“Home is the starting place of love, hope and dreams.” This saying captures the essence of what your space should be: a reflection of you, built for comfort, and designed to last. So, where do you begin when choosing the right flooring for your home renovation? Surprisingly, it’s more than just picking what looks good.
Choosing flooring can make or break your space. The wrong type can result in years of regret and costly fixes. Get it right, though, and it’ll pay off in comfort, durability, and even add value to your property. Flooring is an investment—one you’ll see, feel, and walk on every day. It’s worth making the right call.
Step 1: Understand Your Space
Before even glancing at a single plank, consider your environment. Is it a bustling family kitchen or a serene bedroom? Heavy foot traffic areas like hallways and kitchens need hard-wearing options, while low-traffic spaces like bedrooms are more forgiving. Moisture is another big factor. If you’re choosing for the bathroom or basement, you’ll want to look at moisture-resistant options like vinyl or sealed engineered wood.
Actionable Tip: Note down each room and list its main activities, moisture levels, and foot traffic. Use this list as a guiding reference throughout.
Step 2: Prioritise Durability and Maintenance
Durability isn’t just about hard surfaces. Think about wear and tear. Do you have pets? Small children? If yes, then opt for scratch-resistant surfaces like rigid vinyl or lacquered engineered wood. You don’t want to be worried every time the dog sprints across the living room! On the other hand, if it’s a more adult-only space, you have more freedom to choose less resistant materials like solid wood.
Maintenance is another key point. Some materials need regular resealing or polishing to keep them looking fresh. If you’re the type who likes low-maintenance solutions, look for pre-finished options or luxury vinyl tiles (LVT), which are easy to clean and never require refinishing.
Actionable Tip: Check the manufacturer’s guide for expected maintenance schedules. A material might look perfect, but it’s essential to know if you’re up for the upkeep.
Step 3: Balance Style with Practicality
Of course, aesthetics matter. But practicality should always lead. Take time to consider the texture and finish. Are you drawn to the natural grain of oak or the sleek finish of a contemporary laminate? Choose colours and patterns that suit your interior style but also think about the future. Will that high-gloss white finish still look good with a bit of wear?
If you’re looking for timelessness, opt for neutral tones and natural wood. For a bolder statement, patterned LVT or contrasting herringbone styles can transform a room’s character.
Actionable Tip: Ask yourself, “Will I still love this in 5 years?” Flooring is a long-term decision, not a seasonal trend.
Step 4: Set a Realistic Budget
It’s easy to get carried away, especially when you start picturing your perfect home. Set your budget early, keeping in mind the cost of underlays, adhesives, trims, and installation. Luxury floors like solid oak can come with a higher price tag, but if you’ve got young kids and need something durable, investing now could save you in replacement costs later.
If the budget is tight, consider engineered wood or LVT. Both offer great durability and style without breaking the bank. Just avoid cutting corners on the underlay—it plays a crucial role in comfort and soundproofing.
Actionable Tip: Calculate the total cost, including installation, and add 10% for waste and unexpected expenses.
Step 5: Don’t Skip Underlays and Extras
This often-overlooked step can make all the difference. Underlay impacts how your flooring feels underfoot and can extend its lifespan. If you’re laying engineered wood, choose a damp-proof underlay. For LVT, consider a sound-reducing option if you live in a flat or have thin walls.
Don’t forget the accessories! Trims, skirting, and thresholds can add that professional finish to a job. Choose complementary tones or subtle contrasts to frame your new floor perfectly.
Actionable Tip: For high-moisture areas, opt for an underlay with a built-in damp-proof membrane.
Step 6: Always Get Samples
Never skip this step. Online pictures and showroom lighting can deceive. Order samples, and see how they look in your space under natural light. If possible, test them out in the actual room you’re renovating. Live with them for a few days. Walk on them. See how they hold up against spills and scratches.
Actionable Tip: Test samples by placing them near your walls and furniture. Do the tones clash? Or do they blend in beautifully?
Step 7: Think About Installation
If you’re handy, a click-system LVT or laminate could be a good DIY project. But for complex installations like herringbone or solid wood planks, professional fitting is a must. Always factor in the cost of professional installation for those tricky patterns or when using adhesives.
Actionable Tip: If opting for DIY, read installation guides thoroughly and watch videos. Prep is crucial. Skimp on it, and even the best materials won’t look good.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right flooring isn’t just about the surface you walk on. It’s about creating a home that suits your lifestyle, stands the test of time, and elevates your space. Approach it with intention, and you’ll find the perfect match. Retailers such as Floor Warehouse, with the largest collection of wood flooring in the UK, are a great place to start.
Remember, every step you take in this process is about making your home yours. So, take your time. Ask questions. And invest in quality where it matters.
