It’s not too much of an understatement to say flooring can have a big impact on what impression your kitchen or bathroom makes when someone walks into either room. Flooring is hardly subtle. It’s on display at all times, so it’s not like you can have amazing cabinets and fixtures that will divert attention away from a floor that’s not all that appealing, either because of its condition or because it doesn’t fit in with the other changes you’ve made to your design. Get the most value from your kitchen or bath remodel by paying some extra attention to the flooring you choose. Here’s are eight things to consider when choosing flooring for your kitchen or bathroom remodel.
1. Traffic Flow
Any bathroom or kitchen remodel Plano homeowners are planning should factor in how much either room is typically used. For instance, a space that’s going to have a lot of daily foot traffic will benefit more from flooring that’s designed to be fairly resistant to wear and tear. One hundred percent moisture-resistant and laboratory engineered to last for a long time, vinyl is a popular choice in high-traffic areas. Plus, it’s available a wide range of colors and styles, including some that mimic more expensive materials like marble, slate, and granite. While not durable enough for all high-traffic kitchens or bathrooms, cork is comfy and cushiony and reduces impact noise. It can still be a smart choice in areas with minimal traffic.
2. Durability
Wood tiles flooring Plano homeowners may want to consider to optimize durability should be made from harder woods since these are the woods that often last longer, sometimes for 50 years or more with proper care. A protective coating can also be applied to minimize scratches, stains and dents to further extend the life of flooring. Even a porous material like limestone can sealed for added protection and durability. There are also plenty of budget-friendly flooring materials such as high-pressured plastic laminates that can offer similar results in a kitchen and bathroom.
3. Room Size
Another consideration for a kitchen and bathroom remodel Plano homeowners are planning is each room’s available space. Lighter floors tend to make a cozier kitchen or bathroom feel larger. Lighter hues can also brighten up darker areas of a home. With wood, larger and wider scale planks and tiles can make a smaller space seem larger.
4. Available Light
Available light is also worth considering. For instance, potential glare problems in a kitchen that’s naturally bathed in sunlight can be remedied with flooring that’s darker or in the mid-tones. Another option is to go with a pattern that alternates between light and dark shades of the same color. Lighter materials also reflect more natural light from windows and skylights, which can further make a smaller kitchen or bathroom space appear larger.
5. Adaptability
A bathroom or kitchen remodel Plano homeowners are planning should also include colors that are natural and neutral to allow for additional updates in the future. Natural designs, especially what’s available with wood tiles flooring Plano homeowners may prefer for their remodel, can easily match different decorative touches and wall colors. Going with neutral tones doesn’t mean settling for boring or bland flooring. Shades of beige, taupe, and ivory may not get as much attention as the various shades of white and gray, but they are also considered neutral colors, as is black.
6. Color and Style
The good thing about today’s flooring choices for kitchens and bathroom is the assortment of color selections. Before choosing a color for your floor, consider what your dominate colors will be with the rest of your decor. Also consider your intended focal point. If you really want eyes to be naturally drawn to your amazing new cabinets or your stunning double sink, then you probably don’t want flooring that pops with so much color that it’s going to be an instant distraction from anything else. On the other hand, flooring with rich hues and stunning colors can effectively blend in with your new color scheme if you opt for complementary colors. Wood alone can create a warm look with its various shades, and ceramic tile and vinyl have the most variation in terms of color. Kitchen and bathroom flooring can become even more stylish with finishing touches such as design strips and borders.
7. Maintenance Demands
Most homeowners prefer kitchen and bathroom flooring that’s not going to require a lot of upkeep. If low-maintenance is a top requirement for your new flooring, the good news is you’re not going to be limited in your choices. Also referred to as resilient flooring, vinyl flooring lives up to its name and can actually last a long time with routine care. However, prefinished wood floors can be just as low in maintenance as well-treated traditional hardwood flooring. Certain tricks like using tiny black matte tiles in the bathroom can ensure that dust and water spots won’t be a concern. If stone is your preference for flooring, multi-color slate and granite has a mottled surface that can hide dirt and various imperfections. Manufactured from linseed oil, linoleum is also considered low in maintenance, and ceramic flooring tends to do well with regular spot cleaning.
8. Budget
Finally, budget is an understandable concern for many homeowners today, especially those planning multiple kitchen and bathroom improvements. Available in either tiles or sheets, vinyl flooring can fit into most budgets. Laminate flooring can be equally affordable while still offering a wide range of colors and styles, as is the case with vinyl. Bamboo is an appealing alternative to hardwood flooring that can provide just as much versatility without as much cost. Porcelain tile can be an affordable alternative to natural stone, and vinyl planks can mimic hardwood flooring.
Kitchen and bath remodels can increase the value of a home by as much as 70 or 80 percent, according to some estimates. The right flooring can also make any kitchen or bathroom remodel Plano homeowners may be considering both a practical and functional investment. And since there are so many variations with color and texture available today, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something that reflects your personal preferences while still fitting in with any other updates you may be planning for your kitchen or bathroom in Plano.