Hilton Head Monthly Magazine

New options abound underfoot.

Not so long ago the homeowner’s choices for flooring were simply between carpet, hardwood and tile. The majority of rooms were carpeted with the same beige color throughout the home. If it has been a while since you made a flooring decision, be prepared for an abundance of options and make sure you explore some of the exciting new choices.

Where To Begin

Before you start on the journey of new flooring for your home, be sure to evaluate what is really needed for your space. There is more to the decision than selecting the most beautiful option available.

Important Aspects of Flooring Decisions:

• Traffic — Be sure to look at how often thefloor is used. How many people and pets willuse this area everyday?
• Comfort — How will this area be used? Is itan area that the floor might be used for sitting? Will the flooring add warmth that is needed?
• Color or Finish — This is important for coordinating with the color scheme of the room and any rooms adjacent to the area.
• Maintenance — Find out what is required to keep the flooring in good condition.
• Cost — Set a budget and do comparisonshopping.
• Endurance — What is the expected life of the product?

Flooring Choices and Trends

The classic elegance of hardwood floors cannot be denied and the popularity of hardwood floors is bigger than ever. The industry has expanded the choices of wood to include oak, cherry, pine, maple, birch, walnut and many exotic woods. New finishes include more rustic options that are hand-scraped and distressed to resemble old wood.

Interest in using authentic recycled wood planks has also increased with homeowners looking for green products. Most manufacturers are producing wood flooring certified by the Forest Stewardship Council that ensures products are from well-managed forests that replant and replenish harvested trees.

The majority of design experts will name bamboo flooring and cork floors as the top trends for 2009. Often the latest trends are short-lived and not always practical, but these flooring options are complete with beauty and practicality.

Europeans have used cork for years and it has proven to be durable, warm, easy to maintain and install. The other benefits include a natural cushion from the air cells in the cork and it is hypo allergenic. Cork floors are made from bark of the cork oak tree and the tree does not have to be cut down — which pleases anyone interested in renewable products.

Bamboo is becoming a top trend and with new colors being introduced by manufacturers, it is sure to excite homeowners even more. A major benefit of this product is its durability because it is harder than oak and maple. Environmentally it is a fast-growing plant that does not have to be replanted. Maintenance and installation are comparable to hardwoods.

There are two other hardwood options that are very popular with do-it-yourselfers. Engineered wood flooring and laminate wood flooring have been improved since the first introductions a few years ago. The engineered wood is made up of mostly plywood and the top layer is the beautifully finished product you see. The main advantages are the price and ease of installation.

Laminated wood flooring became a popular option for homeowners wanting wood in their kitchens and bathrooms because it can withstand moisture. It is very practical for families with young children that are crawling and having spills frequently. It is made of resinbased melamine/aluminum oxide bonded to a moisture resistant wood composition and the backing is bonded to that. Benefits to this flooring include a very easy installation, durability and easy maintenance. It is also a good choice for people with allergies because it repels dust.

Another product that designers and architects have been very interested in recently is linoleum flooring. Linoleum was not available for many years and is now making a comeback because it is a completely natural product. It is usually made with linseed oil, cork, ground limestone, and resins and has a jute fiber backing. This flooring is shock absorbent, hypo allergenic, easy to maintain, fire retardant and easy to install.

Vinylflooring is one of the more practical options especially if you are on a limited budget. This flooring is available in tile or planks and resembles numerous surfaces. It is offered in looks of stone, ceramic tile and wood designs.

It has always been a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens because of its moisture resistance. Vinyl peel and stick tiles are often used in do-it-yourself projects when an old floor needs to be replaced by just tiling over it.

Carpet can be found in almost every home because it has proven to work best in certain areas. Most homeowners prefer the quiet softness of carpet in their bedroom and this remains the popular choice. The latest trends in carpet include trackless low dense piles with geometric, swirl and floral designs.

Carpet is a great choice for adding warmth and it provides more soundproofing than any other flooring option. The color choices are enormous, as well as many fiber choices and quality levels. Carpet tiles are no longer used only for commercial spaces but are being installed in various rooms of the home. Manufacturers are making improvements to attract the homeowner and have created delightful new designs and colors. This is a good option for children’s rooms because if a few tiles are damaged, they can be easily replaced.

The final major category of flooring is ceramic and stone tile. This product has always been a popular choice for bathrooms and kitchens but the uses are growing. It is not unusual to see this product in entry ways, dining rooms, sun rooms, living area and family rooms.

Ceramic tile can outperform the other floor products in many ways. It is very durable, scratch resistant, environmentally friendly and water resistant. Besides its durability, it is available in unlimited styles and color options. The fact that this is a natural product has proven to increase the popularity. Manufacturers are continuously creating new tile products to include combinations of varying shades and sizes to make it look like real stone.

Stone tile has also become popular for those that like the opulent formal look it offers. It will not be quite as durable as ceramic tile and does require more maintenance.

If new flooring is on your “To Do” list, make sure you take time to research all the amazing options, ask lots of questions and plan to take home samples.

Looking for the Unexpected?

• Rubber has been a popular choice for commercial kitchens for many years. The biggest advantage is having more comfort under foot. Many of these are made from recycled tires but come in a wide variety of colors.
• Leather tiles create an amazing floor that can be antiqued or glazed to the most magnificent colors. For more information go to interiorsurfaces.com.
• Brick tiles are available for flooring and might make just the statement you want in a sun room or kitchen.
• Concrete tiles can be stained a rich color to coordinate with your décor. Experienced professionals can create the look of stone or slate.
  
• Glass tiles created by designers such as Ann Sacks. Her collection of glass tiles features some of the most artistic and luxurious options in glass. Visit annsacks.com.
• Mosaics are making a huge comeback and are more artistic and elegant than in previous years. The tiles can create large swirling designs or simple geometric ones.