General Flooring Knowledge - Choosing The Right Flooring.

Flooring is a costly item in a new home. So many options are available that choosing the right material is not easy. There are natural materials and synthetics. There are innumerable color and pattern and texture selections. And there are some intriguing alternative materials that are worth evaluating.

Flooring gets more wear and tear than any other surface in your home, bearing the brunt of foot traffic, furniture, heavy appliances, spills, and stains. It's also a key design element that can enhance a home's furnishings and décor.

Hardwood, tile, carpet, laminate, and vinyl are the primary flooring categories, and within each category are numerous choices. In addition to oak, which is the most commonly-used wood for flooring, hardwoods include domestic species such as maple, ash, and hickory, as well as exotic varieties such as Brazilian cherry.

Floor tile may be ceramic, porcelain, or a natural stone such as marble, granite, or slate. Carpeting can be made of natural or synthetic fibers. Both laminate and vinyl floorings can simulate natural materials, and manufacturers incorporate a variety of patterns, colors, and textures into vinyl. And alternative flooring materials such as concrete, cork, and bamboo are becoming more widely available.