Pros and Cons to Different Flooring Types

When it comes to flooring, there are lots of different choices, each with their own benefits. Below, we’ll outline those benefits, and other things to consider, when choosing flooring for different rooms in your home. 

Hardwood

Hardwood flooring is a durable option that can last for many many many years. Hardwood can be sanded and refinished multiple times, making it look new again. Wood planks come in a variety of widths, wood species, textures, and colors, making it easy to coordinate with your design. Different species of wood have different hardness, so you'll want to choose one that can withstand the amount of foot traffic in that room. Hardwood is best for shared living spaces on the first floor- living, family, dining room.

Engineered Wood

Engineered wood is a more affordable alternative to solid hardwood. It looks like hardwood, but is more resistant to moisture. Engineered hardwood is a good choice in areas of your home where you might be concerned about true hardwood warping due to high humidity levels, such as in a basement. One drawback to engineered wood is that it’s not able to be sanded down or refinished as frequently as you could with true hardwood floors because of the thin top veneer. You can refinish one to three times depending on the thickness of the top layer.

Laminate

If you love the look of hardwood, but can’t fit it into your budget, laminate flooring might be a good choice. Laminate doesn’t have a real wood top layer and cannot be refinished. Instead, it’s an image captured using photo-realism technology, covered in a thick plastic coating. Laminate is sturdy and durable, and looks almost identical to the real thing for a fraction of the cost. It is best used in high traffic areas that don’t see a lot of moisture.

Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)

LVP is a durable, waterproof option (great for kitchens and baths) that is affordable and typically easy to install. It’s soft underfoot and easy to maintain. It is also scratch resistant, which is great if you have kids or pets. LVP is available in a variety of colors, finishes, textures and sizes to coordinate with your space. The con for LVP is you can’t refinish these floors if they’re scratched. You can replace boards if you order extra (highly recommend).

Tile

Ceramic or porcelain tile is one of the most versatile flooring types. Its many colors, textures, shapes, and sizes make it an option that could coordinate well with any room in your home. It’s important to choose tiles that are rated for use on floors to ensure they will stand up to foot traffic. Tile is great for wet areas- entry/mud room, kitchen, bathrooms.

Carpet

Carpet is another versatile option. It comes in many different colors, textures and materials. Carpet provides a soft, warm surface and helps with dampening noise. Durability depends on the fiber density count- the more fibers it has per square inch, the more durable it will be. Carpet is typically a good choice for bedrooms. Great for a budget but can be hard on allergies.

Which flooring suits your home best? Let us know!

Creating A Home Gym You'll Want To Use

Source: HGTV

If the thought of going to the gym makes you cringe, perhaps setting up your own home gym is a better option. When most people think of the gym, even one at home, they probably think of something ugly and boring, with no personality. It doesn’t have to be that way, though! You can have both style and function! Read along for ideas on creating a stylish home gym of your own. 

Source: Blue i Style

First, you’ll have to choose the right place in your home to set up your gym. Typically, places that are more secluded, such as a basement or a spare room upstairs will have less interruptions and allow you to focus on your workout. I’ve even seen them set up in the garage. Once you choose the place, consider the setup. Think about what kind of training you want to do in the space and what equipment is necessary. You don’t want a bunch of unused equipment cluttering up the room, making it hard to move around safely. Plus, lots of clutter can ruin the look and feel of the space. The mood and atmosphere of the gym is important, as it plays a big role in how much the room will get used. 

Speaking of mood and atmosphere, the colors, lighting, decor, etc, play a big part in that. If you’re setting up a yoga studio, soft, calming colors are a good pick. If you’re planning on doing a lot of cardio or weight training, then you can go with something bold and energizing. Don’t be afraid to have fun with patterns and colors. A fun light fixture, funky wallpaper, colorful art and accessories are what will give your space personality. You might also consider adding amenities such as a mini fridge stocked with water, a tv, or a sound system. 

Source: Houzz.com

Organize your space by creating areas with shelves, hooks and bins for various pieces of workout equipment such as jump ropes and resistance bands, as well as things like towels, magazines, and anything else you’ll need during your workout! Stylish and functional storage will keep all of your essentials easily accessible and tidy.

The goal is to create a space you will want to use and enjoy being in on a regular basis. One that is inviting and inspiring. What are some of your fitness goals this year? Will you be setting up a stylish home gym area? Tell us all about it in the comments!