5 Classic Floor Finishes For Every Home
Each finish has advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to pick the one that is right for you
Just like picking out paint colors for your walls, choosing flooring finishes for your home can be just as tricky. From concrete and hardwood to vinyl and cement tiles, there are just so many to choose from! To help you narrow down your options, here are some of the most common types and what it can do to improve your space:
1. Hardwood
Hardwood flooring, although pricey, is timeless and immediately adds warmth to any space. Just remember to coat it with polyutherane to make it scratch- and stain-resistant. This is ideal for entrances, corridors and communal spaces (but you should probably skip the kitchen).Â
READ: 3 Ways You're Unintentionally Ruining Your Hardwood Floors
2. Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl is the most budget-friendly flooring material that can be used for kitchens and playrooms. Depending on how much moisture the tiles are exposed to, vinyl tiles can last a lifetime. The top layer will eventually wear out (this happens with most materials), but replacing them is easy and will cost almost nothing.Â
READ:Â 6 Ways To Care For Vinyl TilesÂ
3. Ceramic Tiles
These tiles are very affordable and durable, and are therfore ideal for kitchens and high-traffic areas as they are easy to clean. Ceramic tiles come in different sizes, can be glazed or matte, and they're very customizable—you can go for any pattern you want.Â
4. Porcelain Tiles
These tiles, though it comes at a steeper price tag than ceramic ones, are available in beautiful colors and patterns. Porcelain tiles are ideal for bathrooms because of their warm and calming effect.Â
5. Natural Stone
Nothing beats the classic elegance of natural stones like travertine, marble, and granite. While these may be more of a splurge, the longevity of each material and how beautiful they can make your home look will ultimately be worth it.Â
READ: Your Handy Marble Cheatsheet
This snippet originally appeared in the February 2016 issue of Real Living Magazine.Â
