Flooring Middletown NY is one of homeowners’ biggest decisions to change a room’s look and feel. It’s also a factor in resale value.

Wood flooring is trending towards wider planks and more texture—knobby or wire brushed, hand scraped, and reclaimed looks.

Tile is an excellent option for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Glazed porcelain floors are stain-resistant and easy to clean.

Hardwood flooring adds beauty and warmth to any space and works well with many design styles. Whether you want to create a classic traditional look with oak floors or modernize your home with honey-hued maple, there is a hardwood to suit your style. Wood floors also have the added benefit of acquiring character over time as scratches and nicks become a part of your flooring.

When choosing a wood floor, consider its durability and how it will work with your lifestyle. Hardwoods with a higher Janka hardness rating, like oak and hickory, are more resistant to scuffing and denting than softer woods like pine and Douglas fir. Also, the width of your planks will affect how well your floor holds up to traffic and furniture, with narrower planks working best for traditional spaces and wider planks working better in open-concept rooms.

The grain pattern of your floor also determines how it will look, with plain-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn styles, each offering a unique design. Grading levels can also greatly impact color, with more defects in the wood creating a rustic, country style, while less-distressed woods have a clean and contemporary appearance.

A newer option is engineered wood, consisting of solid wood strips glued together over a composite core to form a plank. These floors are often made with a water-resistant finish and can be installed in areas prone to moisture.

Regardless of the hardwood you choose, it is important to be sure your floors are properly installed and maintained to protect them from damage and extend their life. Have your RSA recommend a Bona Certified Craftsman who can help you maintain your investment with regular cleaning and maintenance.

A sustainable hardwood choice has been harvested from a tree that was grown and harvested responsibly. Domestically produced species have a much smaller ecological footprint than exotic tropical trees shipped from far-flung corners of the world. It is also important to buy FSC-certified flooring, as this means the product is sourced from a forest where the environmental and social standards are met and monitored.

Engineered wood floors can be just as beautiful as solid hardwood. They are often less expensive and offer various design options, including color, grade, texture, and finish. You can even get a floor that looks like distressed or hand-scraped wood.

Engineered floors are also more durable than traditional hardwood floors. Their core is usually plywood, spruce pine, or high-density fiberboard. These boards are then topped with a layer of hardwood veneer. This construction helps to prevent the boards from separating or warping over time. In addition, engineered wood floors are more resistant to changes in temperature and moisture than solid hardwood floors.

Another benefit of engineered hardwood is its compatibility with paints and stains. This is important because it gives you more color options, a way to create a more unique look for your home, and the ability to update your style without replacing your flooring. However, you should avoid using water or harsh cleaners on your engineered wood floor, as it can damage the material.

One of the greatest benefits of engineered wood is that it uses fewer trees than solid hardwood. Only the surface veneer of an engineered wood plank consists of real hardwood, so fewer trees have to be cut down to produce enough hardwood flooring for your entire house. Furthermore, manufacturers use environmentally friendly materials and processes to make their engineered hardwood floors.

Most engineered wood comes pre-finished, which makes it easier and quicker to install than unfinished hardwood floors. The finishes are highly durable and can include a variety of textures and effects, such as hand-scraped, wire-brushed, or aged. These surfaces can be sanded down and refinished over the floor’s life.

Engineered wood is a versatile, affordable option that complements any interior design. It is available in various colors, grades, and textures and can mimic any hardwood species. It can also be installed in any homeroom and is a great choice for rooms with heavy foot traffic, such as bedrooms and living areas.

Tile flooring is a classic choice that adds durability to any room, from kitchens and bathrooms to laundry rooms and mudrooms. It resists moisture and stains, stands up to scuffing and scratches, and can be swept or mopped for easy cleaning. It is also economical, with plenty of design versatility and various textures and patterns.

There are many types of tiles, from ceramic to porcelain and natural stone. Each has its unique look and carries its benefits. Ceramic tiles are fired at high temperatures to make them durable and water-resistant. They can be glazed or unglazed and come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. Tiles are often arranged into different patterns to create intricate and eye-catching designs.

Porcelain tiles are denser than ceramic, which makes them more durable and stain-resistant. They are a good choice for areas of frequent moisture, like bathrooms and shower enclosures. Natural stone tiles are quarried from various materials, including granite, marble, and slate. They can vary in color and texture, but they all have a natural and organic feel. These are a beautiful floor choice, though they require regular sealing to protect against staining and other damage.

Tiling a floor is a DIY project that many homeowners can take on. The key is to prepare the surface thoroughly. Start by ensuring it is clean, dry, and free of any loose or broken pieces. Once it has been leveled, apply a waterproof membrane to ensure the integrity of your floor. Then, lay down a row of tiles along a straightedge more than halfway across the room, with spacers between each to help you achieve consistent joints.

When selecting tiles for your floor, it is important to consider their PEI and traffic ratings. A low-traffic rating, like class 1, is best for areas that will be primarily walked on with bare feet, such as a guest bathroom. A higher traffic rating, such as class 3, is suitable for most residential applications and can even be used in light commercial spaces.

Natural stone is a beautiful, durable flooring material in various colors, textures, and styles. These floors work well in rustic and luxurious projects alike. They’re also a great choice for biophilic designs because they offer a non-toxic, natural material to complement your design choices.

The benefits of natural stone floors include their long lifespan, durability, and ability to connect indoor and outdoor spaces. They’re also easy to clean, assuming they’re sealed properly during installation. However, it can be hard for cleaning products to reach all the nooks and crannies between stones, meaning mildew can develop in these areas. This is why it’s important to specify pH-balanced cleaners and schedule regular sweeping and mopping.

A disadvantage of natural stone floor tile is its cost, especially if imported. It can also be difficult to install, which may take longer than other flooring materials. This type of flooring is also vulnerable to water damage, which can cause the tiles to stain or crack over time.

The cost to install tile flooring will vary based on the type of tile you choose, and labor costs will also change. Marble is the most expensive of these materials, while travertine and slate are less costly. To determine the total project cost, multiply the room’s square footage by the price per square foot for each type of flooring.

When shopping for a new tile floor, visiting a store that offers natural and artificial options is best. This will help you compare the pros and cons of each alternative.

Contact a professional installer if you’re considering installing tile in your home. They will be able to provide you with the exact installation cost and give you a good idea of how long the job will take. They will also be able to answer any questions about the process. If you decide to install yourself, purchase the tools and supplies you need from a reputable supplier like Floor & Decor.