“Thinking about design is hard, but not thinking about it can be disastrous.”
– Ralph Caplan
Though many people consider wood or the “wood look” to be the only option for flooring, wood may not be the right look for your project. Wood has a tendency to look quite casual if not a bit traditional. Maybe a more modern and finished look is what you prefer. If that is the case, keep reading and you will see many other alternatives that may fit your design sense.
Natural Stone
Both classic and stylish, natural stone flooring is seen in the most valuable properties. It lasts a lifetime and holds up to harsh conditions. It will not fade in the sunlight (wood does) and a little water won’t harm it either. It makes a very nice backdrop for a cherished rug and stone flows to the outside seamlessly (porous stone should not be used outside). If you want that ageless look, consider natural stone. The most common would be travertine, marble, slate, and limestone.
Pros: Timeless and durable, comes in matte or shiny finish, many different sizes and shapes allows you to customize the look. Adds value to your home.
Cons: Expensive, needs professional installation. Can be loud. Porous stone can be damaged by water. Can be scratched and chipped.
Limestone has many looks. Here we have softened edges that work with a classic look. Straight edges and minimal grout lends itself nicely to a contemporary look.
Travertine is timeless and can be used in many floor patterns. Here, it has been installed in a herringbone pattern. Alternatively, it can be laid in a running bond (brick pattern) for a more conservative approach.
Porcelain Tile
Porcelain tile has come a long way. Today’s tiles are easily confused with natural stone. Porcelain tile is a great choice when looking for flooring that can be used inside and outside for a seamless transition. Made of dense clay and fired at a very hot temperature, it is extremely hard. It’s not inexpensive, but needs very little maintenance so the savings will come over time. The color in this tile is not just on the surface but goes throughout so the color will stay the same as it wears. If you plan to use it outside, make sure to use a matte or textured tile so it does not become a hazard when wet.
Pros: Low maintenance, even if you chip it (hard to do) color is throughout so won’t be as obvious. Brings value to your home. Can be used in wet and outdoor spaces.
Cons: Can be expensive to install. Must be installed on a level surface. Make sure the grout is sealed as the grout can stain easily and detract from the look.
Terrazzo Flooring
Terrazzo tile was in vogue, then out of vogue, and now it has come back into favor but in new and improved ways.
If you are looking for a sleek and interesting flooring that requires no fuss, this may be your answer. Made of a mixture of resins or concrete with the addition of chips of marble, stone or even tiles, it can be poured like concrete or installed using a tile format. If you love mid-century modern design, you should consider this as an option.
This flooring makes a definite MCM statement! A cousin to this product is called granito which utilizes the same materials but comes only as a tile – and for good reason. It is distinctively patterned.
Pros: Extremely durable, environmentally friendly, versatile and customizable, works with hydronic heat, a 10 on the cool scale!
Cons: Can be expensive so shop it. Needs a real pro to pour in place – can crack if not installed correctly.
Linoleum
So, before you stop reading, give me a chance to make my case for linoleum. Though not exactly my go to for every design job, there is a place where I would use it. If you have a room that is strictly for playing around — maybe a basement or “man cave” — where you want family and guest to be able to have fun and not worry about the floor, insert some imagination and whimsy by using linoleum. It can be cut in any shape and multiple colors can come together to create a bright, playful, and durable backdrop. The only limitation will be your imagination.
Pros: Budget friendly. Can be used to create one of a kind floor looks. Ecofriendly, it is biodegradable. No VOCs. Durable, it can take roughhousing but it can dent and tear.
Cons: Though it can handle spills and dribbles, it cannot hold up to a damp basement. Floor must be appropriately watertight.
Bottom Line
Flooring is the most important ingredient in transforming a house into a warm and inviting home. As you can see, there is a flooring look that works for every room and every budget. Get the flooring right, and you are well on your way to having the home you will enjoy and be proud to show off!
