Whether you’re in the process of buying a brand new Postland home, remodelling your existing one, or embarking on the self-build journey – flooring is a big (costly) consideration.
Not only can it define a room, flooring gets the most attention (read: wear and tear) making it key to be clued up on your options.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to flooring finishes:
- Solid wood
Available in planks and blocks, this option comes with beautiful variation in colour and grain pattern. It’s durable and can be rejuvenated four or five times by sanding it down and retreating, but it is expensive.
- Engineered wood
This is a cheaper alternative to solid planks as it’s made up of a timber base such as plywood with a layer of natural wood on the top. Engineered wood is often more stable than solid wood and is available in wider planks, prefinished. It also works well if you’re choosing underfloor heating.
- Laminate
This option is designed to simulate the look of natural wood or stone. It’s basically a photograph bonded to a melamine or fibre board, making it a cost-effective option.
- Stone
With a wide variety of colours, patterns, and textures available, its cost is dependent on its availability, country of origin and thickness. If you choose a porous stone, it needs to be treated with a sealant to avoid stains soaking in. This option would require a periodic application of sealant for longevity.
- Ceramic and porcelain tiles
These are super popular for bathrooms and kitchens. They’re easy to clean and cheap compared to a stone alternative. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic and needs less maintenance.
- Carpet
A great option for rooms where comfort takes priority over durability. If laid in high-traffic areas such as hallways it can wear unevenly.
- Vinyl
An option well-suited to bathrooms and kitchens, it’s a thin, flexible plastic-based material that’s waterproof and seamless. Another bonus? It will not crack if it’s laid on floor constructions that are prone to movement.
- Linoleum
An alternative to vinyl, this option is more long-lasting and sustainably sourced. It’s water-resistant rather than waterproof making it unsuitable for areas such as bathrooms.
