Considering a home renovation? Consider these flooring trends for 2024
When remodeling your home, one of the most important decisions you will make is what type of flooring to install. Flooring serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also a functional one.
Is there a specific style that you are trying to achieve? Are you looking for easy maintenance and durability? Looking for the best qualities is easier than it seems. In this post, let's explore some of the stunning flooring options available for your home remodeling project.
Six Flooring Options to Consider when Renovating your Home
HARDWOOD FLOORING - If you are looking for a classic, timeless look, it’s hard to beat hardwood flooring. It is perfect for a formal dining room or a traditional living room. In addition, hardwood flooring is easy to clean and can last many years if well-maintained. One popular trend in wood flooring is the chevron or herringbone style, which can add an elegant and original look to just about any room.
Should you choose hardwood for your renovation?
Advantages:
Gorgeous to look at, especially when brand new
Available in many styles and colors
Easy to clean
Can be sanded and refinished
Adds value to your home
Disadvantages:
Susceptible to water damage, moisture
High cost compared to other materials
Noisy to walk on
Requires regular maintenance
2. VINYL FLOORING
Vinyl flooring has been gaining in popularity in recent years. Vinyl tiles have been around for quite a while, but vinyl plank has now become a popular fixture in new homes and renovations. Vinyl can have quite a stylish appeal, especially the planks as they can mimic hardwood in design and colour. Vinyl is a cost-effective choice for just about any room in the house. It’s definitely water resistant and therefore great for foyers, bathrooms and basement renovations.
Should you choose vinyl flooring in your renovation?
Advantages:
Can mimic the look of hardwood flooring
Durable and suitable for high traffic areas
Warm to walk on compared to other materials
A cost-effective alternative to wood
Water resistant
Disadvantages:
Susceptible to scratches if not cared for
Difficult to repair dents
Not eco-friendly
Susceptible to fading with extreme sun exposure
Not likely to add value to your home compared to hardwood
3. STONE FLOORING
Stone flooring is perfect if you want a traditional yet luxurious feel. It comes in numerous colors and styles, making it easy to match any room's decor. Its most popular types are marble, sandstone, granite, and travertine, which are suitable for most outdoor or indoor design. It doesn’t have much “give” so it’s going to feel hard when walking. For some rooms, area rugs might be called for, depending on your preference.
Should you choose stone flooring in your renovation?
Advantages:
Comes in a wide assortment of stunning designs and colors
Natural product
Easy to clean & polish
Adds value to your home
Some stone surfaces are porous, so not water resistant
Disadvantages:
One of the more expensive choices
Can scratch or chip
Hard, cold surface
Slippery when wet
Should be sealed
4. LAMINATE FLOORING
Another popular alternative to hardwood flooring, laminate also comes in a large variety of colors and styles to suit any home. Unlike hardwood, it’s suitable for installation in just about any room in your home, including the kitchen or bathroom. One caveat, it is somewhat susceptible to water damage, so you may want to stay away from installing it in heavy-traffic bathrooms and laundry rooms. Laminate looks generally great in any room, but if you have your heart set on hardwood, stay with that decision as you might be disappointed with the laminate.
Should you choose laminate flooring in your renovation?
Advantages:
Looks almost as good as hardwood for much less cost
Relatively inexpensive, suitable for most renovation budgets
Strong and durable, not prone to damage
Water and moisture resistant
Easy to clean by sweeping or damp mop
Disadvantages:
If you really prefer hardwood, you might be disappointed
Less durable than hardwood or tile
Not a natural product
Water resistant but not water proof
Can be damaged by excessive sun exposure
5. TERRAZZO FLOORING
If you're looking for a truly elegant flooring option to give your floors a unique, eye-catching look, then terrazzo is a possibility. It is a composite material made up of recycled glass, marble, quartz, and other materials arranged in a pattern. It is usually sealed to give it a glossy finish and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. It’s so durable that it’s a perfect replacement for concrete in the basement or patio. As an alternative to ceramic tile, this material can be used to give you a floor of geometric patterns or intricate designs you can’t achieve with other materials. That’s why you often see it in public facilities where there is high traffic but where an upgraded look is needed.
Should you use terrazzo in your home renovation?
Advantages:
Unique look with original designs
Very durable, long-lasting
Good for high traffic areas
Easy maintenance with sweeping and damp mopping
Available in many unique colours and designs
Disadvantages:
Has to be resealed every few years
Quite expensive compared to other choices
Must be installed by a professional - no DIY!
Slippery, cold surface - not great for kids or grandparents
Hard surface, noisy when walking
6. CORK FLOORING
Cork’s earthy tones and unique texture makes it an excellent choice for flooring. It is available in different shades and color variations, making it easy to customize your home's look. Plus, it offers great insulation, noise reduction, and protection against water damage. It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly floor types to manufacture. Cork comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, and is considered a completely natural, recurring, and easily replenishible material. It’s not quite as durable as some of the other materials, so be careful if considering it for a high-traffic area. But if it gets damaged, the good news is you can refinish it and bring it back to its original lustre.
Cork is a great example of bio-based flooring, which is going to be big in 2024. Sustainability is king, and consumers and design professionals are seeking clean, renewable, and sustainable materials for their home renovation projects. Reducing carbon footprint and use of fossil fuels in flooring manufacturing is likely to stay a top priority. Cork’s cousin, Bamboo flooring, is another beautiful and sleek sustainable option worthy of consideration for your next home reno.
The Spruce / Margot Cavin https://www.thespruce.com/cork-flooring-pros-and-cons-1314688
Should you choose cork flooring for your renovation?
Advantages:
Perfect for high-traffic and casual areas like the kids’ playroom or rec rooms
Non-allergenic, repels dust and microbes
Natural eco-friendly product
A natural insulator
Easy to install (DIY OK!)
Disadvantages:
Softer surface, therefore susceptible to damage
Prolonged sun exposure can cause discolouration
Needs to be re-sealed every few years
Costs less than hardwood, but more than some materials
Best Flooring Recommendations for Every Room in Your Home
KITCHEN
Considered the most used space in the house, the kitchen should have durable and easy-to-clean flooring. Luxury vinyl plank or tile is the best choice for this room since it's waterproof, stain resistant, and easy to clean.
BEDROOM
Hardwood flooring is an ideal option for bedrooms. The warm and inviting hue gives a classic look that can match any style or decor.
BATHROOM
The bathroom is one of the most frequented rooms in the house, which is why it should have waterproof and slip-resistant flooring. Vinyl flooring is again the best choice for this room because it offers excellent protection against water.
Living Room
It really depends on your design style. Hardwood is a beautiful choice, and so is stone or terrazo. But if you’re expecting a lot of family foot traffic in your living room, you may want to opt for laminate. It offers a nice overall look, is less expensive, and offers easy maintenance with a softer, warmer surface than stone.
Basement
If you are looking for a flooring option that is both practical and decorative, cork flooring with an underlay is a great choice, as it will provide a layer of insulation and keep the floor relatively warm. Cork is also available in different shades and color variations, making it easy to customize your home's look.
Conclusion:
When remodeling your home, choose the right flooring that suits your aesthetic and functional needs. Let’s face it, your flooring is going to be there for quite a while. So it's best to work with a professional contractor to ensure you make the best choice for your family and your budget.
