Flooring Fairfield NJ is one of the most important decisions for a new home or renovation. It’s about balancing your lifestyle with aesthetics, cost, durability and maintenance.
The right flooring will balance style and robust durability. Options like luxury vinyl tiles are visually appealing and easy to clean, while commercial-grade carpet offers comfort.
Flooring is the material that covers and protects the slabs of a building. It can also provide a decorative finish to the interior of a room. Different types of flooring are available to suit a range of tastes and budgets.
Flooring should be durable and easy to clean, as it is exposed to spills and dust. It should be able to withstand the wear and tear of foot traffic and pets. Ideally, flooring should be a hard surface and not slippery, as this could lead to falls. It is important that flooring has good thermal insulation.
One of the oldest forms of flooring is mud or earth. Mud is a natural product that has been used since the beginning of human civilization. It is a good thermal insulator and can be made even more effective by adding chopped straw or cow dung to the mix. It can be rammed very well to give good damp resistance.
Another modern form of flooring is brick, which is a direct nature product made by breaking up rock and cementing it together to make tiles of various shapes and sizes. It is generally used in unimportant rooms or godowns. It can be prone to cracking due to heavy loads, hence it is important that a damp proof course be provided under such floors.
Wood or timber is also a popular flooring method, particularly in cold climates where wood is cheap and readily available. It can be used in residential houses, dance floors and auditoriums etc. Wooden floors require a damp proof course to be provided below them. Another natural flooring is cork, which is a renewable and environmentally friendly material that is harvested from the bark of a tree. It is mold-resistant, adsorbs dust, is warm underfoot and provides a cushioning effect when standing.
Installation
Flooring is a key part of any room, and it can enhance the look and feel of a home. It can be installed over any surface, and it can also add value to your home. You should always choose a material that is durable and meets your personal taste. Once you have found the right flooring for your home, it is important to know the installation process.
Before the day of the flooring installation, remove all items in the room that can break. This includes art and mirrors hung on the walls, as well as furniture with long legs and any drapery. It is a good idea to have your pet or children out of the area during installation as well. This will help keep them safe and prevent them from getting in the way of the installers.
You should also ensure that the room is an optimal temperature. It is best to install flooring when the temperature is between 65-and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give the floor the best chance of drying quickly and properly.
The first row should be laid parallel to the longest wall in the room. It is important to leave a 1/2 inch space between the planks and the wall. After laying the first row, it is important to cut end pieces so that they fit correctly. If you are installing laminate, it is a good idea to use a bandsaw to cut the end pieces.
It is essential that you follow the instructions provided by the flooring manufacturer regarding installation. If you do not follow these instructions, it can void your warranty. Typically, glue or mastic is used to secure the flooring. It is a good idea to use the adhesive and trowel size recommended by the manufacturer.
Maintenance
Keeping your floors clean is important for all types of flooring. It also helps prevent damage, prolongs their lifespan, and preserves their beauty. Regular sweeping and vacuuming with a soft-bristle brush or a vacuum cleaner that is designed for hard floors prevents scratching and wearing of the finish. Using a microfiber mop (or a cloth that is gentle on the finish) to clean the floor is a good choice. Be sure to dampen it only with a cleaning solution that is safe for your floor’s finish and don’t over-mop. Wipe up spills promptly to avoid water stains and other damage. Stubborn marks can often be removed with a nail polish remover containing acetone or even plain old WD-40.
While a deep-cleaning routine every couple of weeks may seem like a chore, keeping on top of daily dirt and grime is better. This will prevent dirt from damaging or staining the floor, and it will cut down on the time required to do a full clean. Aim for a weekly sweeping schedule and do not forget to sweep or vacuum under furniture, especially in high-traffic areas.
Preventing scratches and dents is another vital element of maintenance. To do this, place rugs and mats in key areas, and use felt pads or drip trays under furniture legs. Also consider removing shoes at the door, and always wear proper footwear, ideally without spikes or cleats. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause some wood species’ natural coloration to fade over time, so curtains or blinds help protect the flooring and furniture from fading.
Refinishing and re-coating are a necessary part of maintaining a beautiful floor, particularly oil-finished floors that require periodic reapplication. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended reapplication schedule to maintain a long-lasting, gorgeous finish.
Style
The flooring you choose is not only a major component of your home’s aesthetic, it has an impact on how well rooms perform too. Depending on the amount of foot traffic, whether you entertain or have children and pets, your chosen material needs to be resilient enough to stand up to wear and tear.
In addition, certain materials will not work in all rooms, so a thorough thought process is required to establish the type of floor that best suits your space. Carpet, for example, works well in bedrooms and nurseries and is soft underfoot but is not suitable for kitchens or utility rooms where stain resistance and a waterproof surface are key requirements.
Thanks to improved manufacturing and product innovation, there are now more options than ever for flooring. For example, engineered wood is a less costly alternative to solid wood and is better suited to the rigours of modern living. Vinyl and laminate are cheaper yet still look like the real thing. And faux stone tile and reclaimed hardwood designs add stylish authenticity to any room, even the most contemporary.
While cork is growing in popularity for its eco credentials, it also offers a warm and comfortable feel underfoot. It’s easy on allergy sufferers and helps to dampen sound, but beware that scratches tend to blend in with the grain of the floor.
Bamboo is another eco-friendly choice but lacks the pronounced natural grain of oak and has a uniform appearance. It’s available in a variety of stains, however, and is a good choice for those with an Asian-inspired decor. However, it is important to check that the product you buy is phalate-free and meets strict environmental standards.
Budget
Flooring is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your home, but it can also be the most expensive. You should start by setting a firm budget before choosing materials or installation. This will help you avoid getting tempted by more expensive options and save you time and money in the long run.
Depending on the type of flooring you choose, it can cost as little as $3 to $7 per square foot to install. This includes underlayment, which provides padding and insulation for the flooring, as well as removal and disposal of old materials. If you’re replacing existing flooring, the costs will vary, but they will likely include removing and repairing any damaged or moldy subflooring.
Traditional solid wood flooring has a price tag of $5 to $28 per square foot and is the most costly option. It’s durable, easy to clean and can muffle noise better than other materials.
Vinyl, fiberglass-backed vinyl and linoleum are low-cost options with a variety of colors, patterns and designs to choose from. They can be easily maintained and are a good choice for kitchens and laundry rooms.
Laminate is a great budget-friendly option, as it can mimic almost any material. It is made of dense fiberboard topped with a photographic image and a protective layer that resists damage. It’s a good choice for busy homes with kids and pets, as it is durable and stain-resistant.
Tile is an eye-catching option that adds a touch of elegance to any room and comes in a range of prices. You’ll pay more for porcelain and ceramic tiles than you will for standard glass or stone tiles. In addition to the cost of tiles, you’ll need to consider the cost of underlayment and grout.