There is so much to consider when it comes to new floors, such as what material you should choose, which will be most cost-effective, which will last the longest and whether you will install it yourself or call a flooring specialist. Read on for our comprehensive guide.

First things first, you need to choose what type of flooring you would like – and there’s much available that could catch your eye. Hardwood flooring is an exceptionally-popular option, while carpets are classic. So, just how do you go about picking something that is right for you?

Begin by thinking about how much money you have available – although it is not always best to simply go for the cheapest product. Hardwood such as solid oak can be expensive, but it will stand up to wear and tear and continue to look good for years to come. In addition, it matches almost every decorative style so you will not have to worry about updating it whenever you feel like giving your interiors a makeover. With all this in mind, you could find that it is worth spending more to have these boards fitted.

However, if you simply do not have the money available you will find there’re other options that have their own advantages. Bamboo is a good choice if you are looking for something with the appearance of wood that will blow less of a hole in your budget. This soft material is also a popular choice for green homes, as the grass it comes from grows quickly and so is easier to sustain than oak or beech. Cork is another material you could consider.

Yet there are some rooms where real wood is not always the best option. In the bathroom or kitchen where spillages are more likely to occur, along with more moisture being present in the air as a result of hot water, a laminate floor may be a wiser choice than wood. This material is largely water-resistant and also very durable so you do not need to worry about it being damaged. Because it looks so similar to wood, it will also help continue the theme of your interiors if you have gone for a uniform look.

In the bathroom, floor tiles could be another option. These are such an elegant choice and allow you to add a touch of creativity to a space, although if you have never tiled a room before it is worth hiring an expert to do the job for you so that you get the best result. Particularly if you will need to cut tiles to size, it is worthwhile contacting a professional, as if you tackle the task alone you could end up damaging them.

The same is true if you are after any intricate design, such as parquet flooring. Done well, and your new floor will look great and could form the focal centrepiece of your interiors, but if it is done badly it may be little more than an eyesore.

Vinyl floors are often the cheapest option, although it is frequently overlooked due to concerns that it is not as attractive as other choices. However, the manufacture of such materials has come on in leaps and bounds and today you will find all sorts of designs available, including imitation wood that almost looks like the real thing.

Don’t discount carpet either. This has long been a classic component of the home and although in recent years wooden floors may have become more popular, carpet still has a host of benefits. The material feels pleasant underfoot and can provide grip for your feet, which makes it a good option on stairs and landings. It is also soft, so you may wish to put it in children’s bedrooms so that they can play on the floor in comfort.

One final option is brickwork. It is unlikely that you would kit out an entire room with this, but it can make a striking feature around the hearth of a fireplace, while you could also consider it on your driveway or paths outside

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