Whether you’re building a new house or purchasing one that has been around for a while, flooring remains to be an integral part of interior design. If you look at the amount of space taken by floors, you’ll quickly realize that flooring has a major effect on the property’s aesthetic. It plays a role in determining if your space looks big, small, warm, cosy, relaxed, or luxurious.
With this in mind and the numerous options out there, picking the right flooring in Dublin, especially for the novice is no walk in the park. Thankfully, there are a few expert tips you can keep in mind to help you make an informed decision. Contacting Dublin flooring professionals such as premierflooringdublin.ie is always a good place to start. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to picking the right floor, but paying attention to the following elements should come in handy.
What is Your Budget?
The amount of money you are willing to spend will play a major role in the kind of flooring you get. If you have a limited budget, it is better to go with vinyl or laminate floors as they are less expensive compared to other types of floors like ceramic or titles. They are also easier to maintain than their costly counterparts as they don’t require regular cleaning and polishing. However, compared to floors made from granite or marble, which can last up to 30 years, the cheaper options wear out faster and, therefore, don’t last for long.
What Type of Flooring Suits Your Space?
Once you have a budget in place, the next step is to consider the type of appearance you want for your interior. For example, if you have a big living room where people gather, then it would be smart to pick the flooring that is visually appealing and comfortable for everyone. If you have children and pets, then pick a flooring type that doesn’t scratch or get damaged easily.
Practically is something you want to keep in mind always. Your kitchen will encounter spills and stains regularly and so, you’ll want a material that is hardy and easy to clean. Bathroom flooring will also need a material that can handle the constant moisture levels.
Consistency is Key
If you want to have varying flooring options throughout the home, then ensure the space has a continuous flow when observed as a whole. Failure to plan this properly will not only create an eyesore but diminish the value of your property. That’s why you should observe the ‘’Less than Three’’ Rule, which means you shouldn’t have over three types of materials per floor in a house.
Before you pick a flooring option, assess the other objects in the space. For instance, the lighting, colour of the furniture or plants can determine whether you should settle for hardwood or glossy porcelain.
Watch the Trends
Just like you change your clothes based on fashion trends, your house will also need to adapt to changes. New technologies, for instance, are constantly being unveiled. Flooring options that used to be a no-no in kitchens and bathrooms a few years ago are now an ideal addition to these spaces. That’s because innovation and advancements in this industry have made floors safer and more water-resistant.
A good example of a trend that many homeowners are considering before making a purchase is if a product is environmentally friendly. If you are one of them, you may want to lean towards natural and recyclable options like bamboo or cork flooring.
Professional vs DIY Installation
You may want to save some money and install the flooring on your own. If you are an experienced DIYer, this is all well and good. However, it may not be the best idea if your last project went south. Laying flooring may seem like a simple task, but many people who have done it before will tell you otherwise. If you decide to take the DIY route, just ensure that you pick the right type of flooring and tools to increase your chances of success.
Laminate and engineered flooring are known to be the easiest to install, so stick to those if you are an amateur. You will also need special tools and equipment and so, if your primary goal was to save money, you may want to put this expense into consideration. Do not forget to factor in the time you’ll be spending on the project and the possible challenges you may encounter throughout the project.
If you choose to use professionals, the element of cost savings is not out of the picture. Recommendations from people you know and the internet are your friends here. If you know someone who has done a similar project, they might be able to recommend a great flooring company in Dublin or flooring in Malahide. You can also use Google or Bing to find local companies that specialize in the type of flooring you need. Simply check their ratings and contact them for quotes that you can compare before making the final decision.