What is Flooring?
What is Flooring?
If you are wondering what is flooring, you’ve come to the right place. Listed below are some of the types of floors you can choose. Each type has its own unique properties and benefits. When buying a new floor, it’s important to know what to look for and avoid buying a substandard option. In this article, we’ll explain what is flooring and how to choose it for your home. Listed below are some of the advantages of each type of flooring.
Flooring Definition
Flooring is the term that relates to any floor covering that is applied to the subfloor. The subfloor is either the wood (usually plywood or OCX) that is nailed or screwed to the joists which is part of the framing process, or the cement laid as part of the structure’s foundation.
Flooring typically consists of carpeting, any type of tile whether stone, marble, saltillo, or the commercial “fake” type of tile made of materials such as laminates and vinyl, wood flooring or wood tile, and any other type of floor covering that either lays on, is glued to, or is nailed or screwed to the subfloor that covers an entire room or joins with another type of flooring that covers the subfloor of the entire room.
The purpose of flooring is multifold. It:
- Helps protect the subfloor from liquids and other damage
- Is decorative
- Provides cushioning and other benefits
Flooring Selection
Ideally, flooring should be relatively easy to clean because it is exposed to everything in the home and the air including foot traffic, spills, pets, dust and other airborne particles, and other environmental issues.
When deciding on a flooring material, you’ll need to think about how you’ll install it. The purpose of flooring is to provide a durable surface for living on. There are two types of floors – ground floors and upper floors. Ground floors should be finished well, and damp resistance is important. To achieve these qualities, ground floors are rammed well. Broken bricks or red earth are sometimes used as underlayments, but these are not as structurally sound as wood or cement board.
Once a new type of floor covering is selected, a soft underlayment may be necessary. If the floor is not level, the new flooring may cause unevenness. If the floor is not level, it can be ruined by water, a crack or a stain. This is why underlayment or a leveling compound is a necessity.
Carpeting is a good choice for most households because it is less expensive than tile floors, is nice to walk on and look at, and generally will hold up well for 15-20 years (for better carpet). Some carpeting comes with a stain warranty, and some come with a wear warranty. No matter what carpeting you select, be sure you understand exactly what you are getting and the exact amount you are paying in the estimate. If you have pets, you may wish to consider a different floor covering because pet accidents on the carpet (and the underlying padding) can be difficult to remove. Once a pet begins having accidents in an area, they will generally continue that behavior because it’s nearly impossible to get all their scent out of the carpeting.
Other Flooring Considerations
The price of carpeting typically varies from $2 to $20 per square foot ($18 – $180/yard), depending on its material and construction. However most homeowners opt for the least expensive carpeting that fulfills their needs the best. Professional installation is usually included in the price of the carpeting, but padding can be an additional costly option and is available in several thicknesses and quality brackets. You can ask a flooring professional to help you decide what is best for your home. You can even choose a laminate floor or a type of floor tile such as saltillo instead of a carpet. A laminate floor is more durable, easier to clean (especially for pet accidents), and will not show stains as easily as carpet. It’s also a better option if you have young children, who will probably spill things everywhere.
When you decide to purchase flooring and have it installed, make sure you choose the best kind for your needs. There are many different types of floors and materials to choose from. Consider your budget and what you want from the flooring. For example, vinyl flooring is very popular because of its water-resistance, water-proofing, and durability. Vinyl is inexpensive and easy to clean and maintain. It’s also relatively easy to install. So it may be a good choice for those on a budget.
Whether you choose luxury vinyl tile or traditional wood planks, vinyl is a great option for homeowners looking for a durable and attractive floor. The two most popular types are vinyl tiles and luxury vinyl tile. Luxury vinyl tile is a great option for those who don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on a new floor. You can choose to install both types of flooring, or you can mix and match. Once you’ve chosen the type of flooring, you’ll be amazed by the cost-saving benefits they provide.
