Nearly all homebuyers – 91 percent – state that a laundry room is essential or a must-have on their list of desires. Not only is it high on the list, but it is also the top item that will turn people away if you don’t have it.
People define laundry rooms in different ways. What used to be located in the basement, or behind a closet door in the main living space is no longer acceptable. What homeowners want now is a convenient room that is as attractive as the other spaces inside their home.
No longer are homeowners willing to have tight spaces with few options. They want dedicated sinks, space for drip-drying clothes, and a place to sort, fold, and press items before returning them to the bedroom.
Where do you start if upgrading your laundry room is on your to-do list this year? We have a few ideas for you, including selecting the right flooring for your space.
Start with a plan
Laundry rooms are evolving. Depending on where they are in your home, they may be large enough to house additional features. Put them on the main living floor and they might house mudrooms, hobby benches, workshops, or pet care storage centers. If they are located near the bedrooms or on a separate floor, they may be combined with art stations, sewing centers, play rooms, or extra storage areas.
These spaces can be as functional as they are creative. It starts with identifying your needs. Then determining what makes the most sense with your creative spirit in mind.
According to a Time Use Survey by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American woman spends 17 minutes a day on laundry. That leaves a lot of time open for additional activities. What can you add and combine to create a functional room that suits your needs?
With work from home and distance learning changing the way we function each day, there are many ways you can add these activities to a multi-purpose room. How about an area to record your podcasts? Or a quiet space to take Zoom calls? While it doesn’t take much workspace, it can easily be built into counter space that can be used to fold clothes too.
Before you finalize your decisions, dream big. What can a new laundry space provide for your family?
Engineered hardwood and laundry rooms go together
Every remodel begins at the bottom – with selecting the flooring. While it’s easy to repaint wall color or add new decor, your flooring sets the base for everything. It has to flow with the rest of your home design. Yet it has to be functional too.
That’s why many homeowners start by considering hardwood for their laundry rooms – then doubt their choice when they read more about it.
Hardwood floors and water don’t mix. They are prone to buckling and cupping when they come into regular contact with water. No matter how careful you are, it’s hard to avoid water in a laundry space. Whether you spill laundry detergent, drip water as you move clothes from the washer to the dryer, or prefer to drip-dry your clothing, moisture is inevitable. And that can spell disaster. You’ll be replacing your flooring in no time.
Enter engineered hardwood flooring. While engineered may not be as affordable as laminate, it is more stable in varying environments than traditional hardwood. With today’s technology, you’ll find engineered hardwood can stand up to a lot of abuse, including humidity and moisture-prone areas.
A deeper dive into engineered hardwood – what is it really?
Engineered hardwood starts with a thin layer of hardwood that sits on top of multi layers of backing. Different manufacturers produce different products, so the thickness and construction may vary a little from product to product. This is what determines the strength of the product, and how long it will stand up over time.
What makes engineered hardwood more durable is its construction. While the top layer is a thin layer of hardwood, the core layers consist of multi layers of wood, each positioned in a different direction to add to the hardness of the plank. This protects the board from warping or cupping the way hardwood would in moist situations.
This gives it the advantage of being able to be installed in areas most experts would say hardwood should not. This includes below grade and in places like laundry rooms and kitchens. It’s a great way to get the look of traditional hardwood – because it is – and combine it with the easy care and maintenance of a more durable product.
Is engineered hardwood flooring the right choice for your home?
Real hardwood creates a look like no other product can. Here in Colorado, it adds a certain appeal that many homeowners want throughout their homes.
Engineered hardwood gives you the option of combining the look and feel of traditional hardwood with the ease of other products that are easier to maintain. Depending on the thickness of the plank, the quality of the product, and how well you care for them, engineered hardwood can last for years – decades – and still give you a beautiful floor.
Todays’ innovation also means it stands up better to normal use in ways that weren’t possible even a few short years ago. Yes, it’s hardwood. But with the multilayer function, and the rigid top layer, it can provide a moisture layer that stands up to all your family can dish out. Add a protective moisture barrier underneath, and you can install it in places traditional hardwood simply can’t.
Engineered hardwood is real wood. It’s not created from plastics. If that’s important to you, you’ll love what engineered hardwood has to offer. Many products provide zero VOCs, and provide eco-friendly and sustainable measures throughout the production process. Just ask. We can direct you towards products you’ll fall in love with.
Is engineered hardwood right for your home remodel?