It is often said that a house is only as good as its foundation. The same can be said of a floor; it is the foundation of any room. That’s why choosing the right flooring for your home construction project is so important.
Not only does the type of flooring you choose to have an impact on the overall look and feel of a room, but it also affects things like noise levels, durability, and even utility costs.
With so many different types of flooring on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. Do you go with hardwood or carpet? Tile or laminate? And what about underground utilities?
In this article, we’re going to break down everything you need to know about choosing the right flooring for your home construction project, including a detailed look at underground utilities and how they can impact your decision.
By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which type of flooring is right for your home.
Underground Utilities
Underground utilities are a network of pipes and cables that supply water, gas, electricity, and other services to homes and businesses. These utilities are buried beneath the ground and must be properly installed and maintained in order to function correctly.
When you’re planning a home construction project, it’s important to be aware of the underground utilities in your area so that you can avoid any potential problems.
There are two main types of underground utilities: public and private.
Public Utilities
Public utilities are owned by the government or a utility company and are available for everyone to use.
Private Utilities
Private utilities are owned by an individual or a company and are not available for public use. Depending on where you live, there may be different regulations regarding these two types of utilities. It’s important to research the laws in your area before beginning any construction project.
In some cases, it may be necessary to dig into the ground in order to install certain types of flooring. If this is the case, you’ll need to obtain a permit from your local government office before beginning any work.
This permit will allow you to dig safely without damaging any underground utility lines. Make sure to follow all safety guidelines when performing any type of excavation work.
1. Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is made from solid pieces of wood that have been milled into thin boards. The boards are then either nailed or glued to a plywood subfloor.
Hardwood floors are classic and elegant, and they can be used in any room in the house. They are also durable; with proper care, hardwood floors can last for decades. One downside of hardwood floors is that they can be scratched or dented by heavy furniture or high heels. They are also susceptible to water damage, so they are not ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
Another downside is that hardwood floors require more upkeep than other types of flooring; they need to be regularly swept and vacuumed, and they should be refinished every five to ten years.
2. Carpet Flooring
Carpet flooring is made from woven fibers that are tufted or looped into a backing material. The carpet is soft and comfortable, making it ideal for bedrooms and living rooms. It is also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
However, carpet is not as durable as some other types of flooring; it can be stained by spills and damaged by heavy furniture or pets. Carpet also collects dust and allergens, which can be problematic for people with allergies or asthma. For these reasons, carpet is not typically used in bathrooms or kitchens.
3. Tile Flooring
Tile flooring is made from ceramic or porcelain tiles that are set in mortar or adhesive and grouted into place. Tile floors are extremely durable—they won’t scratch, dent, or stain—and they are easy to clean. They are also waterproof, making them ideal for bathrooms and kitchens.
However, tile floors can be cold and hard on the feet, so they might not be the best choice for bedrooms or living rooms.
Another downside of tile floors is that they can be expensive; ceramic tiles Start around $2 per square foot while porcelain tiles range from $4 to $8 per square foot depending on the quality
4. Laminate Flooring
Laminate flooring is made from multiple layers of synthetic materials that are fused together with heat and pressure. Laminate floors have a realistic wood grain appearance and come in a variety of colors and styles.
Laminate floors are very durable—they won’t scratch, dent, stain, or fade —and they are easy to clean. They are also relatively inexpensive, starting at around $2 per square foot.
However, laminate floors cannot be refinished like hardwood floors, so when they become scratched or damaged, they will need to be replaced. Another downside of laminate floors is that they can “clink” when walked on, which some people find annoying.
5. Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is made from PVC (polyvinyl chloride) resin that has been extruded into sheets. Vinyl floors come in a variety of colors, styles, designs, thicknesses, and finishes. Vinyl floors are very durable —they won’t scratch, dent, or stain —and they are easy to clean.
They are also relatively inexpensive starting at around $2 per square foot. However, vinyl floors can’t withstand excessive heat; they should not be used in kitchens where temperatures often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Vinyl floors are also not as environmentally friendly as some other types of flooring because PVC is a synthetic material that is made from non-renewable fossil fuels.
6. Engineered Wood Flooring
Engineered wood flooring is made from layers of real wood that are bonded together with heat and pressure. The top layer of wood is the wear layer that will be visible once the flooring is installed.
Engineered wood floors are very durable and easy to clean. They can also be refinished like hardwood floors. However, engineered wood floors are more expensive than laminate floors, starting at around $3 per square foot.
7. Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo flooring is made from the bamboo plant, which is a type of grass that grows quickly and regenerates itself. Bamboo floors are very strong and durable — they can be refinished like hardwood floors — and they are easy to clean.
Bamboo floors are also environmentally friendly because bamboo is a renewable resource. However, bamboo floors are more expensive than laminate floors, starting at around $3 per square foot.
8. Epoxy flooring
You might also want to consider epoxy floor from experts like Epoxy Flooring in Sarasota.
9. Cement flooring
For lasting surfaces there’s always cement and concrete. Stained concrete contractors will take care of your project in case you decide to go in this direction.
Conclusion
Choosing the Right Floor for Your Home Construction Project With so many different types of flooring available on the market today, it can be tough to know where to start when choosing the right one for your home construction project.
But by taking into consideration things like budget, durability, aesthetics, and intended use, you should be able to narrow down your options and choose the perfect type of flooring for your needs.