Flooring is a big investment for any home. There are many factors to consider before making a decision on what type of flooring to install. One of the main things to think about is the type of surface – hard or soft? Each has its own advantages and disadvantages that should be taken into account before purchasing. Here’s what you need to know about each type of flooring surface:
Hard Surface Flooring
Hard surface flooring is made from materials such as wood, tile (LVT tile), or linoleum. It is durable and easy to clean, making it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. However, it can be difficult to repair once damaged and can be quite slippery when wet.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Great for high traffic areas
Cons:
- Can be slippery when wet
- Doesn’t provide much insulation/cushioning
- Difficult to repair once damaged
Soft Surface Flooring
Soft surface flooring is made from materials such as carpet, vinyl, or foam. It is comfortable underfoot and can be installed in any room of the house; making it a popular choice for bedrooms and living rooms. It scratches easily and can be difficult to clean.
Pros:
- Comfortable, quiet, provides some insulation/cushioning
- Can be installed in any room
Cons:
- Can be difficult to clean.
- Not as durable as hard surface flooring
Which Type of Surface Is Right for You?
When deciding which type of flooring to install, it is important to consider the needs of your home and family.
The amount of traffic the floor will receive: Hard surface flooring is ideal for high traffic areas, such as kitchens and bathrooms because it is durable and easy to clean. Soft surface flooring is better suited for low traffic areas, such as bedrooms and living rooms, because it is comfortable underfoot and can be easily scratched.
The climate of your home: If you live in a colder climate, hard surface flooring may not be the best option because it can become very cold underfoot. Soft surface flooring is a better choice for colder climates because it is more insulating.
The style of your home: Hard surface flooring is a good choice for modern, sleek homes, while soft surface flooring is better suited for traditional or country-style homes.
The budget you have available: Hard surface flooring tends to be more expensive than soft surface flooring.
The age of your home: If your home is older, it may be more difficult to install hard surface flooring. Soft surface flooring is a good choice for older homes because it is easier to install and less expensive than hard surface flooring.
The pets you have: If you have pets, soft surface flooring isn’t the best option because it can easily be scratched. Hard surface flooring is a good choice for homes with pets because it is durable and easy to clean.
The allergies you have: If you have allergies, soft surface flooring may be a better choice because it traps allergens, whereas hard surface flooring can release them.
Your lifestyle: If you lead a busy lifestyle, hard surface flooring is a good choice because it is easy to clean and doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. If you are looking for something low-maintenance, soft surface flooring may not be the best option.
The age of your children: If you have young children, soft surface flooring is a good choice because it is comfortable and provides some cushioning if they fall. Hard surface flooring can be dangerous for young children because it is slippery when wet.
Cost to Install Hard or Soft Surface Flooring
The cost to install hard surface flooring will vary depending on the type of material chosen and the size of the space. It is also important to factor in the cost of maintaining hard surface flooring, as it requires regular cleaning and polishing to keep it looking its best.
Soft surface flooring is typically less expensive to install than hard surface flooring, but it also requires more regular maintenance. Carpeting, for example, must be vacuumed and shampooed on a regular basis in order to keep it looking good.
Both hard and soft surface flooring can add value to your home if you decide to sell in the future, but the return on investment may be higher for hard surface flooring. Keeping your flooring in good condition will ensure that you get the most bang for your buck when it comes time to sell. In the end, the type of flooring you choose comes down to personal preference and what will work best for your home and family.
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