Feature Articles
Select Flooring With Care
Marsha Alexander, Housing and Environmental
Design Specialist
University of Missouri Extension
Floor coverings are major elements in our homes. Careful
consideration should be taken when selecting the specific
flooring type and finish. There are three basic categories -
hard (non-resilient), resilient, and soft. Non-resilient
flooring materials include stone, tile, brick, concrete and
wood. Resilient flooring includes linoleum, vinyl, cork,
rubber, asphalt tile, and leather. Soft floor coverings
include carpet and rugs.
The use of natural materials in flooring is very popular
today. The use of real marble, slate, travertine and other
stone floorings as well as wood options reflect a renewed
interest in natural materials. Which option is best? The most
appropriate choice will be determined by several factors.
Consider the function of the flooring. Will it receive
daily use? If so, not only is durability a concern but also
upkeep of the surface is important. Hard flooring materials
usually require less care than resilient ones. Surfaces with
grooves and indentions often trap dirt. Natural materials tend
to show less tracked-in soil than other surfaces. In addition
to durability and ease of maintenance, think about how easy
the surface will be on feet and legs. In a kitchen where food
preparation requires the cook to stand for extended periods, a
more resilient flooring surface may be a better choice. Also,
if noise is expected to be a problem, the more resilient
materials absorb more sound than hard materials.
The cost of the flooring materials and installation is a
primary consideration. Keep in mind how long the flooring will
be used. If the intended use is only for a few years before it
is expected to be replaced, resist the urge to select a
"lifetime" flooring option and select a less expensive
alternative. If the residents intend to occupy the house for
many years and want a long wearing flooring material,
certainly a "lifetime' option is appropriate. Consider the
life-cycle cost by dividing the number of years of expected
use by the total cost. Interestingly, more costly products
will often have a lower life-cycle cost because they do not
require replacement of the flooring.
The beauty and harmony of the flooring material in relation
to the other elements in the area is very important. Generally
flooring is not going to be the center of interest in a room.
If not, select flooring that has neutralized colors, subtle
textures, and lacks strong patterns.
Safety is very important to think about when selecting flooring. When wet, smooth and hard resilient floorings can be slippery. However, many stone and wood surfaces have finishes designed to minimize the danger of sliding. Sometimes flooring can reflect a glare that can also be hazardous. If glare will be a potential concern, consider surfaces that will avoid the problem. If allergies are a concern, choose a hard flooring material such as wood, stone or ceramic tile. Carpet and rugs can harbor dust mites and numerous other dust particles that some people have difficulty tolerating.
 |
Site Administrator: |
|
|
|
Last update: Wednesday, October 25, 2006
