Flooring, either for a custom home or remodel, is an important design feature. Accounting for a great deal of visible space, it’s only natural that homeowners want them to look amazing, but they should also be practical. Chances are if you’re custom building or replacing, you’ve come across so many material options that they’re all starting to sound and look the same. But, this isn’t a bad thing! With greater demand for affordable, aesthetically pleasing flooring, manufacturers are listening and responding with countless material options for every style and budget.
It’s important to keep in mind that the daily abuse flooring endures is incomparable to that of any other part of our home. Choosing flooring based on location and purpose is extremely important. Homeowners want a functional, attractive material, and at the same time, low maintenance, durable flooring that can withstand everyday traffic. Luckily, the flooring industry has grown significantly in the past decade offering a variety of options, like durable, soft carpet, more rustic hardwoods, and even vinyl options that look like the real thing—many of which are extremely durable and low-maintenance.
What are today’s trends in flooring?
Hardwood continues to be a top choice for first level flooring. In fact, many homeowners are now requesting hardwoods in their kitchen over tile. In addition to solid hardwood, which has pros and cons, materials like laminate and bamboo are being manufactured to look like real wood, giving homeowners several options when it comes to selecting hardwoods.
Trend: Continuous hardwood flooring throughout the first floor, from the foyer and powder room into the kitchen, great room, stairs and second floor hallway. This offers the feel that rooms flow naturally and roll from one into the next.
Carpet is the leading choice for bedrooms. Even stacked against newer solid surface options, carpet remains the market-share leader with over 60% of home flooring sales. Whether it’s wall to wall or cut and bound, there is an amazing selection of carpets to compliment even the most unique design scheme.
Trend: When it comes to second story flooring, wall to wall carpet doesn’t have to be boring and standard. Carpet choices include everything from synthetic yarns to advanced dyeing techniques that bring style, comfort and warmth to any bedroom.
Tile is durable and easy to clean, making it an optimal choice especially in kitchens, bathrooms and entryways. Depending on the floor plan, tile may be suitable for most of the first floor living spaces. With options of ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone, tile flooring is manufactured from a variety of materials making it work well with any design aesthetic.
Trend: Latest trends revolve primarily around size. Homeowners are requesting modular tile formats larger than the standard 12-by-12 inches. Think rectangular, plank-styles that elongate a room rather than block it off.
Whether you want the look of tumbled marble or rustic hardwood, there are plenty of options from which to choose. Today, homeowners can have high-quality, attractive flooring that is also durable and affordable. Contact Highland Builders today at (804) 449-6006 to learn more about flooring options for custom homes and remodeling projects.
