Flooring is one of the main focal points of a room. It literally covers an entire space, meaning you need to choose something truly stunning. Because floors also have to put up with foot traffic every day, you should select a material that can stand up to wear and tear. However, there are more than one million types of flooring out there. How are you supposed to choose the right kind for you? The team at E & L Star Construction is here to answer that question for you. Here is our overview of the five best types of flooring:
Ceramic
Ceramic is a classic, natural choice. This type of material has been used in many things from pottery to car brakes. You can’t beat its versatility! But versatility is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the benefits of ceramic.
Pros
Ceramic tiles look good in any space, and they can be cut into a wide variety of shapes like circles, hexagons, and squares. They also come in many colors and prints, and they’re able to mimic other types of flooring like hardwood. But perhaps one of the biggest benefits of ceramic is how easy the material is to clean and maintain. Most ceramic tiles are glazed, meaning they are water and microbe-resistant, unlike many other natural tiles. All you have to do is sweep and mop, and your floor will be free of allergens and dirt! You shouldn’t need to go through regular resealing. Oh, and did we mention this is one of the cheaper natural options? That’s always a plus.
Cons
This material is tough and cold. This can make it hard on joints year-round and unpleasant to walk on during the winter months. (Of course, the chill of ceramic can be nice during the summer.) Because ceramic is so hard, those with arthritis and other problems should be sure to place rugs and mats in places where they’ll be sure to stand for a long time, such as the kitchen sink or stove. This can help counteract the effects of ceramic on the joints.
Limestone
Limestone has become popular in recent years for its rustic appearance. It works well for farmhouse styles or old-fashioned looks. If those looks sound like something you’re going for, this could be the right choice for you.
Pros
Limestone is gorgeous, and it’s less expensive than other natural stones like marble and slate, which tend to have a higher price point. Limestone costs between $4-12. It works well in both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cons
Limestone requires regular resealing, and it does get scratched easily. You have to be careful about cleaners as well, as limestone is vulnerable to acidity. You shouldn’t use any harsh chemicals on this natural stone flooring. Other than being high-maintenance, limestone has few flaws other than its lack of versatility. This stone mainly comes in earthy tones, so it only works with certain aesthetics.
Slate
Slate is one of our favorite materials for flooring. If it was more affordable, we think a majority of people would use it in their homes. While it is a more expensive option, this is a great choice for many homeowners.
Pros
Slate is elegant, and it’s sure to be a conversation piece when you have guests over. Its beauty is only exceeded by its durability. Slate holds up well and heavy foot traffic, and it’s highly versatile. You can slate in a wide variety of naturally-occurring color combinations.
Cons
This elegant stone is one of the most expensive types of flooring. Slate can cost up to $25 per square foot for professional installation. (And trust us, you’ll need professional installation: this stone is not DIY-friendly!) Additionally, this stone is very high-maintenance. You’ll need to reseal it regularly to prevent staining.
Marble
Few choices are quite as classy as marble. When you think of marble, likely images of imposing mansion foyers and beautiful sculptures come to mind. Marble is timeless and beautiful.
Pros
Because of marble’s prized appearance, installing this natural stone will add resale value to your home. It’s also relatively low-maintenance. The maintenance requirements are similar to that of ceramic: You just need to sweep and mop regularly.
Cons
Marble is very costly. For just tile alone you can expect to pay up to $20 per square foot. If you want specialty marble, you’re looking at $40 per square foot. That is no small amount of money! Another con of marble is that it will scratch and chip easily because it is a soft stone. If you want to protect your marble and make it last, you’ll have to reseal it every year. This is a maintenance requirement that can be a big turn-off for homeowners who don’t want to go through the hassle.
Mosaic Glass
Glass doesn’t pop up in most homeowners’ minds when they think about flooring. Most people think of glass as brittle and dangerous, but that’s actually not the case. Glass can be a perfectly viable and safe flooring option!
Pros
Mosaic glass is absolutely stunning, and it lends a contemporary look to your home. The reflective surface helps bounce natural light around the room, making whatever space it’s installed in feel more airy and bright. You have a wide selection of colors to choose from, and you can different shapes for tiles as well. As long as you choose a reputable brand, your glass tile should be durable and resistant to cracking or chipping. And don’t get us started on how easy maintenance is. All you need is a wet mop, and your floors will be squeaky clean. Glass doesn’t hold any microbes or allergens on the surface.
Cons
Glass can be very expensive, depending on the color you choose. Some mosaic glass costs as little as $8 per square foot. However, more desirable colors can go up to $40. Additionally, glass does scratch easily. But thankfully it’s easy to replace portions of tile, so if you do have scratches on a small portion, you can switch them out without much trouble.
Our Team Can Meet Your Flooring Needs!
Whatever flooring you choose, you’ll need a professional’s help. That’s where the team at E & L Star Construction comes in. Our efficient professionals will have your new floors ready in no time, and we guarantee satisfaction with the final product. We’re the best of the best. Contact us today for assistance with your flooring!