When you walk into a house, the flooring is one of the first things that catches your eye. It greatly determines how pleasant and usable the area is. Picking out the perfect flooring is important for any home, as it shapes every area.
With several types to choose from wood, from wood and vinyl to tile and carpet, your mind can often get overwhelmed. And with Indianapolis’s fluctuating climate and family duties, the choice becomes trickier. But don’t worry. Choosing the perfect flooring can be an easy process.
We’ll go step by step to help you choose a house that fits your home, way of life, and space.
Begin by figuring out your lifestyle
Stop for a moment and picture how you live before you get attached to a certain floor color or material.
- Are you taking care of children?
- Do you have cats or dogs who can’t stop running on the floors?
- Do you have people around your house regularly, or are you generally home alone?
If you lead a busy lifestyle, try LVP or laminate. It is easy to clean and built to last. These materials can also withstand scratches, spills, and lots of foot traffic.
If your home is peaceful and you seek comfort, wooden flooring or soft carpeting in unused areas could be perfect options.
Pay attention to the Indianapolis climate
The weather in Indianapolis can be quite serious. Humid summers, wet springs, and dry, chilly winters can affect your floor. But here are some things you should know when choosing flooring Indianapolis:
- Hardwood flooring is stunning. However, it expands and shrinks when exposed to shifts in humidity and temperature.
- Some people prefer engineered hardwood or LVP instead. They are designed to remain stable even in changing conditions, which helps if you don’t have a humidifier operating at all times.
- Tile is a great pick for wet areas, such as entrances and bathrooms. It manages humidity very well and cools things when it’s hot.
Avoid installing hardwood flooring in your basement. Water beneath the foundation can make it twist out of shape. Choose vinyl, tile, or sealed concrete as your main floor in such a space.
Ensure the flooring suits the room
Different types of flooring are suited to different locations. Consider each room of your house separately with the following tips in mind:
- Consider installing hardwood or carpet in your living room and bedroom. Hardwood gives your home an elegant look and raises its resale value. Carpet flooring provides a feeling of warmth and reduces noise.
- Water-resistant tiles or LVP flooring can work for kitchens and laundry rooms.
- Tile is the best choice for bathrooms since it withstands high moisture and the risk of water standing in one spot.
- Basements require materials that can handle the possibility of moisture. In most cases, waterproof vinyl plank or tile is your safest pick.
Determine the style you want
Flooring sets the atmosphere of a room. Want to choose something that is both modern and clean? Choose a light-colored wood or tile. Are you searching for something comfortable and nostalgic? Warm-colored wood or soft carpets are good choices in this case.
Many Indianapolis homes combine elements from traditional designs and architectural trends. If your home is a Colonial or Craftsman style, you could go for richer woods. Light-colored floors make open-plan spaces look better and even larger.
Know the budget
Flooring can add up costs pretty quickly. The good part is that you can be stylish without having to sacrifice your budget. Ensure you budget for underlay, baseboards, and labor.
Also, if you need to replace old flooring, the removal fees may apply. Some companies in the Indianapolis area include this fee in their estimate, so it’s important to ask before they get to work.
Shop local and keep asking for advice
Checking out different floors face-to-face can give you a clearer idea of the look and feel of each material compared to browsing online. Feel free to ask for more information like:
- Is this floor pet-friendly?
- Is it waterproof or only water-resistant?
- How much time will be needed for installation?
- Is there a warranty available?
Local experts have a better idea of what Indianapolis houses require than large retail chains.
Think long-term
Trends can come here and then move on, but floors are always there. If your home isn’t going on the market soon, spend money on updates that will last and still impress you decade after decade.
Durability matters. Even if soft pine wood is your favorite, consider that it might not be the right pick for any pets you have. Likewise, a carpet floor can be a cheaper and cozier option at the moment. However, it might not last as long as hard flooring.
The takeaway
Selecting the flooring for your Indiana home may be tricky. But when you keep your lifestyle, the weather, and your taste in mind, it becomes easier. Spend some time finding ideas, and don’t worry about using different materials for each area.