How to Choose the Right Flooring for Your Home

Right Flooring for Your Home
Written by devteam@omgkitchens / Flooring
July 8, 2024 / 6 Minute Read

Table Of Contents

Few features in your home combine form and function quite like flooring. You walk all over it daily, yet it’s every bit as visually impactful as paint colors and furniture.

That said, getting new floors is a significant expense, not far behind the cost of a new car or kitchen appliances. But many homeowners don’t know the first place to look when it comes to choosing the right floors.

At OMG Kitchen & Bath, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect new floors for your home. Let’s break it down and make it easier for you to choose residential flooring that fits your needs, style, and budget.

Understand Your Needs

Before diving into specific types of flooring, you must assess your needs. Consider the following questions:

How much foot traffic will the area receive? High-traffic areas like hallways and living rooms need durable flooring.

Is the area prone to moisture? Kitchens, bathrooms, and basements might require water-resistant or waterproof options.

What’s your lifestyle? Families with kids and pets might need flooring that’s easy to clean and resistant to scratches and stains.

What’s your budget? Flooring costs vary widely, so knowing your budget can help narrow down your choices.

Think About Your Existing Decor

When picking new flooring material, you need to think about how it will look with your current decor. It’s easy to get excited about different options in showrooms or online, but remember, the flooring needs to match what you already have at home.

Although choosing the right style is all about personal taste, make sure it fits with your existing furniture and design. If you don’t, you might end up needing new furniture too!

Make Room-Specific Flooring Choices

There’s no rule stating your entire home has to feature the same flooring material- in fact, it probably shouldn’t. The right floors for your child’s playroom are likely not the best choice for your kitchen, laundry room, or bathroom.

Likewise, you might want waterproof tile in kitchens and bathrooms, eye-catching hardwood flooring for the living room, and plush carpeting in bedrooms. Consider the specific spaces you’re renovating, and take it from there.

Consider Your Priorities

When updating your home with new flooring, consider what matters most for your space.

Here’s how to decide.

Durability
Tough flooring options last longer. While carpets wear out faster due to their fibers, hard surfaces like laminate and vinyl hold up better in high-traffic areas. Laminate is especially good at resisting scratches, which is great if you have pets.

However, for the ultimate in durability, consider tile flooring. It’s incredibly tough and nearly impervious to scratches and damage.

Comfort
If comfort is your top priority, carpet is the way to go. It’s soft, reduces noise, and cushions falls- perfect for families with toddlers running around. For something harder but still comfortable, go for vinyl or cork flooring. They offer more underfoot and are better for areas where you’ll stand a lot, like kitchens.

Maintenance
All flooring needs some maintenance. Carpet requires the most effort; it traps dirt/allergens and needs regular vacuuming. It can also look worn or stained over time, especially in lighter colors.

Fortunately, there are now carpets designed to resist stains and allergens, which is great for busier households. Ask your flooring manufacturer about high-performance carpet options.

Test Samples at Home

Once you’ve narrowed down your flooring options, get samples and test them at home. Examine the samples at different times of the day to see how they look under various lighting conditions. Walk on them, touch them, and feel the texture to get a real sense of how the flooring will look and feel in your space.

Additionally, place the samples next to your furniture and walls to make sure they complement your existing decor. Taking the time to test samples will help you decide more confidently.

Factor in Installation

Determine whether you’ll install the flooring yourself or hire a professional. Some flooring types, like laminate and vinyl planks, are designed to be DIY-friendly. They come with click-and-lock systems, which makes them relatively easy to install with basic tools and a bit of patience.

Remember, DIY installation can save you money, but it’s important to be honest about your skill level and the time you can dedicate to the project. If you think you’re in over your head, do not hesitate to bring a professional on board.

Check the Warranty

A solid warranty can offer peace of mind and safeguard your investment against unforeseen issues. Look for warranties that cover a broad range of potential problems, such as wear and tear, fading, and water damage.

It’s also wise to read the fine print to understand the terms and conditions. Some warranties may only apply if specific care and maintenance instructions are followed, so knowing these requirements beforehand can save you from potential headaches down the line. Also, check if the warranty is transferable, as this can be a great selling point for potential buyers.

Account for Your Budget

You don’t want to set off on an elaborate house flooring remodel, only to run out of funds midway. Here are some tips to help you manage costs while getting the best value.

  • Set a realistic budget. Determine how much you can afford to streamline your search and avoid overspending.
  • Shop around to find the best deals. Prices can vary significantly between different retailers and manufacturers. Compare prices online and in-store to get a sense of the market.
  • Think beyond the initial purchase price. Some flooring options may be cheaper upfront but require more maintenance or need replacing sooner. For example, while laminate is affordable initially, it cannot be refinished like hardwood.
  • Many stores offer discounts, especially during holiday sales or clearance events. Keep an eye out for these opportunities to save money.

Don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price. While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, low-quality flooring can wear out quickly, leading to higher replacement costs. Invest in good-quality materials that offer durability and longevity.

The Bottom Line

Ready to find the ideal flooring for your home? At OMG Kitchen & Bath, we can help you pick high-quality flooring options suited to any style and budget. Visit our showroom or schedule a consultation with our experts to explore your choices and start your home transformation journey!

Subscribe to our blog

Share this topic on

Recent Blogs

Bedroom with Wooden Floor and White Ceiling

Engineered Wood vs. Vinyl Flooring: Which One to Pick

How to Maximize Storage in Small Kitchen Remodels

Countertops

The Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops for Kitchens

Showroom Hours