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Choosing new flooring is one of the most important decisions you can make during a home renovation or interior update.

The right flooring will not only transform the look and feel of a space, but it also needs to stand up to everyday life – from heavy foot traffic to spills, scratches, and changes in temperature.

Before committing to a particular type of flooring, there are several crucial considerations that can make or break your long-term satisfaction. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes and confidently choose a flooring solution that suits your home, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Not All Flooring Is Created Equal

There are many flooring types available today, but they each come with distinct features, benefits, and drawbacks. Understanding the differences is essential before making a decision.

Engineered wood flooring is a popular option for homeowners who love the look of natural wood but want something more durable and stable. It consists of a real wood top layer supported by multiple layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard. This layered construction makes it less prone to warping, especially in areas where humidity or temperature fluctuates.

In contrast, LVT flooring (Luxury Vinyl Tile) offers incredible practicality and resilience. It’s water-resistant, low maintenance, and available in a wide range of finishes that closely mimic wood, stone, and tile. LVT is particularly well-suited to kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms — anywhere that sees moisture or heavy use.

Meanwhile, solid wood flooring provides timeless beauty and the rich texture of real timber. While it offers a premium aesthetic, it’s more sensitive to temperature and moisture changes and typically requires more maintenance than engineered or LVT options.

2. Lifestyle and Use Matter More Than You Think

Flooring should never be selected based on appearance alone. The way a room is used should influence the type of flooring chosen.

For example, homes with children, pets, or high footfall will benefit from floors that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. LVT flooring is an ideal choice here due to its tough, multi-layered structure and protective wear layer. It’s particularly effective in busy family homes or rental properties, where low upkeep and durability are essential.

On the other hand, for living rooms, dining areas, and hallways where a premium, natural look is desired, engineered wood flooring strikes a perfect balance between visual appeal and practical performance. Its construction gives it stability over underfloor heating systems and makes it less prone to shrinking or expanding over time.

3. Measure Accurately – and Allow for Waste

One of the most common flooring mistakes is miscalculating how much material is needed. Accurate measurement is critical, and it’s advisable to add a waste allowance – typically between 5% and 10%, depending on the product and room layout.

Irregular rooms, angled cuts, or installation patterns like herringbone can require additional material. Having too little flooring can lead to delays, while over-ordering can be costly if returns aren’t accepted.

4. Consider What’s Underneath

The subfloor – what lies beneath the surface – plays a significant role in how well your flooring performs over time.

A smooth, dry, and level subfloor is essential. Without it, even the best flooring can shift, creak, or wear unevenly. Underlay can also make a big difference, particularly when installing engineered wood flooring or LVT flooring as a floating floor. It can help with sound insulation, thermal performance, and even minor subfloor imperfections.

Also, be mindful of moisture content, especially with concrete subfloors. Excess moisture can damage both wood and vinyl-based products. Moisture barriers may be required before installation.

5. Think About Long-Term Maintenance

Another crucial factor in choosing the right floor is how much time and effort you’re willing to invest in maintaining it.

Wood flooring, whether engineered or solid, typically requires periodic cleaning with wood-safe products and occasional refinishing depending on wear. While this adds to its lifespan and enhances its natural beauty, it does involve a bit of upkeep.

By comparison, LVT flooring is exceptionally low maintenance. Regular sweeping and mopping with a mild cleaner are usually sufficient to keep it looking new. It’s stain-resistant and doesn’t require polishing or sealing, making it ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free option.

6. Don’t Overlook Style Compatibility

While durability and maintenance are key, your flooring still needs to match the overall design of your home.

Engineered wood flooring is incredibly versatile and comes in a variety of species, finishes, and plank sizes – from rustic, wide oak boards to sleek, smoked tones for modern interiors. Likewise, LVT flooring can replicate just about any material, from soft-grain ash to natural slate.

Think about your existing or planned décor, the amount of natural light in the room, and whether you want a floor that makes a statement or blends seamlessly with the background.

Final Thoughts

Investing in the right flooring is about more than just picking a product off the shelf. It requires careful consideration of how the floor will be used, how much upkeep is involved, and what’s suitable for the structure of your home. Whether you choose the luxurious finish of engineered wood flooring, the practical resilience of LVT flooring, or the traditional charm of real wood flooring, taking time to research and plan will always pay off.

By thinking beyond appearance and considering how a floor will perform day-to-day, you can make a confident choice that will serve your home beautifully for years to come.

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