull apart or warp.
When choosing laminate, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of the material against your budget and desired aesthetic. If you’re interested in the durability and consistency of a laminate floor, make sure you check out our selection of Pergo and Mohawk floors. These two brands are known for their quality, GreenGuard certified laminates. These are available in a variety of styles and colors, including light, neutral and grey finishes that will compliment any room. It’s also important to consider your space and how you use it when selecting a new flooring style. For example, a lighter color can make a small room seem larger while a darker color can create a cozy, intimate atmosphere. The color you choose can also impact how your furniture fits into the space, so it’s a good idea to take measurements before shopping for laminate.
Tile
Tile flooring is a broad term that can refer to any tough, sturdy floor material cut into tiles and glued together with grout. Usually, tile is made from stone or porcelain (glazed ceramic) and comes in many different colors and patterns that can help create a unique design aesthetic for your home. Unlike carpet or hardwood, tiles are generally low-maintenance and can be simply wiped down with a cloth or swept to keep them looking like new.
Because they can be glazed to resist stains and mildew, tile floors are also often easier to clean than most other materials. Tile is a popular choice for bathrooms, but can be used throughout a room to add durability and an upscale look to a space. Tile is a great choice for high-traffic areas as it can easily withstand heavy furniture and other wear and tear, and is durable enough to last for many years.
As a bonus, tile is environmentally friendly. Unlike natural wood, synthetic carpet, and animal rugs, it does not release any Volatile Organic Compounds into the air. This can be a significant advantage for homeowners who are concerned about the quality of indoor air, or for those with seasonal allergies or asthma.
The disadvantage of tile is that it can be expensive to install and requires a professional installation, which can increase the overall cost of your project. However, as with any flooring type, it is important to weigh the pros and cons against your specific needs and preferences to find the right fit for your home.
When installing tile, it is important to ensure that the subfloor is smooth, level and free of obstructing fixtures and baseboards. A thin-set mortar is then sanded to give it a smooth, even finish, and the installer can then begin to lay out tiles with spacers to verify their design, size and location. Once the tiles are installed, a grout sealer should be applied to protect against moisture and staining. Unless you are a skilled DIY, we recommend hiring a professional until you feel confident in your abilities to tackle the job yourself.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is a time-tested flooring option that adds a timeless elegance to any home. It also increases your property value. Unlike man-made tile, natural stone is cut directly from blocks of rock formed by Mother Earth over millions of years. This process results in an array of patterns, colors, and textures.
Marble, travertine, limestone, slate, and granite are popular choices for natural stone flooring. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but all are durable and offer a wide range of design possibilities. The color and texture of each natural stone is influenced by the minerals and sediments found in its formation. This results in an array of unique patterns and shades that can be used to create a truly custom look.
Another advantage of natural stone is that it does not absorb moisture, which prevents the growth of mold and mildew. This makes it a good choice for areas of the house that are prone to spills or humidity.
Like all floor materials, however, natural stone can be damaged. Some types of natural stone are more susceptible to damage than others, but they can all scratch, etch, stain and chip. If not properly cared for, natural stone floors can require periodic refinishing.
To maintain the beauty of your natural stone floors, be sure to sweep regularly and vacuum often to remove dust and dirt particles. To help reduce the amount of grit that is tracked into your home, use a non-treated dust mop. You should also use a neutral cleaner, preferably soapless, to avoid damaging your stone floor.
While all natural stones offer beauty and durability, each has its own disadvantages as well. Travertine is soft and porous, granite is difficult to resurface, slate can be easily scratched, and marble can crack.
Another important consideration when choosing natural stone is the cost. Natural stone is more expensive than other flooring options, and laying it out can be quite labor-intensive. This is especially true if the existing concrete needs to be prepared before the installation of the new tile. The more work that is required to prepare the concrete, including removing old paint or carpet, dealing with cracked and damaged areas, and treating expansion joints, the higher the cost of the project.