Click to call
A Wichita's Homeowner's Guide To Flooring Installation
Whether you've just moved into a new house and don't like the original floors, or you've been in your home for a while and it's time for an update, there are a lot of decisions you'll have to make before you install new ones.
It can feel a bit overwhelming to know where to start. Perhaps you already have an idea of what material is best for your home, or maybe you're still exploring your choices. Either way, before deciding you'll have to consider two important points: aesthetic and functionality.
To help you decide what kind of material will be best for you, the team at Mr. Handyman of Wichita Metro Area put together this flooring installation guide. Continue reading to discover the benefits and drawbacks of different materials, key considerations and how our experts can help with all your installation needs.
Different Kinds of Materials & Products
Wichita homeowners are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to the different flooring options available. But, not all materials are made equally, and each type has its own benefits and drawbacks you should be aware of.
Laminate
Made out of four layers of a synthetic material that are fused together in the lamination process and covered in a photo appliqué, modern laminate can almost identically replicate the look of hardwood or tile. Moreover, this material is exceptionally durable, resistant to scratches from furniture and pets, and can last up to 25 years if well taken care of. Its primary drawback is that laminate is susceptible to moisture damage.
Vinyl
Invented in the 1930s, vinyl quickly rose to be one of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom floors scarcely two decades later. It's made out of PVC (polyvinyl chloride), which is a type of plastic. Vinyl is typically inexpensive, water resistant, low-maintenance and durable. However, this material is very difficult to repair and is bad for the environment.
Tile (Porcelain or Ceramic)
Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made out of clay, although porcelain is constructed out of a denser material and fired at a higher temperature. Both varieties come in a range of colors and styles and are durable, strong and water resistant—making them a popular and practical choice for high-traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen.
Tile (Natural Stone)
Although some tiles, like porcelain and ceramic, are man-made, others are sourced from a quarry. These are considered natural stone tiles. Typically, natural stone is a bit more expensive than ceramic and porcelain. But not all types of stone are appropriate for flooring. For instance, soapstone and marble are quite soft, making them less practical options.
Common Stone Tiling:
Travertine
Limestone
Slate
Granite
Hardwood
This style is one of the most popular flooring options. Hardwood is aesthetically pleasing, classic and can last up to 100 years or more if maintained correctly. Although hardwood is easy to clean and durable, it’s not scratch proof. As such, you may need to refinish your floors from time to time.
Types of Wood Floors
Finished, which is stained and ready to install
Unfinished, enables you to put a personal stamp on your floors by choosing a stain
Solid, which is 100% wood
Engineered, which is a veneer of real wood glued to multiple layers of plywood (note: it can only be refinished once or twice in its lifetime)
Key Considerations
Where Will They Be Installed?
Different areas of your home have different environmental impacts. For example, your bathroom tends to be more humid and subject to moisture and your kitchen receives a lot of foot traffic. Keep the following in mind when choosing your floors:
Does it get direct sunlight?
Is it in a moist area?
How much use does this room get?
Does furniture get shifted around in this area?
Do kids use this space?
Do pets use this space?
Do You Need Low Maintenance Flooring?
Some materials, like slate and hardwood, require more maintenance than others. If you don't have the time or inclination to maintain your floors, vinyl or laminate are probably your best options. Second to that, ceramic and porcelain tiles are relatively easy to manage.
Does Your Family Have Allergies?
If your family has allergies to dust and dander, then it’s best to choose hard, flat surfaces like tile and hardwood. These materials are easier to keep clean, which will keep allergens to a minimum.
What’s Your Style?
Although function should be your first and foremost concern, naturally you're going to want your floors to look great too! There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your style:
Lighter colors are more bright and airy
Dark floors add depth, warmth coziness
Thin planks are more classic
Wide planks look more modern
Wide planks and large tiles make a room seem bigger
Neutral colors work best for selling your home
Choose colors that match the other floors in your home
Choose colors that compliment your molding
Book Our Service Professionals Today!
Our service technicians are pros at installing a wide variety of flooring options, as well as helping you with all your other repair and maintenance needs. There is no project too big or too small for our hardworking team! Whether you want new floors across the entire ground level, or are simply looking to update the tile in your master bathroom, we have the industry know-how, years of experience, professional tools and work ethic to ensure the job gets done right the first time.
To book an appointment today, we invite you to give our friendly customer service representatives a call at 316-285-1217. You can also book an appointment online by filling out our service request form.
