When it comes to interior or exterior design, the choice of flooring is quite important – not only because it is a significant investment, but also as it can make or mar the complete look of the place. The ideal flooring needs to combine aesthetics with functionality at a suitable price, and we all know that this is usually easier said than done! Moreover, as this isn’t something that is frequently or easily replaced as compared to other décor elements, it is imperative to do a thorough evaluation before going ahead with a flooring installation.
However, with so many options available – from carpets, vinyl, hybrid, laminate, bamboo and engineered flooring, each with their own distinctive pros and cons, it can get overwhelming to zero in on what would make for a right flooring choice for you, and can meet all your requirements within budget.
This blog aims to share some basic pointers that you must keep in mind, before you go on to finalize the flooring for your Melbourne project.
This has got to be the first point that must be considered, as it would help to ascertain the level of anticipated foot-traffic on the flooring, and choose an appropriate floor type.
For instance, if it is a residential property, then there would be negligible foot traffic as compared a commercial property, and you would be able to choose from a much wider range of options. However, if you are deciding on flooring for a commercial property, you’d need something that is not only durable and hardwearing, but easy to maintain regularly as well. Different flooring types require varying degrees of care and maintenance, and just being clear on this one point will help you evaluate the multiple choices available based on their suitability for your requirements.
This is another key consideration that you cannot go around, and is a rather helpful one – as it will make it easier to eliminate what is not a comfortable spend for you. While the flooring material and the installation cost would be a significant one-time investment, you also need to factor in the costs for maintenance, as these would be recurring in nature. There are certain floors that require polishing every 10-15 years, and could be more expensive in case of repairs. Taking into account all of these costs will help you further shortlist some suitable options.
Certain rooms / sections of the property such as bathrooms, kitchens, garage and basements would require water-resistant flooring. Every flooring type has a different degree of moisture-resistance, and this should be kept in mind while making the selection. Flooring from natural materials such as bamboo, timber and even engineered flooring are likely to be impacted and damaged if they are moist for extended time periods. However, options such as tiles, vinyl or hybrid flooring are highly water-resistant, and make a good choice if you are looking for waterproof flooring.
Flooring does play an important part in creating the vibe of any space. Having said that, there is no rulebook that really stipulates the type of flooring that can be used in different places, and it all boils down to personal preferences. Every person is bound to have a different aesthetic sensibility, and here is where one can get really creative with the type of flooring being used. From engineered timber, herringbone-chevron parquet and bamboo to carpets, vinyl, laminates, tiled flooring and more, the sheer number of options can really spoil one for choice!
Each type of flooring differs in the ease and cost of installation. The cost of installation is primarily decided by the floor type, condition of the subfloor and the areas to be covered. There are some, such as parquet and hardwood flooring which take a lot more time and effort for installation, and therefore, would come at a higher cost. There are other types, such as laminate, vinyl, hybrid and engineered flooring that are relatively easier to install, so much so that you could even consider doing it yourself, and saving on the installation cost. However, while DIY might seem a good option to save money, it might also void some branded floorboard warranties.
It is always a good idea to factor in the time, effort and cost that will need to be invested to keep your flooring in optimal condition, and maintain it through its natural wear and tear. Natural materials such as hardwood, engineered floors and bamboo might require higher maintenance and seasonal care, though they compensate for this with their sheer beauty. Synthetic options such as vinyl, laminate and hybrid flooring are relatively easier to maintain. For a commercial property with a higher foot traffic, it makes sense to go with a synthetic flooring type for ease and affordability during frequent maintenance.
Through this blog, we have attempted to capture some of the most important aspects that you should consider before choosing on a flooring type. As flooring specialists in Melbourne, we offer professional guidance and support our clients throughout the planning, selection, design and installation for all types of flooring requirements. We are happy to discuss and help resolve any further queries that you might have. Feel free to connect and speak with any of our in-house experts at CQ Flooring.
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