Tips & How To's7 Questions to Know Before Buying a New Floor

1.  Where is the room located and how will it be used?

Ground-level and basement spaces are more susceptible to moisture than those upstairs, so consider the impact on your flooring choice. Also, if the room will serve as an entry area for your home or a play area for pets and kids, look for flooring that can handle wear. If the floor needs to support a wheelchair, walker or cane, make sure the flooring material will allow easy, unobstructed movement.

2.  What is your climate?

As you shop for flooring for your home, it’s important to consider the climate where you live. Factors such as temperature and humidity play a key role in overall floor performance. While laminate, hardwood and bamboo can acclimate (adjust) naturally to their surroundings, they’re not recommended for certain environments. It’s important that you choose flooring that suits not only your furnishings but also the natural climate conditions of your living space.

Depending on where you live, winter may bring more than holidays, snowmen, and ski days. With winter usually comes low humidity levels. If you have hardwood floors (engineered or natural), there are a few things you need to know about hardwood and humidity levels to keep your floor in great shape.

Here’s the Hardwood Golden Rule: With both solid and engineered hardwoods, you should aim to keep humidity levels in your home between 35% and 55%. Now here’s why.

 

3.  Will you have to redecorate?

Color is a major consideration when buying a new floor because it impacts the entire room.  Lighter flooring can make rooms feel larger but show stains and reveal wear.  Darker flooring can make rooms feel cozy but show dust and pet hair.  Neutral tones accommodate colorful décor easily, making it easy to change your home décor down the road.

4.  Will your new and existing flooring coordinate?

Consider how the new flooring will complement your overall interior style and decorating scheme.  Blending materials and creating interesting transition spaces with patterns or materials may solve your design dilemmas.