When you're in the market for new flooring for your home, you may assume that carpet and timber are your only options. In truth, there are many possibilities for home flooring than you may realize, some of which might be easier to install and maintain than standard carpeting and wood flooring, and which might be a bit friendlier on your budget as well! To ensure you make the best choice for your home's floors, don't spend more money than needed and are happy with your flooring for years to come, note a few flooring options you may be overlooking.
Painted plywood
A home's subfloor is usually covered in thick, durable plywood, and then a flooring option is placed over this plywood. However, you don't necessarily need to put something on top of this plywood; you can use it as the floor itself! Adding a coat of a durable paint meant for flooring and even some stencilling or stripes or other attractive details can mean a very durable floor that holds up well under heavy traffic. The plywood may need a fresh coat of paint on occasion, and some repair of chips and dings over time, but otherwise, this is a durable and attractive choice for any home.
Cork
Cork is an all-natural material that is soft and spongy, and it doesn't hold germs and bacteria, so it's very hygienic. This flooring resembles timber but is much more affordable than wood slats, and it is usually applied in tiles, so you may be able to install it yourself. The spongy texture of the material makes it a good choice for areas where you might stand for long periods of time, such as the kitchen or nursery, and for a child's playroom, where children play on the floor and need something soft underfoot.
Carpet tiles
Carpet tiles are a good choice for families who are very rough on their home's floors, as you can easily replace a tile or two when a section of flooring gets damaged, without having to replace an entire roomful of carpeting. If you have children or pets, or if you entertain often and your carpets often get worn in just a few select spots or suffer frequent food stains, you can pull up just those damaged tiles and replace them with new tiles very easily. These tiles also typically have padding built into their underside and a peel-and-stick backing, so a homeowner can install them on their own with nothing more than a mallet to pound them into place.