by ANDREW LEMIEUX
Interior design is a diverse field, but it’s easy to overlook the power of the floor in transforming a space and adding to its value. Explore the possibilities with these ideas for flooring installation.
It’s All in the Materials…
Not all floors are created equal. Some sturdy options will not only hold up for decades, but also look great doing it; others will need to be replaced or refinished in a couple of years. If you’re looking to add value to your space, start from the ground up with quality flooring materials. These can include:
Real or engineered hardwood
A casual observer can usually not tell the difference between a real or solid hardwood and an engineered one. Solid hardwood comes from lumber, meaning each piece of the floor is unique but can be repeatedly refinished, which is great for homeowners. Engineered hardwood is typically cheaper than real hardwood and has more customizable options. The layers of wood veneers also make this flooring resistant to humidity.
Tiles and natural stones
Many stunning floor options are tile or natural stone. These strong materials can make durable floors.
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
There is a wide variety of looks you can get with this synthetic flooring. Easy to maintain and resistant to water, LVP is a great choice when updating your space.
All of these flooring material choices have advantages and drawbacks to consider. Some options are more expensive than others. A bigger investment up front can save you down the road because you won’t need to deal with costly repairs and replacements. Often, the best way to renovate your home economically is to choose one element, like flooring, where it’s most important to invest, and then find other areas where your budget can be cut (like finding decor options secondhand).
…And How You Use the Materials
Flooring installation that adds value to your space is all in the materials and how you use them. You can have the best raw materials for your flooring and still not get as good a result as you’ve wished if corners are cut during the preparation and installation phases. Make sure to:
- Get professional advice and/or an expert installation team
- Carefully follow all steps for that type of flooring
- Avoid rushing or trying to use the space too soon after installation
One great flooring installation idea for a quick value boost to your space is a floating hardwood. With this type of floor, you won’t need to nail down your floor planks; they will glue or snap together and can work over various surfaces, including ceramic tile or plywood, without damaging the underlying flooring. Cover up the old and bring in the new with floors you can walk on the next day.
Consider the Unique Space
Getting the best flooring materials and pairing them with proper installation techniques is important, but to really add value to your space with flooring installation, you have to take the unique area into consideration. Flooring decisions for bathroom remodel upgrades will be significantly different than a living space in the same house.
Even once you have the right floors in, there are still plenty of other considerations, such as:
Floor coverings
The right rug can transform a space; the wrong one can make even new floors look dingy. Consider the space as a whole when you determine which/if floor coverings work.
Lighting
Shiny new floors will be to their best advantage with the right lighting.
Room transitions
Make sure your flooring endeavors don’t make the transitions between rooms awkward. A seamless flow in your space is the goal.
Add Value to Your Space
Now that we’ve covered flooring installation principles, here are some examples that can get your creative juices flowing for your space.
- A kitchen that currently has light, large-grout tile could be transformed by going to a sleek, dark hardwood floor.
- A bathroom with chipped or faded floors and baseboards can get a paint refresh and look as good as new.
- A garage can get an epoxy coating for concrete that is protected, easy to clean, and looks great.
Flooring installation can be very powerful in a home’s appeal and thus its value. While sometimes it’s best to do a full overhaul starting with the floors, you can make your home look new without a major renovation. Whether you’re starting with a blank slate or wanting to update the look while preserving the current design in your space, looking down at the floors is the best place to start.
