Flooring Middletown NY is a major component of any room’s design. It not only affects a room’s aesthetic but has a significant impact on its function.
Before choosing flooring for any project, assess your wants and needs. This will help narrow down the selection of available options and give you a list to work with.
Ceramic tile is a durable, attractive and cost-effective option for floors in kitchens, bathrooms and other areas that are prone to moisture. Typically, it’s glazed for extra protection, which means that it’s impervious to water and stands up well to stains and bacteria. It’s available in a wide variety of colors, styles and patterns to suit any decor. Blue, green, red, grey and classic white are all popular choices, but there are also more contemporary options like Yard Black and a range of different pattern styles.
The material’s durability makes it ideal for busy households, as it resists scratches and other damage well. It’s easy to clean and maintain, too – a quick swipe with a damp mop usually does the trick.
Because they’re so hardy and durable, ceramic tiles often last for decades if cared for properly. They’re also relatively lightweight, making them easier to install on walls and on floors than thicker materials such as wood or vinyl.
Ceramic floor and wall tile comes in a range of sizes, shapes and designs for a beautiful, timeless finish. You can find designs to suit any décor from modern to traditional, and you can incorporate trim pieces, borders and inlays to accentuate decorative elements. The surface of ceramic tiles is usually glazed, which gives them brighter color and a smooth, glossy finish. You can choose from a range of glazes, including hyper-glossy finishes, etching and raised surfaces.
While it is less durable than porcelain, you can still expect ceramic tile to last for a long time if it’s properly maintained. It’s also more porous than porcelain, which means it can absorb liquids more easily – so you’ll need to clean it more frequently.
The hardness of a ceramic tile is determined by the type of clay used, along with the firing and cooling processes. The most common types are ceramic stoneware and porcelain stoneware. These are formed by semi-dry pressing and one or more firings. They can be laid both indoors and outdoors, and they’re suitable for flooring, walls, tables and bathroom showers.
Natural Stone
If you’re looking for a beautiful, durable floor covering that will last for centuries, look no further than natural stone. It is available in a wide range of colors and styles, and it fits seamlessly into any design aesthetic. It’s also an eco-friendly choice, as no chemicals or toxins are used in its production. And, because it’s so long-lasting, you won’t need to replace it as often as other types of flooring.
Natural stone is quarried from rock beds that have been formed over thousands of years by pressure, erosion, water and heat. The result is a stunning array of granite, marble, travertine, sandstone, limestone and more. Each type of stone has unique properties and can be used in a variety of ways in your home, including floors, countertops, bathroom and kitchen walls, patios, fireplace surrounds and more.
One of the biggest advantages of using stone is that it never goes out of style. It’s a classic material that’s been used for hundreds of years and can add elegance to any space in your home. Plus, it’s easy to maintain and will stand up to heavy traffic.
Another benefit is that stone is easy to clean. Regular sweeping and a mop are typically all you need to keep your floors looking great. Stone floors also aren’t susceptible to moisture or termite damage like wood and vinyl floors, which means that you’ll spend less time on maintenance.
Although stone can be slippery when wet, it’s a safer surface than ceramic tiles. However, you should be careful around water-based spills and food stains because they can be difficult to remove.
Natural stone can be a luxurious addition to any home, and it will increase the value of your property. It’s also a sustainable option because it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Its longevity also means that you won’t need to dispose of it as often, which further reduces your environmental impact. So, if you’re ready to make the switch to stone, talk to a tile supplier about your options today.
Vinyl
Originally, vinyl was developed in the 1920s by scientists who wanted to create an affordable and durable fabric that could be manufactured quickly. The result was a flexible and versatile product that has grown in popularity and use since. Today, vinyl is used for a wide range of applications, including flooring, clothing and furniture.
Despite its many benefits, vinyl is not without drawbacks. According to the Center for Health, Environment & Justice, no other plastic contains or releases as many toxic chemicals into our environment as PVC does. The chemical compound is derived from petroleum or natural gas and processed through several steps that produce unique synthetic products called polymers. One of those polymers is vinyl chloride, which is also known as PVC or vinyl.
PVC is a very popular construction material used for pipes, windows and doors, wallcovering, flooring and more. It is a versatile and durable material that can be molded to fit almost any space. It is easy to clean, resists stains and moisture, and is fire-resistant. PVC can be made into an array of different textures, colors and finishes that appeal to homeowners and businesses alike.
The vinyl most of us know and love from gramophone records was actually a type of PVC. Record labels designed their own formulas that were hard enough to support a groove and soft enough to withstand the needle of a record player. While compositions have changed over the years, PVC still remains a popular choice for music lovers, as it is both durable and sounds great.
A variety of adhesive vinyls are available, from the standard removable types to the more permanent outdoor or marine varieties. What you choose depends on the project at hand and your personal needs. For instance, if you want to add a monogram or simple saying to a sand bucket or coffee mug, removable vinyl is the way to go. However, if you are working with a piece of wood or other surface that will be exposed to the elements, then marine or outdoor permanent is the choice for you.
Carpet
Carpet is a soft, versatile floor covering that adds warmth and comfort to a room. It is available in many colors and styles, and it can be shaped to fit stairs or be used as wall-to-wall flooring. Carpet can also be trimmed to create area rugs that accent furniture or complete a space around fireplaces and bay windows.
Unlike smooth floor surfaces like tile and wood, which allow dust and other allergens to collect and recirculate in the air, carpet traps these particles until they are removed through regular vacuuming or extraction cleaning. Many studies have shown that carpet improves indoor air quality by reducing the level of pollutants in the home.
The primary backing layer of a carpet, typically made from a synthetic fiber held together by chemical, mechanical, adhesive or fused materials. In broadloom carpet, the backing can be woven or tufted. It can be made of recycled or natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or nylon, and it can also include manmade fibers such as olefin and acrylic.
A tufted or woven carpet with a mixture of varying yarn tuft heights, which creates a sculptured appearance, pattern or subtle shading. This style is often used for berber or commercial carpeting.
The height of a carpet’s pile from the primary backing surface to the tip of the tufts. A higher pile height usually requires more vacuuming than a lower one.
An industry term describing a tufted carpet where the tufts are heat set to prevent untwisting under foot traffic or heavy load, such as in offices or homes. The process can be accomplished with a hot water resetting unit or by using a heated cylinder called an iron.
Carpet can be installed over a variety of subfloors, including wood, concrete and some vinyl tiles. However, a cushion or underlay, normally made of foam rubber or foam latex is recommended for best performance. It helps reduce noise, increases insulation and gives a softer feel underfoot. Purchasing the wrong type of cushion could invalidate the warranty.
A common and durable flooring option, carpet is ideal for children’s rooms and family gathering areas. Its acoustic properties absorb sound and help make a quieter environment for reading, playing games or simply relaxing. It also provides an extra layer of safety, as it cushions falls and lessens the impact of those falls in comparison to hard surfaces.