The Three Biggest Trends In Flooring: Vinyl, Hardwood, and Ceramic Tile
A lot has changed in the first few months of 2020.
We’ve gone from making plans for a new decade to locking down the entire world and staying in place.
We’ve become world-class searchers for toilet paper, disinfectant wipes, and bleach.
We’ve had the time to reevaluate just about everything inside our homes. We’ve cleaned. We’ve reorganized. And we’ve started to make plans to make each room even better in the weeks and months ahead.
It all starts at the bottom. The right flooring not only sets the stage for looks and decor, but it creates durability and maintenance-free living too.
No wonder trends in flooring are changing based on what we’ve been living through these past few weeks.
If you’re thinking of changing out your flooring, what should you be looking at?
Vinyl tops the trend list in new flooring
Even before COVID-19, sales of luxury vinyl were increasing while other products like laminate were falling. Sales of luxury vinyl topped $3.687 billion in 2018, while laminate flooring sales have declined.
Why? Because laminates aren’t as good at decreasing bacterial growth. The hard, waterproof plastic that tops luxury vinyl will not break down the way laminate does. Vinyl has an antimicrobial built into the finishing process that allows it to put up with any kind of cleaning process you throw at it. Cleaners, disinfectants, even bleach can be used with little impact. Of course, we suggest getting familiar with your product before you buy over the counter cleaners. The manufacturer will give you clear guidelines for the best way to keep your flooring clean.
Ceramic tile is being looked at with fresh eyes
Why do people choose ceramic tile for their homes?
- Because of its looks.
- Because of its durability.
- Because of its longevity.
All are true. But ceramic tile is rarely sold as one of the most antimicrobial flooring products on the marketplace. That might soon change.
The very nature of ceramic tile lends itself to be one of the cleanest flooring products on the market. Its solid surface can stand up to just about anything, including steam or cleaning solutions. It’s hardness also means that bacteria can’t settle in and stay.
What’s more, thanks to today’s technology, additional products can be mixed into both the ceramic and grout products to make it even more resistant to bacteria. That’s going to be a big plus as we move forward, and look to find our houses even more resistant to problems.
What about hardwood?
If you’re like a lot of homeowners here in Colorado, hardwood may still be at the top of your list. And we get it; hardwood makes one of the most beautiful additions to any home.
But what about cleanliness? What about its ability to ward off bacteria and other contaminants? Luckily, hardwood manufacturers are thinking about that too.
For example, one recent hardwood manufacturer recently announced the inclusion of an antimicrobial protection technology into all of its wood floor coatings. That means you can have the look of hardwood running throughout your home, while knowing it’s protecting you and your family from potential health issues at the same time.
Vinyl, tile, hardwood, which should a homeowner choose?
If your mind was set on installing new flooring, and you were looking to today’s trends to select the right one, rest assured you have several choices that can help you tick all the boxes on your checklist. They each have qualities that make them the perfect choice for your home.
So how do you make your final selection? Start asking a few more questions.
Will your new flooring be installed in a high moisture area?
Bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements are subjected to more extremes. Only you know your family’s living patterns. Only you know how well your basement handles under pressure. If water is a problem, and you find yourself cleaning of water messes regularly, go with a fully waterproof choice.
Do you have pets?
Pets provide unique problems for flooring. Luckily today’s trends in flooring can give you both durability as well as classic good looks. Pets can ruin flooring quickly just through daily living. If they’re messy eaters, water damage can quickly become apparent. The occasional accident can stain and strip the surface. And their nails can dig in and cause deep grooves. What does durability mean to you? Only you can decide what you’re willing to live with.
Who will install the flooring?
Some products are perfect for the do-it-yourselfer. Other products are better left to the professionals. But installation will add extra cost to your budget, so it’s important to realize the entire cost before you jump in.
Speaking of budgets, what’s yours?
Your flooring is something you’ll be able to live with for years, possibly decades. It’s important to understand your choices, and possibly up your budget by a bit to jump to the next category of flooring. Learn the differences in product lines. Evaluate what your best choice is, based on your living arrangements. Ask questions. It’s the best way to find the best choice for your home.
What’s most important?
Times change. We’ve learned that well this year. While classic good looks may always be in fashion, we’re also learning how important it is to have a flooring that’s durable and easy to clean. If low maintenance is key, be sure to invest in a flooring that not only is easy to clean, but also gives you the ability to avoid germs and other contaminants too. COVID-19 might now be around forever, but one thing is for sure: we’re more aware than ever of potential problems that can surface overnight.
What’s your flooring choice?
Today’s trends in flooring give you durability, cleanliness, coupled with classic good looks. Whether you want a clean, modern design, or are ready to put tradition back into your home, today’s flooring choices have you covered.
What’s your favorite flooring?
