• Coos Bay’s local flooring and carpet experts since 1949!

Flooring 101

Which flooring is right for me?

 

If you’re interested in upgrading your flooring and not sure where to start, you came to the right place. An old saying goes, "Never skimp on what separates you from the ground." In other words, when it comes to your bed, chair, shoes, tires, and flooring, it’s worth investing in quality. 

With a myriad of flooring options out there, making an informed choice can seem daunting, but we’ll walk you through the various flooring types, helping you weigh their benefits and find a fit that’s just right for your home and lifestyle. This decision is crucial as it impacts not only the look of your space but also its comfort and overall home value. 

Dive in as we explore what each flooring type has to offer, tailoring our recommendations to meet your unique needs and enhance the value of your living space. Full disclosure: we’re a flooring company in Coos Bay, Oregon, but no matter where you are, this guide will help you answer the question “Which flooring should I get?”

 

Carpet flooring:

  • Aesthetics: Carpet flooring is synonymous with a warm and cozy ambiance, offering a plush texture underfoot. The myriad of colors, patterns, and styles available make it a versatile choice for any decor theme.
  • Functionality: Beyond aesthetics, carpets provide excellent insulation, noise reduction, and foot comfort due to cushioning. It's an ideal choice for spaces where you seek comfort and warmth
  • Maintenance: To keep a carpet looking fresh, regular vacuuming is essential. Additionally, professional cleaning is advisable to maintain its appearance and hygiene over time.
  • Value: Carpet is often a cost-effective choice upfront, though it may need replacing sooner than harder flooring types. It may not add as much to home value compared to other options.


Hardwood flooring:

  • Aesthetics: Hardwood flooring exudes a timeless elegance and natural beauty, making any space look refined and polished.
  • Functionality: Known for its durability, hardwood flooring can withstand the test of time. Hardwood can often be refinished multiple times to restore its original luster.
  • Maintenance: To maintain the elegance and longevity of your hardwood floors, sweep and/or vacuum regularly, along with occasional polishing.
  • Value: Hardwood flooring is a long-term investment, boasting durability and the potential to significantly enhance home value.


Laminate flooring:

  • Aesthetics: Laminate flooring offers the allure of hardwood or stone without the hefty price tag, making it an economical yet stylish choice.
  • Functionality: Its scratch and stain-resistant nature makes it suitable for areas with high foot traffic.
  • Maintenance: Cleaning is a breeze with laminate flooring; a simple sweep or mop will keep it looking pristine.
  • Value: Laminate is a budget-friendly alternative to hardwood, offering durability, though it may not add as much value to your home.


Tile/Stone flooring:

  • Aesthetics: Tile or stone flooring provides a sophisticated, clean, and versatile appearance, catering to both modern and traditional decor styles
  • Functionality: Known for its durability, water-resistance, and ease of maintenance, it's a practical choice for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning is necessary, and occasional sealing is recommended to maintain its durability and appearance.
  • Value: Tile and stone flooring are durable and can add value to your home, though the material and installation costs can be higher upfront.


Vinyl flooring:

  • Aesthetics: With a range of styles mimicking hardwood or stone, vinyl flooring offers aesthetic versatility.
  • Functionality: Its water-resistant, durable, and comfortable underfoot nature makes it a popular choice for modern homes.
  • Maintenance: Vinyl flooring is low-maintenance, requiring just a simple cleaning routine to keep it looking new.
  • Value: Vinyl flooring is cost-effective in terms of materials and maintenance, but may not contribute significantly to home value compared to other materials like hardwood or tile.


 

Tailored flooring recommendations
based on needs:

Living in humid climates:

Avoid: Solid hardwood flooring; it’s prone to warping and swelling due to moisture.

Consider: Engineered hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl flooring for their resilience to humidity and moisture.

Presence of pets and children:

Avoid: Light-colored carpets and soft hardwoods.

Consider: Laminate or luxury vinyl plank flooring for their scratch and stain resistance, or tile flooring for its durability and ease of cleaning.

High-traffic areas:

Avoid: Softwoods and carpets.

Consider: Tile, laminate, or engineered hardwood flooring due to their durability and ability to withstand heavy foot traffic.

Budget-friendly flooring options:

Avoid: High-end natural stone or solid hardwood if budget constraints are a concern.

Consider: Laminate and vinyl flooring for their cost-effectiveness without compromising on aesthetics.

DIY ease of installation:

Avoid: Natural stone or solid hardwood as they require professional installation.

Consider: Laminate and vinyl flooring for more straightforward installation, which can be more suitable for DIY enthusiasts.

Eco-friendly flooring alternatives:

Avoid: Flooring types that utilize non-renewable resources.

Consider: For an environmentally sustainable choice, take a look at reclaimed or recycled wood, natural stone, bamboo, cork, or carpets made from natural materials like wool or recycled synthetic materials.

Luxury and aesthetic appeal:

Avoid: Synthetic or imitation flooring if you're seeking a luxurious ambiance.

Consider: Solid hardwood, natural stone flooring, or plush carpets if you’re looking for the most elegant and luxurious underfoot experience.

Allergy concerns:

Avoid: Most carpeting (apart from wool, which is naturally hypoallergenic), as it can trap allergens and dust.

Consider: Hardwood, laminate, or tile flooring, as they do not harbor allergens and are easy to clean, or if you would prefer carpet, stick with wool.

Finding the perfect flooring involves balancing your aesthetic preferences, functional requirements, and budget. This Flooring 101 article is just a quick introduction. To learn more, check out the “Flooring” section of our website, give us a call at (541) 888-5531, and if you're located in or around Coos Bay, Oregon, just drop by our shop. At Modern Floors, we offer a wide range of flooring options, a seamless, hassle-free shopping experience, and expert advice to help you choose the best flooring for your needs and style.

 
 

We'd love to hear from you!

Please feel free to call us at (541) 888-5531 or visit us in our showroom at 1910 Ocean Blvd NW, Coos Bay, OR 97420. To email us, use the form below and we’ll get right back to you!


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