Flooring comes in a variety of options to suit the modern household. Traditional options include carpeting and hardwood, but tile and vinyl are now being integrated into everyday living spaces and laminate offers an economical way to achieve hardwood and tile styles. Regardless of the type of flooring you choose, there are a variety of options to not only complete your decorating dream but to help you stay within budget. For instance, carpet and tile offer options to fit a wide range of budgets, although laminate and vinyl tend to be the most economical. Hardwood has typically been more expensive, but with bamboo and cork options now on the market it's becoming increasingly affordable.
Carpeting can create a warm, inviting environment or a space of soft elegance. Carpet prices generally start at $4.00 per square yard and it comes in a variety of styles, including:
Tile floors are exceptionally durable, and while this durability has made it ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms in the past, it has recently become an elegant solution for the entire house. It is available in ceramic and stone options, with prices for ceramic tiles starting at $1.50 per square foot and stone tiles typically beginning at $5.50 per square foot. Styles include:
Laminate and vinyl flooring is economical and durable. It resists staining, denting and other problems commonly associated with high-traffic areas. It can duplicate the natural beauty of hardwood flooring and the intricacy of tile at a fraction of the cost--laminate and vinyl flooring can cost as little as $1.00 per square foot, while hardwood is typically the most expensive type of flooring. The durability of hardwood is determined by its Janka Hardness rating. A variety of hardwood is available, including: