Many flooring options available for those remodeling
Homeowners have many choices of flooring materials to use in remodeling projects, and local contractors say most of their customers base their selections on price and preference.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a matter of choice and individual taste,鈥� said Dom Polito Sr. of Dom Polito Carpets in Hopwood. 鈥淐arpet is still the most popular. Hardwood and laminate are growing. Personally, I like carpet.鈥�
He said some flooring materials are better suited for certain rooms and the amount of foot traffic that the floor will endure should be considered when picking a floor covering.
鈥淚 always ask how many are in the family because of traffic,鈥� Polito said.
鈥淧rice, room, customer preference 鈥� It鈥檚 based on preference and price,鈥� said Mike Shimko of C & M Builders of New Salem.
He said laminate flooring, which homeowners can install it themselves, is easier to clean than hardwood and is becoming a popular choice for dining rooms.
鈥淗ardwood is nailed down and laminate you just snap it together and that鈥檚 it,鈥� Shimko said.
鈥淗ardwood is a little more labor intensive. A lot of people like laminate. Laminate is cheaper than hardwood. We do a good bit of it.鈥�
He said ceramic tile is a popular choice in kitchens, bathrooms and foyers.
Linoleum or tile are waterproof and best for kitchens in home with young children, Polito said.
鈥淚f you have children, there鈥檚 too much spillage for carpet in kitchens. It depends on the family,鈥� Polito said.
He said while snap-together laminate flooring is growing in popularity for many rooms in the house, it should not be used in rooms where spills occur.
鈥淟aminate is not waterproof like ceramic tile and linoleum. You have to be careful.
鈥淚f you have a spill on laminate, it will buckle,鈥� Polito said. 鈥淭hey recommend plastic under laminate in older homes.鈥�
He said variations in the materials and construction of carpeting determine how long it will last.
鈥淎 tighter weave helps prevent crushing. The commercial type with a low level loop is the best,鈥� Polito said.
鈥淨uality of yarn is also a factor. There鈥檚 a lot more to it than just color.鈥�
He also advises homeowners to be weary of stores than advertise bargain priced installation of flooring.
Those prices are usually based on square feet, he said, noting that he bases his prices on square yards.
鈥淚t sounds cheaper by the square foot. It鈥檚 a hidden cost,鈥� Polito said.