Whether you have recently moved into a new house or would like to make updates to your current house, new flooring is the perfect option for an upgrade. Some new flooring options include: Hardwood flooring, luxury vinyl plank, engineered hardwood, carpet, and even custom-made area rugs. With all of these options, how do you determine which one is the best flooring for your home?

Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

1. Which areas of your home are in need of the flooring upgrade?

There are certain flooring options that work best for particular areas of your home. For example, if you are looking to upgrade the flooring in your basement, going with a luxury vinyl plank would be ideal. Many luxury vinyl plank flooring options look just like hardwood flooring without the fear of warping in areas that may contain more moisture – such as the basement.

While many homeowners like the appearance of hard surface flooring, having carpet in bedrooms is still the most common option. Carpet provides a warm and quiet space unlike hard surface flooring that may feel colder to the feet and have a noise-carrying effect. A great alternative to having carpet in bedrooms is a custom-made or handmade area rug.

Custom-made area rugs are a great option because they are made out of synthetic, carpet fibers and can be cleaned at home by professional carpet cleaners. This is where style and personal preference come into play – some may want an authentic, oriental wool area rug for their rooms. These are typically not made by flooring sales companies, but they can be purchased from area rug retailers.

2. What is the climate like where you live?

Climate can play a big role in determining what flooring is a better option for your home. If you live in an ideal climate for hardwood, it will be between 60-80 degrees F with 35-60% humidity. It is difficult to maintain the perfect environment for hardwood which is why in most cases you will see warps, cupping, and/or cracks over time. Adding a protective refinisher to the hardwood after every professional cleaning may help prevent premature wear and tear.

Alternatively, a benefit to luxury vinyl plank is that climate has no effect on it. Luxury vinyl plank is quite durable, not only against various temperatures and humidity levels, but it is also scratch-resistant.

Very cold climates may require something warmer than hardwood or luxury vinyl plank. Carpet or area rugs are ideal for keeping your home feeling cozy and comfortable.  

3. Are there pets and/or children in your household?

If you have very little ones running around (or learning how to), it might be a good idea to have carpet or area rugs in the high-play areas. Also, if you have pets, especially dogs, hardwood floors are much more susceptible to scratches – therefore adding area rugs to high-traffic areas, or even choosing a luxury vinyl plank option may be ideal.

Luxury vinyl plank may be the better option if you are concerned about a lot of spills and/or pet accidents. Having multiple accidents on carpets and area rugs can become expensive because they will require professional cleanings. And multiple accidents on hardwood flooring can also become expensive over time if the hardwood is not properly cleaned and dried after every spill.

In the end, what type of flooring is best for your home depends on personal preference and a little practicality.

Learn more about Ayoub Carpet Service® and their new flooring sales and installation services by calling or texting us at: 703-255-6000. ACS® services Northern Virginia, DC, and parts of Maryland and has two flooring showrooms, one in Chantilly, VA, and another in Falls Church, VA.