The flooring in your new home can set the general feeling of the rooms inside.  Whether you choose warm and inviting carpeting, or an exotic hardwood, flooring is a long-term investment that should reflect to your lifestyle.

Popular choices in flooring include carpet, hardwoods, cork, natural stone, laminates, and ceramic tiles.  These materials vary widely in durability, acoustics, and ease of maintenance.

Although some homeowners are choosing harder flooring for their entire homes, carpeting remains a popular option.  Carpeting provides a soft and comfortable surface and comes in many colors, designs, and textures.  Carpeting has the added benefit of absorbing sound. 

Common materials for carpeting include nylon, polyester, and olefin.  Nylon is the most durable material, and the most expensive.  Olefin crushes easily and should be considered for Berber carpeting, which, by design, does not mat.  Polyester is the least expensive and durable option, and should be used in low-traffic areas.

Hardwood flooring is a traditional and beautiful choice for most areas of the home.  The types of wood, color of stain, texture, and widths of planks used can lend a casual or formal mood that fits any design style.  Environmentally-conscious homeowner can choose reclaimed hardwoods, which offer the benefits and looks of old-growth timber from trees and lumber recycled from older buildings, barns, and other sources.  Bamboo is another green option for natural flooring.  Bamboo comes in varying patterns and sizes, but is not as durable as hardwoods. 

Modern hardwood flooring is coated with polyurethane, which makes it water and stain resistant.  It is important, however, to keep your floors free of dirt and grit in order to maintain the coating.

Floor tiles come in a vast array of colors, sizes, and materials.  Ceramic tile remains a popular choice for many homeowners due to the many styles and relative affordability.  Natural slate, granite, and marble add a high-end look to rooms.  Another option is terrazzo, an epoxy product with marble or glass chips embedded to make a long-lasting and contemporary floor. 

Tile flooring is durable and long-lasting, and requires very little maintenance.  Sealing the grout will keep your tile floor looking newer longer.  Sound tends to bounce off of tile flooring, but area rugs and furnishings can mitigate the noise factor.

Finally, there are laminates.  Laminates are basically a color copy of wood grain bonded with sturdy material and coated with a waterproof sealant.  Laminates are virtually maintenance-free and can withstand stains, scratches, and dents.  As laminated floors become increasingly popular, the quality has risen while the price drops. 

The flooring options for your new dream house are seemingly endless.  Think about your personal style, lifestyle, and budget to choose the best one for you and your family.

Start the search for your dream house now!