Are you thinking about installing flooring and pondering whether to put in carpet, ceramic tile, hard wood or travertine tiles. All of these floors can create a wonderful and warm environment. The one you choose should just depend on the look you want, the money you want to spend and the lifestyle you lead. Here are some tips on all of these floors:
Carpet
This is the most economical choice. There are some fantastic carpets out there available and you will spend less than ceramic tile, wood or travertine. Carpet is a popular choice for bedrooms as people like to get out of bed and feel the comfort of carpet under their bare feet. It creates a very cozy environment that people desire in the place where they sleep. The drawbacks are that carpet act like big sponges and hold lots of dirt, dust and grime. If you like a sterile environment carpet may not be for you. Your home will always be easier to clean with a tile or wood floor versus carpet. No matter how much you vacuum it is impossible to get up all of the dirt and dust. It has a better hiding place in carpet. Do you have allergies? If so, you may want to skip the carpet and go for tile or wood. It is easier to keep a clean environment without carpet.
Ceramic Tile
Ceramic tile is a bit more expensive to install than carpet. There are a wide variety of colors and styles in ceramic tile. You can create so many different looks with the colors, shapes, sizes. your imagination can run wild with different colors of tile, the angle you lay it and using a combination of different tiles. This is a very durable floor that will last for many years if installed and maintained well. Some feel that ceramic tile is cold and uninviting. That is obviously just a personal preference. If you like it and tile fits the budget then go for it.
Hard Wood
Wood is more expensive than tile and carpet. Many decide on wood because it has a very rich, warm and elegant feel to it. If properly installed, sealed and maintained hard wood can last for decades. Take a look at the wood floors that you find in old homes. They are still here and functioning. The wood floors can be spruced up to give a very authentic, natural look. Wood comes in a variety of colors so it will be easy to match your current decor. The drawback with wood is that it is susceptible to water damage, can fade (may not be a bad thing depending on the look you want) and can also dent. If you have dogs with claws wood might not be the best choice for you. I have seen large scratches and dents due to animals and children.
Travertine Flooring
This flooring has become very popular. The natural stone look is “in” as you can find it in many new homes. Builders and flooring installers like it because it is easier to cut and manipulate versus ceramic tile. Another great feature is that no 2 stones or tiles are alike. So if you get a cracked or chipped tile you don’t need to worry about matching existing tiles because you can’t. That can be a real headache with ceramic tile because they may not make your tile anymore.
Travertine also very durable. Take a look at the Roman Coliseum. Travertine was used in the construction and it is still standing after all of these years. The stone is very strong and will last for decades if maintained properly.
Travertine floors are beautiful. You won’t find too many people who don’t like the natural, durable and authentic look that it gives off. There are several finishes for you to choose from including tumbled, polished, matte and brushed. It also comes in a variety of colors. This diversity gives designers many options and looks.
The problem with travertine is that it is not a cheap floor. Purchase and installation will cost a few bucks. That is why you see it in more expensive homes and condos. It also is vulnerable to acid. For example, if you are using it in the kitchen an orange juice spill can cause a stain if not cleaned quickly. The acid in cleaners and drinks don’t mesh well with travertine.
All of these floors can create a fabulous look and feel. What floor you install depends on what you want to spend, how hard you are on the floor and the look you are trying to create. Figure out who you are, get some prices and make a decision. Good luck.
