Flooring: what you need to know.
When choosing flooring, it is important to consider several criteria. Not only must it suit your aesthetic tastes, but it must also be technically suited to the location and function of the room. As a flooring professional, you play a key role in advising on and installing the right flooring. Here is some key information to share with your customers when they are considering choosing flooring.
Each room has a different level of traffic. Hallways, kitchens and living areas often experience heavier foot traffic, which means that the flooring needs to be durable and easy to maintain. On the other hand, bedrooms, which generally experience less foot traffic, can get by with less durable flooring. It is therefore important to determine the level of foot traffic required before making a choice: moderate, heavy or intense.
The heating system used can influence the choice of flooring. For example, underfloor heating may require a specific installation method (floating, glued) and a suitable thickness. Be sure to consult the manufacturers' instructions to guide your customers in their choice.
In wet rooms such as bathrooms, toilets and kitchens, it is essential to install suitable flooring that is waterproof or at least non-porous. This will ensure that the floor remains durable and easy to clean in high humidity conditions.
Depending on whether the floor is located on the ground floor or upstairs, insulation requirements may vary. It is important to advise your customers on choosing a suitable underlay to insulate against cold or noise, compensate for any unevenness in the floor or protect against moisture. Your expertise as a tradesperson is invaluable in helping your customers make an informed decision.
Not everyone can hire a tradesperson to install their flooring. That's why it's essential to offer products designed for easy installation. This allows your customers to choose flooring that they can install themselves. As a professional, you can also offer your installation services for those who prefer to entrust this task to an expert.
Now that we've covered the main criteria to consider, let's take a quick look at the different types of flooring available on the market.
- Parquet flooring: A long-lasting investment that will naturally develop a patina over time and can be renovated when necessary. Parquet flooring offers timeless beauty and natural warmth to any room.
- Laminate flooring: This is a wood fibre substrate coated with a printed decor and a durable protective film. There is a wide range of styles, colours, material imitations and thicknesses available, offering many options for customers.
- PVC vinyl flooring: After a period of declining popularity, vinyl flooring has made a strong comeback with a wide variety of modern and original styles. It is easy to install and available in tiles, adhesive or clip-on strips, or even rolls. Vinyl floors are water-resistant and perform well in damp rooms. They often respond to a trend that will not last.
- Tiles: Robust and easy to maintain, tiles are a popular choice for many rooms. They come in a wide variety of patterns, sizes and styles, adding a touch of aesthetic appeal to any space. However, it is important to note that tiles can be cold to the touch, which can be a disadvantage in some situations.
- Carpet: Comfortable and warm, carpet is ideal for bedrooms and spaces where comfort is paramount. Available in a wide range of colours and textures, it also provides sound insulation and a pleasant feel. But beware of allergies and pets who love comfort but quickly damage their cosy bed.
- Natural fibre coverings (sisal and seagrass): These coverings, made from natural fibres, give a room a healthy, zen atmosphere. They have good shock and noise absorption properties, but they can retain dust, which may require regular maintenance.
Starting by trying to restore existing wooden flooring can be an excellent option for those looking for durable and timeless flooring. Wood offers unrivalled natural beauty and warmth, making it the ideal choice for your customers who want to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in their home.
Restoring a wooden floor preserves the history and unique character of the floor, while giving it a new lease of life. Solid wood floors are often built to last for many years, even decades, and can be renovated several times over the years to restore their original lustre.
Restoring a wooden floor usually involves a sanding process to remove scratches, stains and imperfections, followed by a new finish to protect the wood and give it a new look. This revitalises the floor while preserving its authenticity and durability.
In addition to being aesthetically appealing, wooden flooring also has other advantages. It is naturally insulating, helping to maintain heat in rooms and reduce heating costs. What's more, it is easy to maintain with simple regular sweeping and gentle cleaning.
Wood is also an environmentally friendly material, as it is renewable and recyclable. By choosing to restore an existing wooden floor, you are helping to reduce the demand for new materials and minimise your environmental footprint.
Before deciding to replace a wooden floor, it is therefore wise to explore the possibility of restoring it. Call in a craftsman specialising in wooden floor restoration to assess the condition of the floor and determine the best renovation options. By investing in restoration rather than new flooring, your customers will enjoy a beautiful and durable wooden floor that will last for many years to come.
Choosing flooring is an important decision for any homeowner. As a flooring professional, you have a responsibility to guide your customers in choosing the flooring that best suits their needs. By considering criteria such as foot traffic, type of heating, water resistance, insulation requirements and ease of installation, you can help them make an informed decision. With a wide range of options available, from parquet to tile, vinyl and carpet, your customers will be able to find the perfect flooring for every room in their home.
