Floor covering…. When building a home, it’s often an overlooked big ticket item. When remodeling a home, it’s the most hated item to redo. Why? Well, let’s be honest, when you redo your floors you have to MOVE. Move like you’re moving to another home but you don’t get to go anywhere, and that’s a monumental task.

Getting quality, durable, fashionable floors is a big decision and takes a chunk of money! Removing old floors and reinstalling new is an even bigger chunk of your budget. But if you plan and choose wisely, your new floors can potentially last you a lifetime!

The flooring you choose should match your lifestyle. Are you an empty nester? Do you have a ton of kids and pets? Do you entertain? Are you retired? All of these questions relate to lifestyle and can help you determine what kind of floors you need.

Hardwood is classic, timeless and long wearing. A solid hardwood can be sanded and restrained a few times in its lifetime (but, sanding and restaining is the equivalent to new floors and moving out). Engineered hardwood is just as durable but its sanding possibilities are limited due to the top surface only being a thin veneer. While hardwood is the pinnacle for flooring options, it is by far the only option.

But, oh the options…..

• Solid wood. Light white oak is really popular right now. It’s sleek clean lines lend toward a more modern aesthetic. And… if you change your design style you can restain it to a different tone.
• Reclaimed. Many people are looking for sustainable options. And let’s face it, who wants to continue to cut down trees!?! Reclaimed wood is often from old growth wood and is extremely durable. Using an oiled finish is also a great way to bring a sense of history.
• Bamboo. Bamboo is sustainably harvested and one of the hardest options for a wood flooring alternative, and it stands up extremely well in areas of high humidity!
• Cork. I bet you haven’t thought about this option since the 70’s. Cork is very environmentally friendly. It feels warm underfoot and has acoustic and insulating properties.
• Concrete. If you’re the family with a herd of kids and pets, concrete is for you! It’s basically indestructible and can be left in its natural state or stained in a myriad of colors.
• Marble. Marble is making a comeback. Are you a baker? Every culinary artist knows the absolute need for a marble countertop to work dough. And bathrooms are getting a spa upgrade with marble on the floor and walls.
• New technologies. SPC (stone plastic or polymer composite) is a new surfacing material that’s durable and affordable. It touts itself as waterproof which makes cleaning a breeze! And I’m sure you’ve seen LVT (luxury vinyl tile). It is a great hardwood substitute. The design choices for LVT range from wood style planks to modern tiles that mimic stone or marble. LVT is a great option for wet areas like bathrooms.
• Tile. If you can dream it, you can find it in tile! Color, pattern, print… stone, porcelain, marble, terra cotta…. It’s infinite in its possibilities.
• Carpet. Most people are veering away from carpet, but in the bedrooms, it is nice to wake up to a soft feel underfoot. Why not try carpet tiles? Tiles can be installed wall to wall or in a modular rug and are great for playrooms, work out areas or even the den!

So floor it! Run to your local store and get the new floors you’ve been dreaming of!

Stylishly yours,

THE CHELSEE SOWDER DESIGN TEAM

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