Flooring considerations

With so many flooring options these days, it can feel challenging to decide which type/s of flooring would be best for your home, family and lifestyle.
 
Over my 20+ years in the construction industry, I have worked with many types of flooring and offer you these guidelines to consider before purchasing this expensive, foundational aspect of a home.
 

• What condition is the underlying flooring structure in?

Start here by inspecting the foundation, support columns, floor joists and sub flooring. Design failures in the underlying floor structure need to be addressed first to avoid excessive movement, sagging, unequal heights, separation or squeaking later. You don’t want to lay a new, expensive floor on an inferior subfloor!

• Which type of subfloor will the new flooring be installed on?

Concrete slab?  Plywood sheets?  Plank?  OSB (Oriented Strand Board)?
The type of subfloor determines your flooring options unless you remove the old flooring (which is the ideal choice, if possible).

• What kind of traffic will this flooring need to withstand-durability? 

Is it an area of heavy traffic or will there be children or pets present?

• Will there be water in this area? 

Moisture causes damage.  Choose water resistant  or waterproof flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms or entries.

• What kind of maintenance will this flooring require and how often?

Stripping, waxing, refinishing, shampooing—these are big projects.
 
I hope these guidelines help you to choose wisely.  As always, if you have questions about home maintenance, repairs or remodeling, feel free to give me a call.